Elizabeth Glen Newton

“I am seeking, I am not lost. I am forgetful, I am not gone.”

Elizabeth Glen Newton, born Vancouver, BC, April 27, 1928 passed away peacefully December 13, 2023 in Sidney, BC. She is survived by her children Judi, Susann, Lance (Kory) and Barbara, step-daughters Carolyn (Rich) and Denise, grandchildren Jordan (Josh), Alix, Delta, Aliyaho, HP (MP), Adam, Ryan and Michael, and four great grandchildren. Elizabeth was pre-deceased by her brother George, nephew Paul, her parents George Briar & Katherine Briar (Hunt), step son-in-law Dominic and her beloved husband Donald Gladwyn Newton in 2014.

Elizabeth grew up in the Kerrisdale neighborhood of Vancouver, BC, married in her twenties and had four children. She was called Betty when she was young and later preferred to go by Glen. Most of Glen’s adult life was taken up with raising children but she remembers enjoying working outside the home. First as a switchboard operator known as ‘Hello Girls’ in the 1940s at the Dunbar/Kerrisdale exchange. She recalls saying to her mother, while clutching her first pay cheque, ‘the work is so much fun, and I get paid too!’ She also fondly remembered working at Empire Stevedoring and Vancouver General women’s health clinic. Much later when her children were grown Glen worked briefly at the Tustin News in Orange County California and Metro Labs in Vancouver.

Glen was an avid walker, a voracious reader, a word jumble queen, and an excellent knitter, Icelandic sweaters for her kids and her second husband and many cute jumpers for her grandchildren. She liked to cook and despite affectionate kidding from her family, really prided herself on a well-stocked freezer. Glen remained immensely proud she’d quit smoking after starting at age 12 and, in her fifties getting her driver’s license after escaping her abusive and controlling first marriage.

After Don died Alzheimer’s slowly robbed Glen of her day-to-day but with more support from her daughter she didn’t have to move into care until 2021. As her short term memory failed Glen could still recall many treasured long term memories: when she was 11 in Vancouver, running excitedly to see the Royal motorcade during the 1939 tour of Canada and years later jiving with friends in downtown during VE day celebrations. As a teenager Glen remembered frequenting the first White Spot restaurant with her family on upper Granville St and the pleasure of riding horses in Southlands.

Most of all Glen remembered her life with Don. Marrying him led to 30 great years of blended family fun, traveling by camper and cruise ship, many happy Parksville family reunions, and a shared love of cribbage and hockey, especially the Canucks.  ‘My Mr. 249’ she’d say, recalling their first meeting after she’d boldly answered his personal ad placed in the local newspaper. Celebrating the number of the post box became one of their favorite holiday traditions. They’d live in Vancouver, Whiterock, Mayne Island and ultimately settle in their favorite, Sidney By the Sea on Vancouver Island.

Glen and Don regularly volunteered and made charitable contributions in their community. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation, Royal Canadian Legion, Mary Winspear Community Christmas Dinner and your local food bank.

No service at Glen’s request.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com