Betty was born in Marseille, France and moved to England at the age of four to spend her early years in Brighton, Sussex.
At the beginning of WW II, Betty joined the Red Cross Auxiliary Nursing programme. During her training, she was sent to many places, including the neurosurgical unit where she would stand for long hours assisting in various procedures.
In 1942, Betty met Fred Duncan who was serving in the Canadian Armed Forces and hailed from the Comox Valley. Betty and Fred married in January 1943 prior to his departure to Sicily.
In May 1946, Betty arrived in Canada on one of the War Bride ships and settled in Port Alberni where Fred was the Manager of the Royal Bank. Betty worked at the family owned newspaper, the Twin Cities Times, which eventually became the AV Times.
Fred and Betty retired to Qualicum in the early 1970s and enjoyed many years at their home overlooking the water until Fred's passing in 1982. Betty was an active member in the Qualicum Seniors Center and volunteered at the Qualicum Beach Museum and Qualicum Echo Players for many years.
A much loved mother and grandmother, Betty will be remembered for always welcoming family and friends with endless cups of tea and chat.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Mary Heatherington (Blair Thompson), son, Rob (Deb); grandchildren, Colin (Bettina), Craig (Jenny), Kate and Eric and great-grandchildren, Valentina (Kyle), Darrian and Jordan.
Betty's family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to the incredible staff at the Trillium Lodge and Oceanside Hospice.
At Betty's request no service will be held. Donations may be made to the Qualicum Beach Seniors Centre. Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting https://www.qbmemorials.ca/obituary/Betty-Duncan.
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