Betty Joyce Small

Betty passed peacefully on November 15th, 2020. She will be remembered for her loving, caring and giving spirit. Mourning her passing are daughters Vicki (Steve), Valerie (Cliff) and Sherrie (Alan).

Betty was born March 29th, 1931 in Toronto to Walter and Jean Bailey and siblings Rona, Mavis and Don. When she was still very small the whole family packed up and moved north to a rental farm until the economy improved. The family eventually moved back to Toronto and lived near the Humber River. Walter took a job as a provincial bailiff. Apparently, Betty was quite feisty and always in trouble. She often had fisticuffs with brother Don who teased her unmercifully and the sibling battle continued. She often "borrowed" her sisters' dresses and somehow were never returned in the same condition. She met her best friend Joyce at 13 and the two have remained close ever since. She was a figure skater in her teen years and performed in ice shows. During the summer she and her buddies worked at family summer camps.

She met her first husband Hank (Henry Herbert) Henshall and they married in 1951 in Toronto. They moved to the town of Cobourg where Hank was employed as a teacher and physical education coach. Vicki was born and when expecting her second baby she and Hank scraped up enough money to buy their first home. Valerie and Sherrie then came along. Sadly, Hank passed away in 1962 of a motor neuron disease. It was a very hard time. Mom decided to move to North Vancouver to join her parents and eldest sister Rona and family. Mom worked for Scouts Canada and Westcot Elementary School in West Vancouver.

Mutual friends introduced her to Bill Small, with whom she fell in love and married in 1969. Bill was quite heroic in taking on three daughters! They moved to a lovely home in Lynn Valley. Betty and Bill travelled the world together and visited such places as Great Britain, New Zealand and Australia. They enjoyed a number of cruises. Their favourite destination was Maui and visited there many times. Betty was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and took on many volunteer jobs. She especially loved her time as a genealogy librarian. She was always after her daughters to delve in the world of our ancestors - she was a huge help!

Finally, her daughters all married and the hints started about wanting grandchildren. Betty got her wish and along came Clair, Christie, Troy, Katie, Brittany and Peter and spoiled them all. When the grandchildren grew up, she mentioned that all her friends had great-grandchildren and in short order five of her own were born - Ellie, Mason, Islah, Sasha and Liam. She leaves cherished nieces and nephews and their families.

Mom and Dad decided to sell their home after Bill was diagnosed with Parkinson's. They moved to a smaller home close to where she lived after coming to B.C. She had to say goodbye to Bill in 2012. She had quite a few independent years and enjoyed driving her "squad" of ladies to the hairdresser, luncheons, church and shopping trips.

She will be missed terribly but we know she is part of a wonderful reunion on the other side. We take comfort in knowing we will see her again.

There will not be a service at this time. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the B.C. Cancer Agency.

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