Mrs. Elizabeth (Betty) Christine McDonald

Betty was born in Montreal shortly after her family arrived in Canada from Holland. She grew up in the Kitsilano area of Vancouver and attended First Baptist Church with her family where she sang in the choir.

She served in the Canadian Division of the Dutch East Indies Army in Java, Batavia and SE Pacific at the end of the Second World War 1944-46 with her cousin Louise and friend Anna. Her recollections of these years were mainly good ones, full of mischief, close encounters and daring events. She loved to tell these stories and we loved to listen!

She married Donald on Jan. 28, 1949 after a whirl wind courtship. They had 56 interesting years together, raising their family in South Vancouver and working in their beautiful garden. Betty loved her jobs in Woodward’s Sporting Goods department and then at the Motor Vehicle Board Testing Station. After retiring they moved to Coquitlam, travelled and enjoyed a quieter life. During these years she joined the Dogwood Songsters, giving voice to her love of music and love for her Lord through song. Her songs continued to be her most enduring communication during her last years. Home, family, friendships and needlework filled her time with meaning.

Betty is predeceased by her husband Donald, and her sister Catrina Knight of Montreal. She is survived by brother John Wytenbroek of Three Hills AB and her sister Trudy Morrison of Maple Ridge, Her daughters Christine (Trevor) Newton of Port Moody, Lynn (Ross) Colpitts of West Vancouver, and son Lex (Brenda) McDonald of Port Coquitlam. Betty had eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and one great-great grandson as well as nephews and nieces across Canada and family in Holland.

Betty attended Calvary Baptist Church and spent her last 8 years in the Madison Care Home in Coquitlam. Betty was loved by the Madison staff and she loved them in return. We are so grateful to ‘Team Betty’ who cared for her lovingly. Betty has gone on ahead of us, to sing in the heavenly choir.

Join us as we Celebrate her life on Friday, February 10th at 1:00 pm

Calvary Baptist Church, 1636 Regan Ave. Coquitlam, a reception with follow.

In lieu of flowers donations could be made to Christian Service Brigade. http://christianservicebrigade.ca/donate/ or

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/christian-service-brigade/ or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Burnaby, BC.