April 20, 2025
In loving memory ~
Elizabeth Milburn Boates (nee Duncanson) passed peacefully April 20, 2025, in her 97th year at Waterford care facility in Tsawwassen, BC.
Betti was predeceased by husband Jim, daughter Wendy and son Mark. She is survived by sons Rick and Scott, Grand Daughters Kristen and Mackenzie and grandsons Daniel and Richard.
Betti was born July 16, 1927, in Calgary Alberta and raised with her sister Mary and brother Frank by their father Frank after their mothers untimely death in 1940. Betti pursued a career in Medical Laboratory Technology, training in Minneapolis Minnesota and taking her practical in Nelson BC where she met Jim.
Betti and Jim worked to build their life together moving from house to house in Nelson as the family grew. In 1966 Jim took a manager's position with the Liquor Control Board in Nakusp and the family moved there building a new house while Betti set up the first Medical Laboratory in the local hospital.
In 1978, Betti left Nakusp and moved to New West Minister, BC where, with help from Wendy, re-trained for her technical certification and began work at Royal Columbian Hospital. Betti spent a number of years working at RCH and tending her garden at her home in Coquitlam eventually taking on the care of her aging father Frank.
Betti and Frank moved to False Creek in Vancouver where Betti lived until, with the help of her family, more suitable accommodation was found at Tapestry, an assisted living complex at the University Of British Columbia. Although Betti enjoyed her time there, it was eventually necessary to move her to the Waterford full care facility in Tsawwassen.
The Boates family would like to thank the staff at The Waterford for their professional care of Betti in her final months.
At Betti's request no services will be held other than a small get together for the immediate family. No flowers please - Betti's will mentions the Make a Wish Foundation should anyone wish to make a donation.