Elizabeth (Betty) Lee

May 5, 1930 - April 5, 2025

In loving memory ~

"What a Day That Will Be, When My Jesus I Shall See"

That Day arrived for Betty, April 5, just after 10 pm. The waiting was over, the pain was gone.

She joked that Jesus mustn't have finished building her mansion yet because she was still around. He completed his newest masterpiece in His time and took her home.

Betty Thompson was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. Her family was friends with the Lee's growing up. She married the oldest Lee son, Wilf, May 15, 1948. They started their married life by heading to Ocean Falls, where their elder son, Daniel, was born. Back in Vancouver two years later Mel was born. The family's final move to Campbell River was in 1952 when the mill opened. Two kids became four when Sue and Colleen arrived.

Before their move to Campbell River Wilf scouted out the town for some place for the family to live. He told Betty he found a great cabin at Barclay's with running water and lights. However, she soon discovered that the running water depended on the tide (if you know what I mean) and the lights were oil lamps. This city girl met the challenge with flying colours.

Despite barely being able to boil water as a newlywed her talent was later manifested in the kitchen. She excelled at cooking and baking. When you were invited, or just happened to drop in, around any mealtime you were treated to a feast of "Lee portions". For example, a pie was quartered! The table groaned with food. No one ever left hungry.

May 23, 1968, Betty's life changed when she accepted Jesus into her heart. Her family now extended to include her new church family. She was fully devoted to both.

Her gift was hospitality. The door was always open to anyone. Many people of all ages passed in and out of their home over the years and always welcomed. Hosting prayer meetings, Bible studies, mentoring new converts, encouraging the discouraged, always accompanied with food.

Betty was predeceased by her husband Wilf, son Daniel, brothers George and Paul and sister Juanita.

She is survived by son Mel (Terry), daughters Sue (Gary) and Colleen (Doug), daughter-in-law Ann, 11 granddaughters, one (and therefore "favourite") grandson, 26 great grandchildren, nine great great-grandchildren with another on the way and her sister Donna.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation to the wonderful doctors, nurses and other medical staff who were so kind and patient during her hospital stays. To the incredible home support aides who came to our home to tend to her needs. To her treasured former neighbours Leah, Brad and Sophie, who kept an eye on her and helped make it possible for her to remain in her home on Leed Rd just a little bit longer. To her beloved BFF Donna. All of you have been such a blessing.

In Betty's honour there will be an open house for family and friends at Mel and Terry's, 140 Engles Rd, Campbell River on May 3, from 2-4 pm. If the sun is out, bring a lawn chair.

To be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Amen.