Some of us here, knew Betty through our mother's being her friend first; some knew her through the Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Ramblers Club, of whom she was a member for over 50 years, I believe. Some knew her through going to a German language class together (or running it in the case of Lena). Some knew her through work or other

             friendships, and all became part of Betty's many and varied friends.  Friends that enabled

Betty to have enjoyable holidays, lively conversations and other interests such as reading, poetry recitation and 'set' dancing: all of which helped her to keep her brain and body active.

With her Rambling Club friends, she visited many places; a small example, Austria, the Holy Land, Lindisfarne, Whitby, and Youth Hosteled in many places in the UK. She also holidayed in places further afield, like the USA. Learning German helped stimulate her brain and gave her interesting day-trips out. People enjoyed listening to her stories of these holidays and trips, or about her life in general, as she was good at telling them. Whether amusing or dramatic, it was always nice to hear a new one; or an old one. Last, but not least, the friends she made at Burrell Mead Residential, both with residents and staff; the latter who took such good care of her, especially in her last few months.

Betty was born in Edinburgh in 1918 and she would have been 99yrs just before Christmas, a remarkable achievement and one we would all wish to emulate, if our brains and bodies last as well as hers. When the War ended her father returned to following the Herring fleet as they moved around the coast of Britain, and was involved in the preserving and packing industry of these. This meant the family moved around the country with him; living in Hull, Peterhead, Stornoway and Mallaig, the latter place is where she ended up living the most of her young life. A small busy fishing port, it is just opposite the Isle of Skye with lovely views to the Islands, and nearby, the beautiful white sands of Morar are washed by the edges of the Atlantic Ocean.

When she was 16 years old, she started working for Lord Brocket, who owned an estate nearby, and travelled to his English residences of Brocket Hall, in Welwyn Garden City; Bramshill in Hampshire, and a London Town House. She worked alongside many others, quite a few of whom became life-long friends. At 19 years she was part of the massed crowds watching the Coronation procession for George VI, on 12th May 1937, which she described in her diary and wrote she 'would never forget it'.

Later in 1941, aged 23yrs, she joined the WAAF and spoke fondly of her time and the friends she made there. After the War she joined the Royal Bank of Scotland, which turned into a lifelong career, moving from Mallaig to Kilmarnock, then to London, where she spent the rest of her working life, indeed the rest of her life.

I came into Betty's life when she was older but most of you have known her since you were all much younger together. I will never know all the stories, but I enjoyed hearing a few of them. I'm sure we will be able to catch up later to swap stories; like the one when she was stood next to a rock waiting on other walkers and had not known a baby bear was just next to her, despite her friends waving like mad - thankfully Mama Bear didn't turn up, otherwise we might not be here now!

"May you live in interesting times" is an old Chinese Curse, as living in peace & tranquility was much more desirable than living in war and disorder, however, it has become synonymous in recent times for living through wars, tremendous change and great inventions. Betty lived in interesting times, as we all partially still do, and though she enjoyed making many new friends throughout her life, she always tried to keep in touch with old ones, until her hearing and writing ability slowed that down.

Well, a life containing friendship, travel experiences and good conversation is now a life completed on this earth.

So, Rest in Peace, Betty, it was nice knowing you.