Elizabeth Margaret Florence Thompson

Betty (Elizabeth Margaret Florence Toppings) was born on the family farm May 18, 1937, and grew up in Kipling, Saskatchewan. She was very proud of her “prairie roots”. After completing High School in Kipling, she continued her piano training and obtained her Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto degree.

Three years at the University of Saskatchewan resulted in a Bachelor of Arts degree and, in September 1961, her marriage to Lynn Thompson. After several moves (Wolseley SK, Kenora ON, Cranbrook BC), the couple, now with 4 children, settled in Yorkton, SK. They stayed there until 1996 when Lynn and Betty moved to Salt Spring Island, BC. They made one last move to Duncan in 2020.

Betty earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 1992 while working as Executive Director for the newly formed Yorkton Big Brothers and Big Sisters agency. She volunteered for over 20 years with Girl Guides of Canada as a leader and Provincial Music Advisor. She was a peer counsellor for Seniors, a member of the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, a church board member, and volunteer librarian.

Music was a constant in Betty’s life. For many years she taught piano lessons and accompanied young people in music festivals and for ballet lessons. She sang in the church choir and played piano and organ for church services. She learned guitar and ukelele, and, for a short while - the trombone in an adult beginner band. She loved folk festivals, music and theatre events, and dancing in the kitchen.

She had a firm spiritual foundation and was a life-long member of the United Church. Betty held a deep respect for all faiths and spiritual traditions. She had a strong sense of social justice and participated in events and causes related to the environment, LGBTQ2S+ rights, and Indigenous rights.

She was kind and compassionate, creative, and had a playful sense of humour. She enjoyed learning, reading, gardening, being out in nature, and having meaningful conversations with others. She gave the best hugs.

Betty passed away peacefully with her family by her side on June 14, 2025. Predeceased by her sister Lillian and brother Larry, Betty is survived by husband Lynn, children Kim, Sean (Rachelle), Jan (Jaro), Kerri (David) and grandsons Ben, Sam, and Cole.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 26 at 2pm at Salt Spring United Church. Donations can be made in her name to one of the many charities she supported. A few suggestions – Canadian Cancer Society, Indian Residential School Support Society, QMUNITY, Stephen Lewis Foundation, David Suzuki Foundation. https://www.youtube.com/@unitedchurchlive5309/streams