Obituary of Julia “Betty” Bettina EVERETT (nee Graydon)

January 20, 1921 – London, England
November 3, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with an outpouring of love and wonderful memories that the family announces the passing of Betty Everett. At the age of 99 Mom enjoyed a rich life filled with many adventures. She raised five sons in a tiny wartime house in Bowness after coming to Canada as a British war bride during WWII. She was admired for her strength, easy going nature, thoughtfulness, sense of humour and love of family. The greatest sense of pride she had was the success of all the members of her family, especially her sons. She was a proud gramma, great gramma, sister and aunt. She never hesitated to boast about the achievements of family members and the shear numbers they had grown to (fourteen grandchildren & twenty-five great grandchildren). She would often convey how pleased she was to have started it all.  She was so appreciative of the loving care and support of her daughters-in-law throughout her life and during her final days. Her legacy was the family she cherished.

Mom brought people together, she hosted like no other and she nourished us. She was always pleased to share her love through cooking mac and cheese, roast beef and yorkshire pudding, butter tarts and other British cuisine. Favorite activities included family time at Gull Lake, cruising, trips to Mexico, Las Vegas and England. Mom was also known for her good luck often winning on the slots or at the racetrack. She was always up for a party or celebration and  dressed in fine fashion with matching jewelry. Her most favorite events were family parties, the bigger the better particularly if they were held on a beautiful summer’s day in her lovely backyard. She thrived on the joy of the family.

Betty was an active member of the War Brides Association and hated to miss a luncheon at the Legion or Sunday Brunch at the Bowness Senior Center. She was always happy to attend a meeting of the Bowness Historical Society where she shared many memories of the Everett family in Bowness.

Mom was especially proud that she never looked her age until very recently. She always looked fabulous and would give credit to Oil of Olay. Right to her last breath she had her hair coloured, styled and nails painted because that was the kind of lady she was. Mom was fiercely independent and still sharp as a tack and living in her own home at the time of her passing.

Mom had a passion for animals. She loved her birds and was a magnet for many cats in the neighbourhood but the most special was her precious Kitty. While she was initially Kitty’s guardian at the end of her life Kitty was hers.

It is no coincidence that a letter from the Queen wishing her a happy upcoming 100th birthday arrived the day before she passed as she’d been waiting for that piece of mail for many years.

Though we shed many tears because we miss her, we know that Mom was a gift to us. What we loved so deeply we will never lose as Mom is a part of each of us.

Betty was predeceased by the love of her life, Douglas Everett in 1972; her companion for over 40 years, George Whitfield; her sister Peggy; her brother Michael; and her parents Robert Murray and Victoria Graydon.

Betty is lovingly remembered by her sons Tony, Richard (Jeannie), Don (Jan), Bob (Rose) and Bruce. She is also remembered by her grandchildren; Tim (Susan), Patrick (Elske), Brian (Jody), Rob (Alison), Michelle Everett-Faunt (Todd), Cheralyn Doell (Al), James, Jennifer O’Connor (Rory), Jesse Hunter, Shawn (Belgica), Breanne Minty (Evan), Janeve Desy (Nicholas), Harmoni and Sasha (Mercury). Great-Grand Children are: Dexter, Eli, Tabitha, Owen, Ivy, Brady, Lucy, Anna, Tessa, Harison, Colesen, Madalyn, Tavyn, Auslen, Kaplan, Aidan, Tristan, Everett, Xoco, Harlan, Finn, Ethan, Luke, Liam and Zamora. Betty was especially fond of her dear brother, John Graydon (Janet) and cherished his weekly phone calls. Betty also loved her extended family: nephew Paul Graydon (Jayne) & niece Janice Boulet (Bert) and their families. There was an incredibly special place in her heart for her loving nephew, Leonard.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all those who supported Mom in being at home. Special appreciation goes to her dear friend and caregiver Elaine as well as a special thank you to the Bayshore Staff especially Mitchie, Donalyn, Anne Marie, Kyla, Kiran, Rowena, Blanca, Lota, and Ann. Thank you to the Palliative nurses and Paramed staff for their involvement as well. The family is most appreciative to Dr. K. Braich for his care. He went above and beyond to ensure Mom and the family were supported through many medical events over the past year and enabled her to stay in her home.

A Celebration of Betty’s Life will be held at a later date when circumstances permit. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Julia’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.  If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB  T2C 2T7, Telephone: (403)205-4455, www.calgaryhumane.ca.  or the Bowness Historical Society, https://www.bownesshistoricalsociety.com/

In living memory of Julia Everett, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.