BROWNING, Betty Irene 1931 – 2021
Mom died peacefully at Sidney All Care on March 18, 2021 at the age of 89. She was predeceased by her loving husband Archie. She is survived by her sister Jean, sons Kim and Scott (Marie), grandchildren Renee McIlraith (Shawn), Clayton (Melanie Stipdonk), Jordy (Courtnee Anderson), Katelyn Brewer (Curtis), Lena Gilson (Gareth), Jonathan (Jessie Rober), along with 11 great-grandchildren.
Betty was born in Erin, Ontario, grew up in Brampton where she met Archie when he was recruited there to play lacrosse. Lacrosse is also what brought them to Victoria when he joined the Shamrocks in 1951, most of their lives were spent raising their family and retiring as proud residents of Esquimalt.
Sport played a significant role in Betty’s life as participant, parent/supporter and fan. She was an avid curler in Esquimalt and remained a lifelong fan attending many Briers, Scotties and Worlds. She saw more than a lifetime’s worth of lacrosse games and was occasionally recruited to don goalie pads in the backyard for the boys to practice!…..a little weak on bounce shots. Don’t worry, we used tennis balls!
There are other Betty stories to out: backing the car out of the garage so the boys could play on a rainy day (she didn’t drive)….pretty sure there is still blue paint on that rock wall. Threatening any of her grandkids who beat her at euchre, the traditional punishment was banishment from the will.
Mom was the glue of the Browning family. After we lost Archie much too early she ensured family gatherings continued and biannual ski or lake vacations were instituted to ensure more family time.
The family would like to express our thanks to the wonderful team of caring, engaged and supportive staff at Sidney All Care.
You are loved forever and missed Mom, Grandma Betty/Momma Bette. We are comforted by the knowledge Dad is waiting for you with a rye and ginger.
Due to COVID restrictions the family will hold a private memorial at a time when the situation allows. Donations in her memory may be made to Research Programs at Alzheimer Society of Canada, the Esquimalt Gorge Park pavilion project or to your charity of choice.
Betty will be missed by many, especially her wonderful smile
On behalf of the entire Browning family we’d like to sincerely thank everyone for their kind and caring thoughts and memories of Mom. She is loved and missed by us all and we appreciate your support.
To the Browning families, I am sorry for your loss. I have so many fond childhood memories of Auntie Betty & Uncle Archie. Visiting on Christmas Eve and pancake breakfasts at the house on Lampson Street were always a lot of fun and an annual highlight. So were the impromptu morning rides to elementary school in the police cruiser. I bet your parents and mine are having a good “chin wag” right now up in heaven and reminiscing the good old days. Stay strong.
Diana Graham (nee Clarke)
Revelstoke, BC
Loved your mom and dad, had so many good times and laughs. Earl and I are sending our love to the Browning family
What an amazing woman. You have many great memories that will bring some brightness to this dfficult time. Hugs to you, Marie and your family.
We loved her involvement — including her threats — in the weekly euchre group.
Thinking of you all at this time. Gary, and I have some special memories with Betty. Gary and Muriel Caton
Our Condolences to Betty’s Family !!! Truly a lovely lady ❤!! From the Owens family …..
We have many wonderful memories of Betty – she was a loving and generous lady who always made everybody feel welcome and part of the party – I will always remember that she was a strong competitor ( curling/ cards) but more than that she was also a lot of fun.
Sincere condolences to all the Browning clan from
Julie and Larry Bell
Our condolences to the extended Browning family. I know my parents were good friends and neighbours with Archie and Betty in their newlywed days and as they each were starting their families. On behalf of the Phillips family (recently passed, Al and Dona, as well as siblings Kim and Tyra), Tanya Ross (Phillips).
My condolences to the Browning family. I had the wonderful opportunity to help Betty with her yard on Lampson St and again at her condo in Esquimalt. She loved gardening and took a very active role in making sure they were in great shape for all the condo owners to enjoy. We had many pleasurable gardening experiences together over the years. She will missed!! Bill Barber and family.
This is so shocking because I thought of Betty just last week when I drove by the arena. I wondered if she was still taking her daily walks. She and I met on the Esquimalt #6 bus. I was on my way to work and she was taking the bus to meet up with a friend to go for a walk. We struck up a bus buddy relationship. She had a wonderful sense of humour. I loved every opportunity I had to talk with her even if our trip together was only 5 or 10 minutes. When I would comment about getting old, she would tell me I was just a baby and to enjoy life because I would get old before I knew what hit me. My sincere condolences to Betty’s family and friends.
We always looked forward to and enjoyed Aunt Betty’s visits to Brampton. Her twinkle and light was infectious and heart-warming. Bruce laughed with Betty during many a long distance call – times precious to them both. You are well loved Betty.
Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends who lost a truly wonderful person. Aunt Betty will always be in our hearts.
A great lacrosse lady! Love your story forever.
Thinking of you all at this time.Such a great lady. Many fond memories of over the fence conversations.She loved sharing sugarsnap peas from her garden. Hugs and good health to you all
I have so many wonderful memories of special times as a little girl with “Uncle Archie and Auntie Betty”. Rest in peace sweet lady. ❤️
Condolences to the family. Betty , Archie and family are in our Esquimalt community memory. They continue their support through this donation opportunity. Thank you to the Browning family
Miss you Mom
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