Betty passed away peacefully at home on May 7, 2016 in Victoria, BC with her children, Lynn and Neil, by her side. She was loved by many and will be dearly missed.
Betty was born in Burnaby, BC on October 12, 1935 to Leonard and Netta Thom. She taught Grade One at Tolmie School in Victoria from 1956 to 1959, and again in 1962. In between, she taught at Cranberry Lake School in Powell River. She met her husband, Bill, in Victoria and they married in 1963. He predeceased her in 1981. Together, they had two children, Lynn and Neil Burroughs.
Always dabbling in Arts and Crafts, she found her passion in pottery. She was a founder of Esquimalt Arts and Crafts, South Vancouver Island Potters Guild, and Garden City Potters. She was a devoted student, and later a board member at Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts held at Pearson College in Metchosin.
Lynn and Neil would like to thank all of Betty’s wonderful friends who supported her through her illness. It was a great gift to know that she had so many good friends.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at McCall’s Floral Chapel, Johnson at Vancouver Streets, on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 11:00 am with a reception to follow.
No flowers please. If so desired, a donation to BC Cancer Agency, or to MISSA.ca would be much appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Janice Clarke
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Doreen Neu I was so sorry to read of Betty’s passing.Betty and I attended teacher training together at Vancouver Normal School 1954/55. We became very good friends and decided to go out to Chilliwack for our first year of teaching. We and two other first year teachers roomed and boarded with a young widow who had a young child. We had a most enjoyable year. A lot of fun and laughs! We all moved on to other districts to teach, got married, had children etc. etc. Betty and I kept in touch for many years at Christmas time. However, I regret that we somehow lost track of each other. I am so glad to have known Betty and have such good memories of those two years so long ago!
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frances hunter Dear Lynn and Neil,
I am very sorry to hear the news of Betty. During the publishing of the VITIS guidebooks Hiking Trails 2 and 3, I experienced memorable planning meetings at her house where she was always the warm, upbeat centre of the group. I will think of her often as we finish the final book, Hiking Trails 1.
All the best to you both,
Frances Hunter
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Barb Higgins I was so sad to hear about your loss. I knew Betty when I worked at Curves in View Royal. She was always so sweet and was such a pleasure to talk to. We had many chats over the years I knew her from Curves. She was one of my favorite ladies.
Barb Higgins
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Norma Lupton Betty was absolutely my favourite person and the one I most looked forward to seeing at MISSA every year. She always remembered me even though I was a relative newcomer to MISSA and greeted me warmly. Her hard work for and dedication to the success of MISSA was unrivaled. I was very drawn to her pottery and have five of her mugs, which I dearly cherish. My condolences to her family for the loss of this wonderful person. I know you will miss her forever.
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Barb & Ray Sapergia We are so sad to learn of Betty’s illness and passing. She was one of the most favourite people from our pottery days and we always enjoyed catching up with her and getting hugs whenever we met. She had such a twinkle in her eyes and that wonderful laugh welcomed everyone she met. Our most sincere condolences to the family…we know she will be missed every day.
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Frank Mitchell Dear Lynn and Nail
One of the highlights of my year since 1993 is to attend MISSA, and seeing and chatting with Betty has been a highlight of the highlight. I is hard to imagine anyone more cheerful, helpful, and competent than Betty. Please accept my condolences on your great loss.
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Lilian Kerr My sincere condolences to Betty’s family on their loss. Betty was such a kind, happy and thoughtful person and she will be missed by everyone.
Sincerely, Lilian Kerr
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Victor Duffhues of JoVic Pottery Hello, Lynn and Neil,
It is with great sadness that Josee and I read about your Mom’s passing. I had the pleasure of meeting you at the Guild’s sale last year, Neil. May I say that I was just crazy about your Mom: she was always so full of life and happiness. She always treated me with the utmost kindness and respect and I can only hope that I was able to reflect that back to her. She was a terrific woman and I’m so glad to have had her, for even a short time, in our lives.
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Lorraine Richey I am so glad you were involved with MISSA…though I am not a potter, I loved my time at MISSA, and, thanks to artists like you, I will get back to MISSA when I can. Love to all,
Lorraine
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Patricia Nelson I will miss Betty. She was the “face” of MISSA, always providing a warm welcome when we arrived at the registration desk. She was a lovely, caring person. My sympathy to her family and friends.
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Cynthia Segger I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Betty enhanced my MISSA experiences. What a kind, thoughtful woman she was! Such a sad loss for her family, MISSA and all of us who came to know her. You had a wonderful woman for your mother. I hope your memories of her will ease your pain and help you heal.
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Rob Your mom, Miss Thom as I knew her, was my Grade 1 teacher at the Cranberry School, 1959 – 60. Her kindness left an impression on me like few others have in my life. She and my mom were good friends. I can see her face now… full of warmth. I’ve often thought of her since then. Inspiration to me for a lifetime.
Rob Southcott
Powell River
Paramedic Chief, City Councillor.
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Jeannette Wright My condolences to Betty’s family. Betty was a very special person and I am so sorry to hear of her passing. MISSA won’t be the same without her. I will miss Betty’s warm welcoming smile and her generous and gentle spirit. Such a big loss. Jeannette Wright Edmonton, Alberta
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Greg and Margrethe Gregg Betty was an integral part of the MISSA experience for us. Whether we were taking a class with her or buying a MISSA sweatshirt from her behind the table in the cafeteria, Betty was there with her smile and encouragement. We can’t imagine MISSA without her.
Betty was a star in so many ways to so many people. She will be sorely missed.
Greg and Margrethe Gregg
Salem, Oregon
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Mary-Lee Merz I have attended MISSA for 5 years and Betty was the first person I encountered when I first arrived. I always marvelled at her graciousness when greeting people at the front desk. She handled the unpredictable issues, concerns and situations which presented themselves with ease. Every encounter with Betty was positive. MISSA has truly lost a great support.
My condolences to her family.
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Tannis Hopkins, Burnaby BC Very sad and unexpected to hear of your loss – while I only had the opportunity to spend one summer at MISSA two years ago Betty will always be a fundamental part of my memories from the two weeks there. Her kindness, positivity and generous nature made the place so welcoming and warm. It’s hard to imagine MISSA without her.
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Marianne Brabanski I was quite sad to read that Betty died . She was always such a ray of sunshine receiving us at MISSA and guiding us through many difficulties while there every summer.I am sure that it will never be the same without her. To her children I send my heart felt condolences.
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Celia & Bruce Devitt We are very sorry to hear about Betty’s passing.I enjoyed many visits with her while purchasing pottery which are currently in continuous use. Every time we use them we note her “BMB” signature we think of her. Very sorry for your loss.God bless her and you and may she Rest-in- Peace.
Celia and Bruce Devitt, Esquimalt
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Erin Haid Dear Lynn and Neil,
Our hearts are with you during this time. We hope that beautiful memories of love and laughter will help ease your sorrow. Aunty Betty was always there with a smile and good wishes and we will carry that with us always.
Much love,
Erin and John Haid
I am so sorry to hear the news of your mom’s passing. I am not surprised that she was a Grade 1 teacher. She has the soul of a wonderful teacher. She was a great neighbour, wonderful potter and executive of EAC (Esquimalt Arts and Crafts. My father and brother are back in Victoria. I am sending this on all our behalf. Take care
Love Janice Clarke
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Bruce Clarke, Sheila Clarke Mainwaring and Charles Elmer Clarke