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Elizabeth McTaggart

September 27, 2005

McTAGGART, Elizabeth (Betty) Drysdale, nee Blyth

Born March 28, 1926 in Edinburgh, Scotland

Passed away peacefully on September 27, 2005

Beloved wife of the late John McTaggart, she will be forever loved and deeply missed by her children Fiona (Lee), Colin (Katie and Sam), Keith, and Wendy (Hugh), grandchildren Joanne, Amy, Heather, Greg, Geoff, Ben, Holly, Piper, and great-grandchildren Katie and Christopher.


Betty’s indomitable spirit and sense of adventure shone through in all she did. She began singing as a child and continued to entertain with

song and her great sense of humour throughout her life. Betty sang professionally in Great Britain and continued her career after immigrating to Canada in 1957. During WWII, she served in the Land Army and as a Sergeant in the ATS, driving ambulances and becoming a star singer in troop entertainment shows. Betty was proud of being the first singer to broadcast live to Allied Forces from Berlin after occupation. After leaving professional singing to raise her family, Betty went on to a variety of successful careers fields including

switchboard operator, cosmetician, butcher’s assistant and secretary. She was a life-long member of the Royal Canadian Legion and served

on the executive of the FSNA, and volunteered in many other community organizations.

Betty loved being surrounded by her family and her dogs. She cared deeply for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always

keeping in touch and doing anything she could to help. Her giving nature ensured that family and friends, new and old, were welcome in

her home. Battling acute arthritis for over 25 years, Betty never complained and was always ‘up for a challenge’. Her courage in facing

adversity will continue to be a beacon to all who knew her. May we honour her memory in the way we live our lives. We love you Mum.


A gathering to celebrate Betty’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 11 at the Royal Canadian Legion Mount Benson Branch, 1630 Wellington, Nanaimo, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.


If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made in Betty’s name to the Canadian Arthritis Society HYPERLINK

“http://www.arthritis.ca” www.arthritis.ca or 1-800-321-1433.



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