April 4, 1938 - October 21, 2019
It is with immense sadness to announce the passing of Betty (Betty-Lou) Connell.
She is predeceased by her husband James in 2007 and her beloved cousin Patsy (whom she considered a sister) in 2015. She is survived by sons Gordon (Lyn) and Jim Jr, (Christine).She is survived by grand-children Ryan, Shannon, Matthew and Nina. She is survived by three brothers living in Scotland Matthew, Casey and Campbell (Nelson).
Betty was born in Coatbridge, Scotland at the outbreak of the second world war. She was the only girl in a family of four brothers. At a young age she moved to Camelon, Falkirk area of Scotland where she generally remained until emigrating to Canada in 1974. She arrived in the city of Port Alberni, BC where she lived and remained almost all of her life.
Betty was a familiar face in Port Alberni. She worked in several jobs, including "Bronsons" and "Woodwards." In 1980 she took a job as switchboard operator and admitting clerk for West Coast General Hospital, where she remained until her retirement in 2001. Betty's Scottish accent was well known over the hospital's P.A. system, and her face was often the first one the public would see. It was this aspect of the job that she loved, because she truly loved helping people.
In retirement Betty could often be seen driving about town in her little RAV4. Her favorite shop was "The Attic", because, being Scottish, she just could not resist a bargain. In later years, as the little RAV received more and more dents, and as she became increasingly frail, so many good businesses and so many good people in Port Alberni were there to help her in so many ways. Without them, she would not have remained as independent and as happy for as long as she did.
Betty loved her family and told us often. She also extended this love to her most trusted friend Cheri La Fleur.
Betty loved animals, particularly dogs and cats, and she gave many animals wonderful long and well-loved lives. She is missed by "Jackson", who survives her.
A special thank you to Betty's long-time trusted and helpful neighbours, Lloyd and Shirley Fairley of Port Alberni, for being so incredibly kind to our mother.
A special thank you to Betty's trusted neighbour Clarke Power. His kindness is so very much appreciated.
She will be dearly and absolutely missed.
There is no service at her request.