April 26, 1926 - November 14, 2018
Sadly, our dear Mom & Grandmother passed away suddenly at Shuswap Lake General Hospital on November 14, 2018 at the age of 92. "Betty" was born in a little house on Wilson Avenue in Kelowna, BC. She was the first child born to her Scottish immigrant parents, Patrick Williamson Runcie and Maria Findlay Runcie. She spent her youth enjoying all life had to offer, swimming, hiking and biking with her many friends throughout the Okanagan valley.
Mom's first real job was as a lifeguard at the old Kelowna Aquatic Centre that was located at City Park. She later worked at Safeway to help put herself through nursing school. In 1948 she graduated as a Registered Nurse from Royal Inland Hospital Nursing School. Over the years she worked as an R.N. in Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm hospitals.
Mom played many sports as a young girl and was an avid sports fan. She was introduced to her future husband (Bruce Campbell) at a hockey game in Kelowna in 1951 and they married on August 15, 1953.
Mom began her married life with Dad in Penticton, but they moved to Salmon Arm in 1956 where they bought their first home on Lakeshore Road with 16 acres overlooking the beautiful Shuswap Lake. They spent 18 years there raising their 3 children (as well as several dogs, cats and horses.) In 1973 they briefly moved back to Penticton for Dad's work but in 1976 they moved to a small acreage in Blind Bay and spent nearly 35 happy years there. Mom enjoyed bowling, badminton, golfing, curling, swimming, playing bridge and gardening. In 2010 there was a move back to Salmon Arm due to Dad's failing health.
Mom was sadly predeceased by her younger sister Jean in 1955, her husband Bruce Campbell in 2014 and her only son Daniel Campbell in 2013.
Mom is survived by her daughters, Jeanna Wensrich (Brent) of Twin Lakes, BC and Marianne Campbell of Salmon Arm, BC, three grandchildren, Rebecca Campbell Karpiak (Scott) of Kamloops, BC, Jacquelin Graffunder (Ryan) of Calgary AB, Daniel Anhorn of Calgary, AB, son in law John Anhorn of Kamloops, BC and her three great-grandchildren, Rosey Karpiak, Portia Karpiak and Eli Graffunder who brought such joy to her life whenever she saw them.
Our family wishes to extend our gratitude to Dr. Joan Bratty and Dr. Ross MacDonald for their care and kindness to Mom over the many years she was their patient. Thank you also to the staff in emergency, Dr. Hepburn and the nurses who cared for mom when she arrived at the hospital.
We cannot thank the staff and so many of the residents at Piccadilly Terrace enough for everything they did for Mom. She appreciated each and every one of you for the care and kindness you extended to her these last few years while she was a resident.
Our thanks also to Tammy and Vince at Fischer's Funeral Services for all of their help and kindness.
At Mom's request there will be no formal service, although a celebration of her life, for close friends and family will be held in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, if anyone wishes to do something in Mom's memory, a donation to the S.P.C.A or any Animal Rescue group or a donation to the Salvation Army would make her happy.
Share condolences and memories of Elizabeth through her obituary at www.fischersfuneralservices.com.
Fischer's Funeral Services