Caroline "Betsy” Elizabeth (Kjersem) Stringfellow

On a snowy January day in Nanaimo, BC, our dear Betsy crossed her final earthly finish line. She leaves behind her husband and best friend, Bill Stringfellow; their children, Kevin (Ciji) Graham and Laurren (Tom) Green; and their granddaughter, Ella Graham.

Lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her siblings, Jeff (Carmel) Kjersem, Jan (Ron) Graham, and Tom Cannon; Grandma, Louise Moore; stepfather, Don Cannon; mother-in-law, Mary Stringfellow; sister-in-law, Brenda (Craig) Simpson; and numerous nieces, aunts, cousins, colleagues, and friends. Betsy was predeceased by her mother Carole (Moore) Cannon.

Betsy was placed on this earth to help us learn how to become better versions of ourselves.

She lived lightly and loved deeply. She was devoted to Bill and together, they shared a passion for the pursuit of optimum living through diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices. Betsy was infinitely proud of their children Kevin and Laurren. Ella, her beloved granddaughter, held a special place in Betsy’s heart. Betsy was ‘Lola’ to Ella. It is through her offspring that Betsy lives on.

Betsy exemplified the spirit of friendship by practicing the little things like keeping in touch, listening deeply, honouring differences and acknowledging the needs of others. She was inclusive, organized, empathetic, kind, loyal, trustworthy, gracious and above all, she embodied true kindness.

Betsy was an accomplished runner who participated in numerous marathons and half marathons. Her endurance personality inspired confidence within her close-knit group of running friends. Her gentle prodding and encouragement helped others accomplish their own considerable goals. Betsy loved her Saturday morning runs with a coffee visit afterwards (sometimes she would bring her ‘Betsy Bars’ to share). She would plan run routes and send out the directions to her ever-growing posse of running friends. She would also print the directions on little pieces of paper so that they could be tucked into a small pocket or belt bag. Her running group will always remember, and continue to practice, some favourite Betsy-isms like ‘running just a little further’ or ‘rounding up the mileage to an even number’.

Betsy prided herself on her ability to remember numbers. In fact, one of the first tasks she gave herself upon waking from surgery was to recall the phone numbers of friends and colleagues. Her excellence with numbers served her well in her job as Project Coordinator with BLJC. Betsy also loved to travel, spend time in the kitchen, keep an organized home, and play the piano.

A special thank you to the numerous healthcare providers at Chartwell Malaspina Care Residence and to Dr. Takeda and Dr. Kerridge. We are grateful for the team of angels who calmly supported her final journey.

No service by request. Donations in Betsy’s name may be made to the Canadian Red Cross Nanaimo Office. Please no flowers.

“We will miss you everyday, but you live on in the very fabric of our souls, and in everything we touch. Your gift of how to love and still always have room in your heart for more, is one we will share with each other and those around us forever.”