Tribute

Elizabeth (Bette) Roberts, nee Whitburn, a dedicated mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, left us peacefully on August 9th, 2020, with her daughter by her side. Born in Calgary, Alberta on April 20th, 1931, her father died at an early age, and she was raised by a single mother. In 1950, she married Harold (Robbie) Roberts. By 1954, Bette moved to Victoria to join her husband who had enlisted in the Navy. Her mother followed a few years later and helped Bette with the children when Bette started work at BCFP, near the waterfront in Victoria, and later for Doman’s building supplies in Duncan. When Doman’s closed in 1983, Bette was not ready to retire, so she started a commercial garden on Drinkwater Road. Many people stopped by to purchase her beautiful produce. As she never wasted anything, Bette mastered gardening, canning and pickling. Bette and Robbie enjoyed camping, and they bought a lot at Salmon Beach where they had many memorable trips with the entire family. They also purchased a house in Parksville to get them a little closer to the West Coast.

On Robbie’s passing in 2002, Bette moved back to Duncan to be closer to the kids. Bette loved helping people, and her door was always open. Over the years, she gained many friends and loved playing cards and joining in at the Seniors Center. Bette had many chosen family that she loved, and they, as well as many others, will miss her dearly.

Predeceased by her husband, Robbie, and her sons, Michael and George. Survived by George’s wife (Jean), son Rick (Louise), daughter Gayle (Keith), and grandchildren Graham (Tricia), Nathan (Denise), Beth, Jason (Ann Marie), Amber, Elysia (Chris), Michael, and Alan (Kelsy). Bette had a great love for dogs and was very involved with her 18 Great Grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Bette’s favourite charity, BC Children’s Hospital.
There will be a small family gathering to celebrate Bette’s life.