Tribute

Quote:  “An extremely energetic person who was an asset to the service.  Extremely loyal and trustworthy.   Always available for extra tasks.”  Written in her RCN Service Record by the Captain of the H.M.C.S. Stadacona

On September 9, 2015, our wife, mother, and Nana, Betty Anne passed away quietly and peacefully.  Betty Anne was a devout Roman Catholic and her family takes comfort knowing that she will join her mother Agnes  and her sister Valerie with God in Heaven.  Betty Anne was born Elizabeth Anne O’Sullivan on July 11, 1932 to Mary Agnes O’Sullivan nee Blaise, deceased and to (James) Patrick O’Sullivan deceased.  Betty Anne spent her growing years with the Sister’s of Saint Anne Academy.  After leaving the boarding school, Betty Anne enlisted for two 5 year terms in the Royal Canadian Navy where she met her husband Phillip Roderick Devitt in Halifax Nova Scotia.  They were married on October 12, 1963, and spent their early marriage years in England.  In 1974 the family moved to Vancouver Island, were Phil was transferred by BC Hydro, and where they added Rodney McCulloch to their family.  For years, Betty Anne ran a daycare for teacher, so she could be home for her children.  In 1996, a new challenge peaked Betty Anne’s interest, when she got involved with forming a food bank for the homeless and hungry.  By the time the Cowichan Valley Basket Society moved to James Street, and then to Garden Street, Betty Anne was running the food bank full time.  For over 25 years, 6 days a week, Betty Anne was there full of smiles, encouragement, and advice to those who needed a place to go.  Although she gave everyday to the CVBS, she was still there for her family.  Betty Anne in her lifetime received the Black Tie Service Award, was written onto the Scroll of Honour for the City of Duncan, was given the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and although she appreciated the press that these awards brought to the Basket Society, Betty Anne volunteered because it was what was right.  Betty Anne leaves behind her loving husband, Phil, son, Rod McCulloch (Julie) his daughter Megan, son Tim (Margaret Larson) his children, Tamara, Phillip (Evie), daughter Jennifer  -her daughter Danielle, daughter Christine (Cory Parlee) and their children Dax and Cenna.  Betty Anne also leaves behind her sisters Patricia, Kay, Sharon, Maureen and Denise and many cousins, nieces and nephews.  There will be no funeral as per her request.  In lieu of flowers, a donation in her memory to the Cowichan Valley Basket Society, the Canadian Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of your choice.