August 31, 1923 - August 7, 2012
Beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and acclaimed children's author, Betty passed away on August 7 at the age of 88 years after never recovering from a fall and broken hip which she suffered on July 12.
Left to mourn her loss, she will be lovingly remembered by her children Eric Waterton (Catherine), Karen Maxwell (Jamie), her grandchildren Sara Frost (Paul), Chris Waterton (Dali), Josh Maxwell (Anita), Carla Albright (Rob), Bonnie Tremblay (Aaron), Zach Maxwell, Mike Maxwell and Eric Maxwell, and by her great grandchildren Molly Frost, and Jasmine Maxwell. Betty was predeceased by her father Eric Wrightmeyer, her mother Mary Wrightmeyer (Saunders), her daughter Julie, and her husband Claude.
Born in Oshawa, Ontario, Betty was an avid reader from an early age and was keenly interested in the arts. She was an accomplished artist and always encouraged her children to explore their creative sides. She wrote her first children's book, A Salmon for Simon, at age 50, for which she was awarded (as co-winner) the Canada Council Children's Literature Prize (1978). This book was also a runner-up for the Canadian Library Association's Children's Book of the Year Award.
Betty continued writing up until 2008 (A Bumblebee Sweater). During her life she wrote and had published19 children's books and travelled extensively giving readings to children in all parts of Canada.
Betty was a devout Christian who took great solace in her faith throughout her life.
Funeral Arrangements under the direction of Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium LTD. Dawson Creek, British Columbia.