Elizabeth Merle Young

In the wee hours of October 16th, 2024, our “little bird” Bettie packed her bags for a final time, travelling home and into the loving arms of her husband Al, parents Will and Hilda Dawe, brothers Trevor and Bill, and a myriad of family and friends she had collected during a remarkable 94 years of life.

A champion for the underdog, natural cat whisperer, social butterfly and pink cheeked beauty, she loved to walk and bike her Greenfield neighbourhood, garden in the summer, skate in the winter and shop regularly for bargains.

Mom was a fervent and devoted mother to her children Kelly (Dianne), Maureen (Gil) and Michael (Jutta). She was an exceptional homemaker, entertainer, cook and baker, known for arguably the best flapper pie and home made buns in town.

Adored by and equally proud of her grandchildren Meghan, Michael (Marina), Josh (Iris), Calvin (Laura) and Daniel (Nora), Grandma was quick witted and a fireball of fun, especially during family card matches and games. Her most notorious feat resulted in a purported lifetime ban from Disneyland’s Autopia after crashing while at the helm of one of the race cars. She was just the kind of grandma every kid hoped to have.

Even as dementia and failing health tore at her, she remained charming, delightful, and ever so humble. In the weeks prior to her final hospitalization, she could be found wheelchair racing the halls, annihilating opponents at balloon volleyball and devouring slices of sweet cake.

Our family will be forever grateful to Dr. Scott Eliason, as well as the 3rd floor MacTaggart Memory Care team for their dignified attention to our mom during her three year stay. We also thank her heroes: brother-in-law Dave Young, niece Bonnie Durrant, and friends Sharon and Greg Berringer, Tom Dillon, Marianne Smith, and angel Dawna Wiebe for their frequent calls, special treats and visits. Your rare form of kindness will never be forgotten.

Rest peacefully, Mom.