Obituary of Betty Steele

Betty passed away peacefully on May 2, 2023 at the age of 89. She is predeceased by her loving husband Bill and her daughter-in-law Carol Steele.

Betty was born and raised in Espanola, Ontario.  In high school she met the love of her life, Bill Steele.  She attended the Marymount School of Nursing in Sudbury, and shortly after graduation began working at the Espanola Hospital.  Betty loved being a nurse working in maternity, long term care, and as a nurse in a small village doctor’s office at different times in her career.

Betty and Bill were married in 1956 and soon after had their three children.

Betty was happy to support Bill when his career moved the family to many wonderful small towns across Canada.  Her life was defined by her relationships with family, friends, and God.  In each community Betty and Bill built many close friendships that last to this day.

Most of Betty’s time was spent supporting her family – whether she was a parent volunteer, Cub Scout Leader, a Sunday School teacher, planning a community event or a helper for Good Cheer, she was always involved.  She enjoyed organizing and was a willing host. Her home was always open for guests, dinner parties, bible study, craft afternoons, and bridge club.

Betty loved to have fun and host a great party – themed birthday parties, mystery dinner parties, scavenger hunts are among the most memorable.  No event would be complete without lots of delicious food.  She loved to cook and she will always be remembered for her amazing pies and cookies.

Betty and Bill moved to Quesnel in 1986. They were members of Bethel Church and Maple Park Alliance.  They enjoyed the church community and it is here that they developed many of their closest friendships. Betty and Bill loved to travel, go camping and fishing. Betty liked to keep busy - she wasn’t one for sitting around.

Betty was deeply devoted to her family. She loved her children and grandchildren very much and they loved her too. She and Bill enjoyed all the family celebrations – birthdays, graduations, and weddings.  They also supported in times of need or illness.  Betty and Bill happily travelled across the country to be there when you needed them.

In the last few years, Wednesday cards with Betty and Ron, Vicki and Jim, and Ellie added great joy to her life – we are grateful for her caring friends. Betty Anne and Sig – we thank you for unwavering friendship to the end.

Betty missed Bill everyday and looked forward to being reunited. Her prayers have been answered.

Betty was kind, generous, and loving. She is loved and missed by her children, Greg, Bruce (Linda) and Sue-Ellen (Bill); her grandchildren – Curt (Merle), Brendan (Crystal), Glenn (Nicole), Katie (Luke), Jillian (Eric), Zack (Euphemia) and Alison; her great-grandchildren, Maya, Avery, Cooper, Maddie, Cameron, Lauren, Addy, Everett, Indy, Boone, Bowen, and Deverie.

Thank you to the GR Baker Hospital third floor staff, Quesnel Hospice staff, Destan Hesselgrave, and Dr. J. MacDonald for their outstanding and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Quesnel & District Hospice Palliative Care Association.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.