Elizabeth (Betty) Naismith Smith nee White

Elizabeth (Betty) Smith of Parksville B.C. passed away in Trillium Lodge on February 26, 2024, after a lengthy struggle with dementia.

Betty, born in Glasgow Scotland, to John and Agnes White, was the youngest of four children.

Survived by children Derek (Jean), Dawn (David) and Drew (Carla), as well as 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Betty is also survived by brother-in-law and sister-in-law Alec and Betty Smith, as well as sister-in-law Cathy White.

Mum was predeceased by her loving husband Bill, sister-in-law Mary Hunter, brothers Jack and Jim White, brothers in law John and Arthur Smith, brother-in-law John Hunter, sisters-in-law Isa and Margaret Smith, and niece Virginia Hunter.

In her younger years, Mum toured the North of Scotland by motorcycle with her brother Jim.

Mum trained and worked as a window dresser with one of the major department stores in Glasgow before meeting dad at a church youth group dance, eventually marrying him and starting a family.

In 1965 the decision was made to emigrate. The choices were narrowed down to either Australia or Canada, and as mum’s sister Mamie had already emigrated to Canada the choice was made. After 10 years in Calgary, tiring of Southern Alberta winters and missing being close to the ocean, once again a move was afoot, this time to Vancouver Island and Qualicum Beach.

Mum had a passion for decorating and especially gardening, spending countless hours planning and planting her gardens, which were works of art.

Mum enjoyed being part of her church’s choirs, carpet bowling and lawn bowling, dancing and cruise vacations. Mum could be very determined once she set about a task and used that determination to establish the Qualicum Beach Seniors Center for the benefit of the area’s seniors.

Mum fought the good fight against the devastating ravages of dementia, eventually succumbing on February 26.

On the morning before her passing, a hummingbird was seen to be hovering outside her window, seemingly waiting to take her to join Dad, so they could glide across the dance floor once again in each other’s arms.

Special appreciation to the nurses and staff of Trillium Lodge for their kindness and compassion in mum’s final hours.

Go with God Mum.