Elizabeth Anne Rolland

Betty was born in the small hamlet of Corbetton, Ontario to loving parents, Annie (Anne) and Hilton (Joe) Dickson (both deceased). This was near the farm of her grandparents and where many other relatives lived on numerous rural roads, in the area near Dundalk and Shelburne. This area had been pioneered by many of her “Stewart family” early ancestors.

Later, Betty’s family moved to the town of Arthur where she spent her early years of education and which she referred to as living ‘her story-book life’. Her later education was spent in schools in Hamilton, after her family moved to the city. Teen years were spent in happy times at Delta Secondary School with memorable times spent in fun antics with “Barnsie” and the “gang” in such as ‘daring’ jaunts as to Yorkville Village coffee houses.

Throughout the years of her marriage to husband John, many times were spent in enjoyment watching their stable of Standardbred horses race at major tracks throughout Ontario and Quebec. Sadly, years later, Betty and son Peter were deeply saddened by the sudden fatal heart attack of John (who had remarried). During years as an educator and attaining many certificates such as her BA., Masters, Principal’s and Supervisory Officer Certificates, Betty worked in Dundas schools, the Hamilton Wentworth Board of Education schools and then as an officer with the Ontario Ministry of Education in Toronto. With a Canadian educational team, chosen from educators throughout Canada, time was spent in International Teacher Education in Thailand and later she happily spent 10 years in China.

During these years in China, Betty studied Chinese and served as an educator at a medical university in Weifang and then at several schools and universities in Beijing. She traveled, mainly solo, to many parts of China, cruised down the Yangzi, and visited the Great Wall, the historical sites of Xian, the city of Shanghai and numerous other cities and small towns throughout China. Betty was joined on some of these enjoyable explorations throughout China by her dear son, Peter, and with visiting friend, Anne. An enjoyable time was spent by Betty when she worked for the Municipality of Beijing offices at the Birds Nest site during a summer Olympics in Beijing, writing and editing Olympic materials and attending the events.

Betty is survived by her beloved son, Peter Rolland, of Wasaga Beach and brother, Bill Dickson of Hamilton. Predeceased by brother, Bruce Dickson. Betty had an extremely close, loving, dear relationship throughout her life, with her son, Peter. When separated, this consisted of daily communication. Over the years, many vacations were shared by them in Canada and Internationally. He was her devoted and dearly loved son throughout her life.

Thanks are extended to Karla and husband, Andy, for help to Betty with many of her personal and home needs. Also, to her loyal friend, Anne R., of long years, for visits and aid given in numerous ways to Betty during her life and in her recent battles with Diabetes, a severe COVID attack, Bilateral Breast Cancer and several other inflictions. Most appreciated by Betty, any words cannot express the thanks due to Mary S., a true “angel”. The extensive ways, too many to mention, in which she was an aid to Betty throughout her illness were beyond words. Also appreciated was Mary’s husband, Mark and daughter Jessica for time missed while Mary was caregiving. Thank you also for the kindness of neighbors, Laura and Fiona. Thanks are also extended to Rev. Kim Shantz, of Burkholder United Church, where Betty was a member, for her comforting chats and visits. Betty was under the care of oncologists Dr. Eisen and Dr. Parvez of Juravinski Hospital. Much thanks are given to Dr.Miklea of McMaster Family Clinic for his care and numerous home visits.

Many friends will miss chats and adventures with her over the years such as: Anne R. (Hamilton), Patti B. (Stevensville), Gerri Y. (Dundas), Marcia H. (Australia), Soraya M. (Toronto), and Wenying Zhang (Mandy) and Aixin Zhang (Alyssa) (both of Beijing)

Following Betty’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service. Cremation has been arranged. For further information and memorial notes please view other details on the website of Cresmount Funeral Home - cresmountfennellchapel.com (905) 387-2111

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.