Elizabeth passed away after a brief illness in Victoria, BC, on September 8th, 2025. Elizabeth was born on June 22nd, 1935, in Stockton on Tees, County Durham, UK. Predeceased by her husband, Donald, in 2024. Elizabeth is survived by her children: Don (Rose), Jacqueline, her granddaughters, Kelsey and Michelle (Clint), and her great-granddaughter, Brodie. Elizabeth is also survived by her step-granddaughter, Rosanna (Anthony), and step-great-grandchildren, Nia and Nino. Elizabeth leaves behind her sister Colleen and extended family in Howell, New Jersey, and a brother, Ken (Janice), and extended family in Stockton-on-Tees and Northampton, UK.
Elizabeth came to Canada by chance while traveling with her older brother Fred and older sister Colleen. It was in Canada where Elizabeth met her future husband, Don. Elizabeth decided to stay in Canada when Fred and Colleen moved to the USA. Elizabeth and Don got married, and for 64 years, they were together, sharing a life filled with love. Elizabeth gave birth to her son, Don, in Kingston, Ontario, and then to Jaqueline. Shortly after, in 1962, Don got posted to Chilliwack. In 1968, Don and Elizabeth were posted to Victoria, and then to Calgary in 1973. It was the final posting in 1976 to Victoria, which they always wanted, as they considered Victoria home. Elizabeth enjoyed a long career with Sears Canada and retired in 2002.
Elizabeth loved animals, and seeing the deer in the yard brought her joy. Elizabeth made a house a home, and it was the love of home that gave her the strength to live independently up until her passing. The biggest joy in Elizabeth’s life was the love and support she gave her granddaughters, Kelsey and Michelle. There is not enough room to write the joy that her granddaughters gave her and the joy she had when they visited her for a cup of tea. We were so blessed Elizabeth got to see her great-granddaughter, Brodie, before she passed. Those visits meant everything to her. The last 34 months were a struggle for Elizabeth, recovering from a fall, then losing her husband 19 months ago was hard, but she met each setback with determination and strength.
I would like to thank Michelle for everything she did for Grandma during that time, and to Rose for always helping her with appointments, getting groceries, and sharing a cup of tea. Lastly, I would like to give a shout-out to Ira, her hairstylist, who traveled to visit mom at home every two weeks to style her hair. Mom looked forward to those appointments.
There is a hole in all of our hearts that will be hard to fill due to the sudden loss of such a wonderful woman in time. Our memories will help us heal.
No funeral by request.
There will be a private family gathering at a later date to celebrate Elizabeth’s life.
Elizabeth will be interred, joining her Husband, Don, at the Royal Oak Burial Park Mausoleum.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Singlehurst” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Janice & Ken Matthews
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Marilyn curran My mum and dad Lena and Bill Kerr were good friends of Sarah and Fred Matthews. I have a lot of memories of the family. We lived in 24 Lilac Rd, the Matthews in 44 Lilac. When my mum was single she worked for them in their pub on the green Stockton. When Colleen was born they painted the town red. Hopefully you can all smile at this. Take care. x
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Karen kilner Good night and God Bless Auntie Betty.
Reunited with uncle Don, together always xx
Love from Karen and Tim xx
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Dave Main & Judith Reynolds We are saddened to learn of the passing of Betty and can only hope at this difficult time you find some comfort in the love shared.
Janice & Ken Matthews
Elizabeth will always be remembered but never forgotten.
A dear sister & sister in law.
We will never forget the happy times together.
R.I.P. Elizabeth.
Thinking of the family at this sad time.
Love Always.