June 7, 1923 – October 31, 2018

Betty passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of October 31, 2018 at the age of 95.  Betty was Born June 7, 1923 in Yugoslavia where she lived until she immigrated to Canada with her parents in 1930.

Betty was married in March 1946 to her husband Leo Stroesser until his passing in October 1958. She was predeceased by her daughter Loraine in 1965 and leaves behind her son Leo (Pat) Stroesser and daughter Mae (Glenn) Niemi. Betty will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Doug (Holly) Stroesser, Lorraine (John) Lively, David (Sheri) Stroesser, Shane (Chris) Niemi and Kirstine (Steve) Scott as well as many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Betty came directly to Kamloops at the age of 7 from Yugoslavia. After a 9 day boat trip, her family arrived in Eastern Canada and made their way to Kamloops.   She spent her younger years in Kamloops working for the BC Fruit lands and living in Brocklehurst where she told her family stories of the tar paper shacks they called home.  She married Leo and they had three children which she raised while working and maintaining her small piece of farm land.  Betty was the truest example of hard work and dedication, she would be up at sunrise and could always be found working in her large garden on her property, moving pipes in the hayfield or tending to her greenhouse.  With a progressive struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, Betty eventually moved to the Hamlets where she was one of the first residents in the facility and enjoyed her “pub nights” and dancing.  Her strength and joy for life will be forever remembered by all those who were fortunate enough to have known her. Betty often told us “It’s a great life if one don’t weaken”, in response to this we know her life was then incredible.  Rest in Peace now Nanny, we will forever miss you.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Hamlets At Westsyde. Betty will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in a private family service.
Friends are invited to join the family for a Celebration of Life tea from 2:30-4:30 on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at the Hamlets, 3255 Overlander Drive.