Elizabeth R. Millen

March 25, 1930 – January 16, 2015

Betty passed away peacefully at Selkirk Place in Victoria on Friday, January 16, after a brief illness. A resident of Victoria since 2009, Betty was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she lived until the age of 15, before moving to Newcastle-on-Tyne where she met her future husband Dave, to whom she was married for 65 years. They and their son Alan immigrated to Canada in 1957, spending their first year in Edmonton, followed by five years in Fort St. John, where daughters Margaret and Heather were born. In 1963, they moved to Nanaimo, which was to be their home for the next 46 years, during which they formed many lasting friendships and engaged in a wide range of social activities. A genuine “people-person” at heart, Betty enjoyed many years working for various businesses in downtown Nanaimo, such as Sweet Sixteen, Brian Ball’s, Lindsay’s, Purdy’s Chocolates, and Central Drugs, and also ran her own grocery store for several years in the 1960’s. She and Dave were active members of Royal Canadian Legion in Lantzville and Branch 256 in Nanaimo, where they were involved in countless social activities. They were accomplished ballroom dancers renowned for their elegant moves on the dance floor. Passionately proud of her Scottish heritage, Betty was a lifelong enthusiast of curling, the highland games and the music of the pipes. Her zest for life saw her take to the stage as a member of Nanaimo women’s choir Sweet Adelines for several  years. She was also a passionate knitter, producing an array of comfy pullovers that the members of her family wore with pride. When it came to cooking, her Yorkshire puddings and mincemeat tarts were miniature works of art. Despite failing health in later years, she retained her sense of humor and cheerful spirit to the end and brought out the best in everyone who knew her.

She is survived by husband Dave, son Alan (Yvonne), daughters Margaret (Craig) and Heather, grandchildren Domenic, Denise, Jennifer (Blair) and Shannon, along with other relatives in Canada, the USA and the UK.

No service by request. A celebration of Betty’s life will take place at a date to be determined.

Her family wishes to thank the staff on Crofton Unit at Selkirk Place for the care provided in Betty’s final years.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com

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