June 4th, 1931 - January 30th, 2017
Betty passed away peacefully at home. Survived by sister, Eleanor Hoeg of Duncan, cousin Mary (George) Plant, friends and relatives in the Lower Mainland. Predeceased by husband, Joe Gravelle (1985), survived by his children, Suzanne and Bruce.
Betty was recognizable to many people in the Valley, wearing her blue Tilley hat and stopping for happy conversations with all the dogs she came upon on her daily walks. She was born in Vancouver, daughter of Jessie (nee Lett) and Cecil Cock. After graduating from UBC in 1953, she taught school in Trail, Courtenay, and Port Alberni. An adventurous traveler and passionate nature lover, Betty sailed to NZ in 1961, hitchhiking throughout South and North with new friends, picking up odd jobs along the way, then continuing on to Australia. There she resumed teaching and exploring, esp in Tasmania, hiking the mountains at every opportunity. After her return to BC, Betty taught for several years in Dawson Creek, where she met her husband, Joe. They married in Victoria in 1979, then settled in the house they built together in Courtenay.
Avid ballroom dancer, hiker, camper and wide traveler, Betty was a volunteer with the Cancer Society, sang with the Sweet Adelines and Letz Sing, and for 14 years volunteered as a summer host in several of BC Provincial Parks, from the Rockies to the Queen Charlottes. Among her many activities and interests, she attended Tai Chi, Fri night dances at the Seniors鈥� Centre, practiced and taught Pranic healing, studied photography, and painted with the Monday Bunch, reproducing scenes of her cherished rivers, lakes and forests. Betty adored animals, especially the canine variety; she was a natural 鈥渄og whisperer鈥�. Many thanks to Dr Daws, Winter and Sandwith and the many health care workers who cared for her with kindness and respect. A Celebration of life will be held at the Evergreen Seniors鈥� Lounge, Filberg Centre, Feb 25, 2-4. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Betty鈥檚 memory to the SPCA, Food Bank, or charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Condolences may be sent to tonefffunerals.com