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
20 Responses
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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