The Simpson and Martens’ families had the privilege of celebrating Elizabeth (Betty) Simpson’s life on July 20, 2015 at South Delta Baptist Church. Here is her obituary and the slide show that was played during the service can be viewed or downloaded at http://1drv.ms/1LAta0N
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Elizabeth Walker Simpson – December 31, 1929 – June 25, 2015
Elizabeth (Betty) Walker was born in Stonehouse, Scotland on December 31, 1929 to James Walker, a coal miner and Agnes Jardine Walker. Betty was the six child of seven children. Betty’s mother, Agnes, passed away during childbirth when she was only two years old. Her father was now caring for seven children on his own, three of which were under five years of age! Betty didn’t share much about her childhood other than to let us know schooling had its share of cruelty; she told us that if the teacher left the room and heard even one student talking on his return, everyone was punished When she was nineteen she met an award-winning Scottish baker, Joseph Simpson, who had spent some time with the British Army in occupied Germany after WWII. When Joe returned to Scotland he married Betty, now a nursing orderly, in 1950 at Avendale Manse, Strathaven. They immigrated to Canada shortly thereafter. They settled in South Vancouver where daughter Nena was born in 1951 and son Bill in 1953.
Grandma Simpson was a homemaker like many moms of the 50s but also helped out Grandpa who co-owned four Better Bakeries in Vancouver. Grandma also worked at the Marine Drive White Spot directly down Ross Street from their home at 58th and Ross in South Vancouver. (Thanks, Grandma! White Spot is still one of our favourite places to dine.) In the summer months, Grandma worked on the May’s Strawberry Farm in Richmond with her good friend Greta Matson.
Our Grandma loved to dance and in the 60s, she and Grandpa and many other transplanted Scottish friends would laugh and dance a Saturday night away at a local hall they had rented. She was also actively involved in my mom, Nena, and Uncle Bill’s school events, attending every John Oliver choir performance she could. Grandma even served as a chaperone on the award-winning John Oliver Choir Tour to Great Britain in the summer of 1970. I’ve also been told that Grandma enjoyed bowling, curling and even learnt to swim when she was 50 years old.
In 1972, Grandma and Grandpa moved to 50B Street in Tsawwassen. Grandpa was now working for the local Super-Valu and didn’t have the added pressure of owning the bakery business. So once Grandma convinced Grandpa to take more than two weeks of holidays, they settled on cruising and going to Hawaii every year. They spent 35 wonderful years of extended holidays on Waikiki Beach. Every family member, including every spouse and grandchild, spent time in Hawaii with Grandma and Grandpa. They continued to live in the house Grandpa built on 50B until Grandpa’s passing on February 14, 2007.
Grandma loved dressing up especially on the many cruises she took with Grandpa. She also loved going to any concerts, performances or sports events featuring her grand children or great-grandchildren. And they, in turn, loved having her there to cheer them on. Grandpa and Grandma Simpson were known to their great grand kids as Grandpa and Grandma Gate because of the large rod iron gate leading to their house. Their great-grand daughter April gave Grandma that name and it stuck!
After Grandpa died, Grandma moved across the street to live with Uncle Bill, Aunt Gina, Jordan and Alanna. She lived with them for three years before a stroke dictated, first, a hospital stay and, eventually, extended care at Westshore Laylum in Ladner. While Grandma was reluctant to go initially, Westshore became her happy home for her final five years. Grandma was a long term resident, loved by the staff who cared for as their own special “mom.” The entire family is grateful for such wonderful caring staff and committed caregivers at Westshore Laylum. We are also very thankful for all of Grandma’s friends— both from her days in Vancouver to those she met through South Delta Baptist Church—who visited her and prayed for her throughout her time at Westshore. God bless you and may His face shine upon you. We’d also like to thank the Irene Thomas Hospice volunteers who spent evenings with Grandma during the last week of her life. We are grateful for your selfless acts of love.
Grandma was predeceased by her parents, Grandpa Joe, and her great grandson, Marcus. Grandma is survived by her children, Nena & Jim Martens and Bill & Gina Simpson, her grandchildren, Tracy & Paul McCabe, Stephanie & Tre Wright, Scott & Chelsea Martens, Jordan Simpson and Alanna & Kyle Belding and six great-grandchildren: April, Hannah, Sydney, and Luke McCabe, Piper Wright, and Tripp Martens.
We are forever grateful that Grandma Simpson gave her life to Jesus at a Christian Women’s meeting in Richmond and attended South Delta Baptist Church with Nena and Bill and her grandchildren for the past 20 years.
Grandma Simpson was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who on June 25, 2015, at West Shore Laylum Care Home, went to be with Jesus. We believe she is now dancing with Grandpa and her great grandson Marcus and we look forward to one day joining her in her eternal home. We are blessed to have known her and to have been loved by her. Until we meet again, Grandma, may God continue to hold you in the palm of His hand.