In her 85th year, Betty passed away peacefully, following a courageous and determined battle with cancer, on Saturday, March 19th, 2005, at the Hospice at May Court, Ottawa. Predeceased in 1994 by her husband Stan and by her brother George, Betty will be missed by daughter Carol Kostashuk (Peter Walker) of Kingston and son Douglas (Sandra) and granddaughters Lori and Kimberly of Edmonton. She will also be missed by her close friend Julien Olson of Ottawa.
Born and raised in Calgary, World War II brought Betty and her future husband Stan from Alberta to Toronto where they began their 50-year marriage in 1944. Following Stan's graduation from the University of Western Ontario, they established a home with their two children in Belleville prior to moving to Ottawa. Betty developed a lifelong appreciation for the arts beginning with the achievement of the Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 8 level piano. With an adventurous spirit and a zest for living, Betty was an enthusiastic traveller who made many friends wherever she went.
She also acquired numerous friendships as an active member of Beta Sigma Phi (45 years) and Engineers' Wives. In the last decade, she was a tireless supporter of the RCAF Radar Veterans Group. A special thank you to Julien Olson and neighbour and friend Diane Weber, whose daily help and support were instrumental in helping with Betty's care during the past two years. Many thanks for the wonderful support and encouragement from the VON and the Palliative Care Outreach Program. Their care allowed Betty to live in her own home for as long as possible.
The family also wishes to express gratitude to the staff and volunteers at May Court Hospice for their kindness and caring. Betty would like to be remembered through donations to the Palliative Care Outreach Program, 1455 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa K2G 1W1 (www.palliativeoutreach.ca).