Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Sparks

      If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Elizabeth Ann Sparks. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. "Betty" was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

      "Betty" was born on at her home in Simpson, Saskatchewan. She was the daughter of Laura and Carl Van Zandt. "Betty" was raised in Simpson and Burnaby. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. "Betty" was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of "Betty"'s personality throughout her life.

      Though "Betty" was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. "Betty" was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, "Betty" worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. "Betty" was raised with four siblings. She had one older sister Shirley; one younger sister Marilyn and two younger brothers William and Aldon. "Betty" and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, "Betty" was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, "Betty" was always tactful. One thing "Betty" will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, "Betty" had a number of interests and was an active child.

      For "Betty", the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. "Betty" was also adept at details. "Betty" was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She went to Alpha Secondary School but did not graduate. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Math and Business courses. She excelled in typing, shorthand and bookkeeping.

      There was one thing that all of "Betty"'s friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that "Betty" was such a popular person throughout her life. But "Betty" was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. "Betty" was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, "Betty" was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, "Betty" was often the person who would organize events. In fact, "Betty" was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When "Betty" made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. Later in life, she became friends with Rose, Helen, Fran, and Marlene.

      "Betty" was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. "Betty" cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On July 9, 1971 Betty married Kenneth Robert Sparks in Vancouver, BC. Compassionate and devoted, "Betty" worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to "Betty" and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. "Betty" was blessed with two children, daughters Debra and Michelle. They were also blessed with three grandchildren, Ryan, Jennifer and Greg. "Betty" was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, "Betty" was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: "Betty" would listen before she would act.

      Taking her work seriously came naturally to "Betty", and she expected the same from those around her. "Betty" was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. "Betty" was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that "Betty" handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was legal assistant. She was employed for 10 years at Canada Life and 10 years at Russell & Dumoulin Law Firm. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

      A methodical woman, "Betty" enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were playing piano and gambling and dancing.

      "Betty" was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. "Betty" was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included bowling and walking and dancing. "Betty" also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were football.

     Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led "Betty" to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, "Betty" did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout her later years, "Betty" was an active member of the Army, Navy & Air Force as a volunteer.

      Not only did "Betty" enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included Honolulu, Hawaii, Caribbean & Alaska Cruise, Mexico.

      "Betty" was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Bootsie , a cat, who was a best friend for 16 years.

      Since it was easy for "Betty" to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, "Betty" was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1988. In retirement, she found new pleasure in bowling and walking. Even in retirement, "Betty" stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

      "Betty" passed away on August 24, 2018 at Kelowna General Hospital from a stroke. She is survived by children Debra & Michelle; grandchildren Ryan, Jennifer and Greg; brother William and sister Marilyn. Services were held at Valleyview Funeral Home. "Betty" was laid to rest in Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery.

      "Betty" was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. "Betty" was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Elizabeth Ann Sparks.

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SPARKS, Betty passed away on August 24, 2018 in Kelowna at the age of 81 years. She is survived by her daughters Debbie (Dave) MacDonald, Michelle Sparks (Scott Knutson); grandchildren Jennifer, Ryan and Greg; sister Marilyn (Henry) Galang; brother Bill (Pat) VanZandt as well as several nieces and nephews. Betty was a long time member of the Army, Navy Air Force. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am Friday August 31, 2018 at Valleyview Funeral Home, 165 Valleyview Road, Kelowna. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Betty can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, #4-1551 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna, BC V1Y 9M9 or www.heartandstroke.ca/donate .Family interment to be held at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyviewfuneralhome.com for the Sparks family.