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Linda Jelley-Pangalos posted a condolence
Sunday, September 17, 2006
I would like to offer my condolences to Betty's family on her passing. I wanted to be at the Memorial so badly but had to work this weekend. I could write a book on all the memories that I have of Betty on Summerhill Ave, Toronto and back to Montreal. She was my mentor, my friend, the person who I admired for all of my life. Her love of life was contagious, her desire to travel and experience different cultures was so unique. Her stories of her travels were wonderful. She loved England, Israel and her safaris to Africa. Her treatment of people, her lack of judging and her desire to help all of those who came through her path was remarkable. It is because of Betty that I went into social work (even though she thought I was crazzzzzzzy). Betty surrounded herself by the most wonderful people.....!!!!!! She was a dear friend to all of my family, my grandparents, Mary and Clem Coles, my parents Connie and Bill Jelly, my brother, Michael and his wife, and to myself and my family. My children were lucky to get to know her, Dean, John and Iris will never forget her. She treated my grandparents like they were gold. We had breakfast together at my grandmothers for years. That is where I heard her talk about her view of social work and where I became motivated to follow in her footsteps. Her cooking skills were interesting and an experience to talk about. I remember it was the first time I really ate beef rare (almost walking) she would order ground beef from Cliffords, add some salt, pepper and other spices and she would place it in the pan. Betty would think that it was done when she turned it over once. I am still trying to recreate her chicken fricasse that she would make for her dinner parties along with her famous chili, it was 'delish'. Her Christmas cards were always original and would bring a smile to my face. Her apartments always had a 'distinctive smell', sortof musky, that will always reminds me of her. She was one of a kind, a humanitarian, a lover of life, a true friend, she will be missed more than she could ever know. I also wanted to say that I found a pic of Al and one of Betty that my grandmother had given me, if anyone would like a copy, please feel free to email me. I did not know Al or Betty's dad but I knew her mother very well through my grandmother. I am grateful to have remained connected to Betty for all of my life and of her jaunts to New York where we were able to have dinner together. I was so surprised to learn of her passing because she looked so young and was so vibrant. Last year, I told Betty of a dress that she had given my mother. It was a yellow halter sundress with a jacket that she had worn and given to my mother. There are pictures of my mother pushing a carriage with me in it and my mom was wearing the dress. I was given the dress and wore it much of my young adulthood and recently my daughter, who was fourteen at the time, also wore it. We sent a picture to Betty of my daughter wearing the dress and she couldn't believe it. I am so glad that it 'tickled' her. I am also very glad to have had this opportunity to write a short note about a woman who I loved and admired with all my heart. Her life deserved to be celebrated!
