January 6, 1930 to February 25, 2013
Margaret Elizabeth "Betty" Drew-Brook (Heaslip), 83, beloved wife of Bob, in their sixtieth year of marriage, died peacefully in Qualicum Beach, BC after enduring a twenty year decline with Parkinson’s disease. She was an outstanding wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, teacher and environmentalist.
Betty is survived by Bob, sons Alan (Holly) of Calgary, Neil of Victoria, and Paul (Theresa Varalta) of Calgary; grandchildren Marshall (Yolanda), Brendan (Amy), Connie, Leah and Fiona; and many cherished nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Rutherford and Mae Heaslip, sisters Doris Morris and Alice Radford (Paul) both of Woodstock, and brother Bill Heaslip (Nona Macdonald) of Toronto.
Betty was born at home on Beresford Avenue in Toronto and lived there until she married in 1953. She attended University of Toronto and Teachers College, graduating in 1951, and then worked as an elementary school teacher at Park Lawn School in Etobicoke. She had an adventurous spirit; after Bob’s graduation in 1956 she was the dental assistant on their railway-car dental office/home. They served isolated communities in northwest Ontario. Alan was born in Sioux Lookout; Neil and Paul were born after the return to Toronto in 1959. Her favourite holidays were canoe trips; Betty especially loved Killarney Park.
Wanderlust took the family to Fort Churchill MB in 1972, Williams Lake BC in 1974, and Prince Rupert in 1985. Betty worked mainly in education in many locations including what is now Nunavut. Interests included the Williams Lake Players’ Club theatre group, various naturalist groups, and exploring the Cariboo-Chilcotin. In retirement to Qualicum Beach in 1989, Betty was active in C.O.P.S., Arrowsmith Naturalists and the Brown Property Preservation Society. She was a founding member of Streamkeepers and the Parkinson’s support group.
Gisela and Andy Pope and Lynn and Pete Tomlinson were steadfast friends, unwavering in their kindness and support. The 3rd floor staff at The Gardens were magnificent and are a credit to their profession.
Family and friends are invited to honour Betty and share their memories on Sunday, March 10 at 2:00 pm at The Gardens, 650 Berwick Road N, Qualicum Beach, and at BettyDrewBrookRemembered@gmail.com.
If desired, a charitable donation may be made to the Parkinson Society British Columbia, Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers, or to your charity of choice.