Obituary for Elizabeth (Betty) MacMurchy

Elizabeth (Betty) MacMurchy

July 13, 2024

Elizabeth (Betty) Mae MacMurchy

May 20, 1939 - July 13, 2024

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Betty MacMurchy, former resident of Surrey, BC and former long term resident of New Westminster BC. Betty passed away July 13, 2024 in Ladner, BC at the age of 85.

Betty was predeceased by her parents: Jack Jones and Ellen (Mae) Jones, her brother: Fred Jones, nephew: Jeff Jones and numerous aunts and uncles. She is survived by her children Neil MacMurchy (Melissa), Crystal Stroeder (Frank), 2 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, as well as her sister-in-law: Marg Jones, 2 nephews and numerous cousins.

Betty was born on May 20, 1939 in Drumheller, Alberta. When she was 9 the family moved to the Sapperton area of New Westminster, BC. She took a secretarial course while in high school there and after graduating in 1957 she worked as a secretary at Sears in Burnaby, BC.

In 1959 she married Warren MacMurchy, and in 1961 they were transferred to Winnipeg, Manitoba with Warren's job. While in Winnipeg she had 2 children, Neil in 1963 and Crystal in 1965.

In 1980 the family was again transferred with Warren's job, this time to Lethbridge, Alberta. In 1985 Betty moved back to New Westminster where she lived for 35 years until moving in 2020 to an Independant/Assisted living facility in Surrey, BC.

While in Lethbridge, Betty started a lifelong career as an insurance broker - a field in which she excelled, earning 2 national designations that inolved many courses and exams, one with honors. She even managed a brokerage for 15 years, even though she never wanted that job and was promoted without her consent while she was on vacation! She was a true mentor and friend to all who worked with her, and many of those friendships continued long after she left a brokerage or retired.

Betty grew up in the Salvation Army Church and was a Soldier (member), where she taught Sunday School and sang in the Songsters (chior) even though the director told her to mouth the words as she couldn't sing but just wanted to be together with her friends who could sing!

She later was a member at New Westminster Evangelical Free Church where she was involved in helping lead Women's Ministries, and later a member at Connaught Heights Pentecostal Assembly and active in the seniors group there. Her Christian faith and firm belief in God got her through the toughest times and sustained her.

Betty loved crafts and creating. She sewed clothing in her younger years, and she crocheted many items including beautiful baby blankets and dishcloths throughout her life, as well as did various other crafts such as needlework, card making and ceramics to name just a few.

Betty also loved to travel, going on 10 cruises with her daughter, and numerous trips with her aunt and uncle, son and family and brother and sister-in-law.

Betty was known for her sense of humor and fun, was a joy to everyone who knew her, a true and loyal friend, and caring and loving Mom to her children.

While Betty is dearly missed, we rejoice that she now has no pain, no suffering and is safe in the arms of her Lord and Saviour, Jesus. We know she's in a place where all her wounds have been erased, and knowing her wounds are healed is healing ours.

Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00am October 5, 2024 at Connaught Heights Pentecostal Assembly, 2201 8th Ave, New Westminster, BC

No flowers please - in leui of flowers please live life to the fullest and do the things you enjoy as long as you are able to and spend time with those you love

You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.

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Messages of Condolence

Our deepest condolences Crystal for the loss of your beloved mom, Betty. It was our joy to meet Betty at the Villa in the last few years - she was a woman of faith and a great encourager and supporter of our ministry. She always enjoyed meeting people and making new friends and had a wonderful sense of humor. She must be enjoying herself making new friends in heaven, while catching up with old ones there :) God bless you Crystal for all you did to take care of Betty especially this past year.

~ Joyce Lim-Goh

I was so saddened to hear of Betty’s passing . I remember her well at Connaught where I met her and Crystal. Both seemed like two peas in a pod always together having fun and seemed so very close. It was really wonderful to see such a close mother daughter relationship. I know how much Betty will be missed. I’ll always remember her colourful matching outfits and beautiful smile. Hugs to all who are sad about her leaving us

~ Lisa Dickinson

Ashley & Family,

Thinking of you.

May you find peace in your Grandmother’s peace.

~ Tracy, David, Jakob & Victoria Goba

Our condolences to the family. May she rest in peace.

~ Ben & Aster Yohannes

With a heavy heart, my sincere condolences to you and your loved ones. Elizabeth will surely be missed. She's in my prayers and in my heart. Be strong Crystal and stay safe.

~ Cynthia C.

Our family, Adrian, Braedon, Donovan, and Charity, met Betty at Fleetwood Villa in February 2022 when we first moved to Surrey. She was so very welcoming as well as encouraging as we led Sunday morning Hymns with guitar and piano once per month there. This meant a lot to us as we had just moved from a small BC town into the big City of Surrey due to Covid industry shutdown. Betty would drive, "Daisy" - her motorized wheels, right up to the front row. You could hear her vibrantly joining in the singing. She was faithful to introduce us to everyone new arriving on Sunday mornings. Betty definitely has been missed by our family at the Villa! Such a great synopsis above of a life well lived. We wish all the family peace and comfort at this time while we also rejoice with you knowing she is vibrantly rejoicing in heaven. One day, we will meet again, forever, on those streets of gold. Much love, Charity and Family.

~ Charity Van Gorkom

PS. Every Sunday, without fail, Betty would wear beautiful jewelry. I always complimented her on it. With great pride and joy she would let me know her daughter made it.

~ Charity Van Gorkom

I’m so sorry for your loss, Betty was a very sweet and lovely lady. She will be missed. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers

~ Ramona Thomas

I was blessed to have a sweet Sister-in-law in Betty…my late husband and I took her on several lovely holidays to Palm Springs and camping holidays, and In 2012 to Hawaii…we were apart for many years till she moved back to BC and our friendship strengthened over the years…she has suffered many years in pain, and was longing for God to call her home after the past several months of ill health. My deepest sympathy to Crystal, Frank, Neil and Melissa, grandchildren and great grandchildren. You were blessed to have a loving hard working Mom…

Love Aunty Marg, Yuki & Sumire (Japan) Paul, Lorraine & family, Bryan, Stacey & family ❤️❤️

~ Marg Jones

My deepest condolences to Crystal and the rest of the family. Betty was a wonderful lady and I have fond memories of the times we spent together while she attended NWEFC. Praise God for the hope of seeing her again in the new Jerusalem. May God's comfort sustain you all during this time of grief.

~ Marlene FRATER

Every meal she ate with us from the time we were little till we were grown adults we knew Auntie Betty had to “shoot up” (insulin) before she ate. And it made her laugh without fail that THAT was the way we told her it was time for dinner.

There’s a hole in our hearts now but we are so happy she’s no longer in pain 💜

~ Jennifer Russell

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