Betty Daly (nee Sowter)

With sadness the family of Betty Daly are sharing the news of her peacefully passing, June 23, 2024, in Victoria BC, at the Jubilee Hospital. She was born May 22, 1918, in Wigan, England. Betty was raised in Wigan and Nottingham England, then the family immigrated in 1931 to Calgary, subsequently the family moved to Montreal where she finished school.

Predeceased by her parents Hannah nee Tyldesley and Frank, brother Roy, husband Jeremiah, and son in law John; Betty is survived by her children Gerald (Mary), Betty Ann (John); grandchildren Jason (Melissa), Linda (Mahamud), Sandrine (Davinder) and Kevin (Wendy); great grandchildren Aisha, Charley, Zakaria, Henry and Jamal, she will be missed by many.

Betty completed secretarial training, after school, and pursued graphic arts. She worked for Defense Industries Limited in Montreal for several years, where she met Jeremiah.

Betty and Jeremiah married in Montreal in 1947 and settled in Baie d’Urfe Quebec, a suburb of Montreal, where they raised their family. Betty was an excellent cook, avid gardener and made beautiful clothes while her children were young. She returned to work in 1966 for a friend, who was a dress designer. Betty gained new dress making skills for the Expo 67 Canadian Pavilion uniforms. They were pictured in the local newspaper and on TV for the designs. In her 50’s, Betty’s creativity was channeled into owning her Interior Decorating business, which she enjoyed for 15 years.

At 65 she moved to Victoria, with her close friends from Baie d’Urfe. She continued to work as an Interior Decorator and won accolades, for redecorating the Coho; pictured in the Times Colonist. She met some great coworkers during those years. She retired when she was 80 and joined the Strata council for Yorkshire House, taking on a variety of roles. She took great pride in maintaining the building, where she used her knowledge of the trades and made great friendships.

She was looked upon as a second mom by many younger relatives and friends, she was always caring, wanting to know how everyone was managing. She was happy to give cooking tips, demonstrating how, same with gardening and sewing. She added new complicated recipes, encouraging us to make as well. She had old recipes passed down from her mother, that she made, her scones, muffins and trifle that were raved about and shared.

She was admired by many and had wonderful friendships during her lifetime. She enjoyed many holidays with family over the years, which she cherished. A woman ahead of her times who touched many hearts, was loved by many and will be missed.

Many thanks to everyone who supported her during her later years, who treated her so well when she started to need more help.

Donations may be sent to the Canadian Lung Association, A Living Tribute to plant a tree in her memory or to another charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, to be announced.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.McCallgardens.com