Tribute

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of “Our Queen” Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Pinske on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 87 years of age. Betty passed peacefully at the Foothills Country Hospice in Okotoks, AB, with three of her granddaughters, Ashley, Andrea, and Cassie, by her side. Betty was born on November 10, 1936, in Edinburgh, Scotland. She lived and grew up in Edinburgh with her mother, Ann (Nan) Johnston, and father, James (Jimmie) Johnston. Eleven years after her birth, on June 7, 1947, her cherished and only brother, James (Jim) Johnston, was born. Betty attended Bellevue Secondary School in Edinburgh and graduated in 1952. In August 1953, Betty immigrated to Canada on her own, at 16 years of age. Her immigration was sponsored by her Uncle Joe and Auntie Chris Henderson, whom she resided with upon her arrival in Penticton, BC. Betty worked a short time at Woolworth Department Store and then a local packing house before obtaining a position with the Okanagan Telephone Company as a Switchboard Operator. During that time, Betty saved her income, and in April 1955, she helped to bring her mom, dad, and brother from Scotland to join her in Canada. While working as a Telephone Operator, she would often receive phone calls from, and eventually accept a date with, what would become her beloved husband of 53 Years, Leonard “Len” Pinske. Betty and Len married on August 31st, 1956, at the Penticton United Church, and held their reception on the SS Sicamous Stern Wheeler. In July 1957, Betty and Len welcomed their first child, their daughter Lynne. Then, in April 1960, Betty and Len welcomed their second child, their son Darren. The couple moved to Oliver in 1963, where they would continue to live and raise their family. In the early 1970s, Betty took a job as a Teachers’ Assistant at the Fairview School in Oliver. Betty eventually transferred and continued her career at Oliver Elementary School, where she worked until she retired in 1997. Betty continued to reside in Oliver, BC, in her own home until May 2019, when she moved to Calgary, AB, to be with family. In Calgary she resided with her granddaughter Ashley, Ashley’s husband Abe, and their four children, until moving to Foothills Country Hospice in October 2023.

Betty was a loyal Elvis Presley and Engelbert Humperdinck fan, but she had a love for all the golden oldies era music. She loved to shop, travel, play bingo, dance, read, knit, visit with friends and family, enjoy an evening out at the casino, follow the lives of the Royal Family, and league bowling with her husband Len in their earlier years. However, the love of her hobbies was nothing in comparison to the love she had for her family. Betty was a force, a true matriarch, and was entirely dedicated to taking care of her family. She was an extremely devoted Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, Aunt, Niece, Cousin, and Friend. Betty was a strong, beautiful, graceful, fierce, resilient, determined, and selfless woman. She had an incredible sense of humour, accompanied by an infectious laugh, and a smile that would light up any room she was in. She was immensely loved and treasured by her family and friends, and she will be greatly missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Betty is survived by her two children, Lynne of Invermere, BC, and Darren of Kamloops, BC; sisters-in-law Susan (Jim), and Ev (Herb); grandchildren Ashley (Abe), Graham (Cassie), Andrea (Brandon), Kayla, Shaileen (Alex); and great-grandchildren Madison, Destiney, Devon, Zoey, Payton, Lennyx, Sophia, and Bennett, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and extended family.

Betty was predeceased by her husband, Leonard Pinske; parents, Ann and James Johnston; in-laws Alex and Margaret Pinske; brother Jim Johnston; brother-in-law Herb Pinske, sister-in-law Lesley Pinske; and nephew, Glen Pinske

A family graveside and urn interment will be held at a later date.

Donations are gratefully accepted in honour of her late Mother Ann (Nan) Johnston to the ALS Society of BC.

Condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com