Elizabeth (Betty) Ney Watson

Elizabeth (Betty) Ney Watson - nee McGregor

February 19, 1937 – April 1, 2025

It is with deep sorrow we share that Betty died peacefully on April 1, with her adoring husband by her side.

Betty is survived by Bob, her husband of 67 years, children Linda (Abbe), Moira (D’Arcy) and Liz (Joe). Betty also leaves behind her grandchildren Asha (Yassine), Yasmine (Maher), Adan (Hanna), Connor and Eric, and great-grandchildren Ayah, Omar, Amana, and Kareem.

She is also survived nephews, nieces, cousins, and two special lifelong friends, Margaret Greig and Rae O’Donnell.

Predeceased by her parents Lizzie and Roy McGregor, and siblings May, Joe, and Ronnie.

Betty was born and raised in Scotland, during WWII. Betty married Bob on November 23, 1957, and soon after they welcomed daughter Linda in 1958. In 1960, they began their courageous adventures abroad. They moved to Kowloon, Hong Kong, via a long sea voyage, with baby Linda. Moira and Liz were born soon after (1961 and 1964), and the family lived in Kowloon and Scotland until 1974, back and forth, depending on Bob’s work assignments. These early years were mingled with travel to Canada, Australia, USA, and Great Britain. Bob and Betty formed many strong bonds with families from Kowloon, Australia, and Great Britain, friendships that exist to this day.

Betty was a loving and attentive mother and grandmother, often travelling to Ottawa, Chilliwack, and up Vancouver Island to be with her daughters and grandchildren. She enjoyed sewing, creating her own clothes, and costumes for her daughters and grandchildren.

Betty enjoyed music and dancing, and Bob and Betty spent many evenings listening to their favorite tunes. She had beautiful handwriting and wrote letters and cards to her friends locally and abroad. She was skilled in the art of Ikebana (Japanese style flower arranging).

Betty was very intelligent, earning the prestigious “Dux Award” for academic achievement upon completing her school years in Scotland. Betty had an eye for detail, and a strong work-ethic. She returned to work after being a devoted stay at home wife and mother, enjoying a long and rewarding career in retail and public administration. She worked for the Hong Kong Government, Henry Birks & Sons, and the Province of British Columbia in numerous capacities. Throughout her long work history, she valued the camaraderie and friendship of numerous work colleagues.

Betty enjoyed long drives with Bob, often going up-island to Qualicum Beach for short getaways. During her retirement, she travelled with Bob to Ottawa, Great Britain, Hong Kong and Hawaii.

For the last few years, Bob and Betty have lived in long-term care together due to Betty’s declining health. Bob remained a steady, adoring presence, always at her side, right up until her passing.

Special thanks to the team of wonderful staff at Luther Court Society for their compassionate care of both our parents, and for their kindness to our family.

A private family service took place on April 7. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Betty’s memory to the Luther Court Society: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124762