Elizabeth Maria Devente

January 30, 1928 - October 4, 2024

Born in Schijndel, Holland. She immigrated to Canada in the early 1950s and married Bob Devente in 1954. Survived by her 3 children; Diana (grandsons Cody and Bo), Denise (grandchildren Duncan and Hannah) and Robert (grandchildren Jordan and Tessa).

Betty lived at 404 Somerset Street for 60 years, where she and Bob raised their children. They also opened their doors and provided lodging for many family members.

The house was a lively hub of food, fun, family gatherings and friendly card games. Entertaining was their gift. Cocktails parties in the Eagle’s Nest bar room were legendary.

Bob and Betty travelled all over the world, with many stops in their homeland of Holland to visit family.

Betty’s family included her parents, Theodorus van Esch and Maria Verhagen, and her siblings, Dean, Ann, Wim, Sus, Dora, Guys and Marita, Jo, Theresa, Bert, Theo, and Reggie. She has 47 nieces and nephews.

Betty was always optimistic and happy. She never judged people and always encouraged everyone to get along. Dinners started with saying grace and she attended church every Sunday.

Most notable about Betty was her decades of service to the less fortunate in downtown Vancouver. Her home became a recycling center of clothes, small appliances, blankets and shoes. Bob gave up his garage so she could sort and process the donation bags from friends and businesses. (She kept the salt and pepper shakers which lined the tops of her kitchen cabinets!)

Bob was so proud of his wife. He often bragged how Betty was the best cook, the best seamstress, so beautiful, and the best partner a man could have.

We like to believe that Betty and Bob will reunite! Also, Marita, Mom’s wingman in the city, and Dora, Ann and Guys who took care of her kids every summer while they travelled, as well as each family member whom have passed on that she loved so much!

Betty had a good life and will be deeply missed by many.