Bette Janette REDFERN

REDFERN, Bette Janette (nee Beattie)

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Bette Janette Redfern on June 29th, 2021, peacefully with her loving husband John by her side.

Bette was born on October 14, 1936 in Edson, Alberta. Bette was the eldest followed by Doreen and Jim.

Moving to Comox in 1943, and then to Esquimalt shortly after.

In Esquimalt she attended Lampson street elementary and Esquimalt High School where she was in the play Bohemian Girl, vice-president, and Treasurer of the Red Cross, and sang in the school choir.  As a teen Bette enjoyed playing the violin and singing with family in small jam sessions accompanied by her mom on the piano and brother on the guitar.

Bette met her sweetheart, John, in 1953 at Esquimalt United Church while singing in the church choir. They married at the same church February 18, 1956. They relocated to Vancouver for a short time starting their family. While in Vancouver, Bette was a bank teller for Canada Trust.

Bette and John returned to Esquimalt with their young children Dawn and Michael in 1963. In 1969 they fostered a child Chris at the age of 2.

During her time back in Esquimalt Bette was involved with many church and community activities such as sports, Bingo and CGIT. For many years she worked as an early childhood educator at the Unity daycare.

In 1995 she finally retired, then moved to Nanaimo in 1996, which gave her more time to enjoy her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Bette and John went on an extraordinary 6-week trip to the UK in 1996 to learn and explore their family roots. While there, they had the privilege of visiting her father’s birthplace Hawick, Scotland and his childhood home in Broadlee, and Ashieburn House which she enjoyed very much and provided her with great stories and memories.

Celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary they went on an Alaskan Cruise.

Bette loved family gatherings and always the “hostess”, which she excelled at and was hard to top. Always too much food and never without treats or desserts.

Bette had such a big heart. With the love for animals, she fostered many dogs throughout the years.

Those that knew Bette knew she had a heart of gold and will be missed tremendously.

Bette is predeceased by her son Michael, survived by her devoted husband John, daughter Dawn of Nanaimo and son Chris of Victoria, brother Jim (June) of Victoria, sister Doreen of Bonnyville, grandchildren Jennifer, Kyle (Dawn), Brianna and great-grandchildren Nathan, Olivia, Brooklyn and Acacia. As well as many other extended family members and friends that loved her dearly.

The family would like to acknowledge John, who took exceptional care of her in the last years which showed his dedication and love towards her.

John and family would like to thank the nurses and staff of the Renal unit that took care of Bette for many years as well as the Palliative care nurses at NRGH who made Bette’s last few days so comfortable and peaceful.

There will be no service as per request of Bette. A small family celebration of life may be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers a donation in memory of Bette may be made to the Kidney Foundation, Diabetes Canada or the SPCA.

“there are

     some who bring

       a light

so great to the world

      that even after they

                   are gone

       the light

            remains”

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