Mary Elizabeth (Lee) Gold

The family of Betty Gold sadly announce her passing at the age of 101-1/2. Betty was born near Pincher Creek, AB and raised in Medicine Hat, AB. Betty is survived by her daughter, Dixie (Jim) of West Kelowna; granddaughter, Stephanie Russill of West Kelowna; grandson, Scott (Jennifer), great-grandson, Will and great grand-daughter, Norah Russill, all of Edmonton, AB. She is also survived by her sister, Ruth Hope and brother, Norman Hrushenski, and many nieces and nephews, several of whom have kept in close contact with her over the years.

Betty was predeceased by an infant son, Terry Coupland (1954), her first husband, Roy Coupland (1964) and her second husband, Robie (Bob) Gold (1995). Also predeceased by her parents, Grace and Ben Lee and four siblings, Ben, Jack, Rita and Mildred.

Betty always was active, both physically and in her community, her entire life.  Since moving to Westbank (as she insisted never West Kelowna) she played seniors’ slow pitch until she was 75. She regrettably retired when she required a “runner.” She declared that she would have to hit a home run to get to first base, where her runner would take over!

She acquasized at Johnson Bentley pool from the time it opened and continued until last September. Every year she did a birthday “dive” which was a highlight for her, up to and including her 101st birthday.

Betty joined the Westside Seniors’ Centre in 1976. She was a very active member in her earlier years and always attended the weekly meetings. She was honoured by the Seniors’ Centre as “Senior of the Year” in 1995.

Another passion was being a charter member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #288 in Westbank. She and her husband, Bob, along with several other couples, were instrumental in getting this Legion established. She always attended the Wednesday meat draw and especially liked it when out of town family members joined her.

A Celebration of Betty’s Life will be held at the Westbank Lions Community Centre on Friday, April 18, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made by cheque to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #288, #6 - 2525 Dobbin Road, Westbank, BC, V4T 2G1. She always participated in Remembrance Day ceremonies, often in the role of Silver Cross Mother and regularly sold poppies leading up to Remembrance Day.