Obituary of Betty Jane Lilley

Betty Jane Lilley (Watson)

October 20, 1936 – July 31, 2023

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our mother Betty. She will be sadly missed and will forever be in our hearts.

Betty was born in New Westminster to the late Harold and Jessie Watson but lived her whole life in Maple Ridge. She married her soulmate Stanley Lilley in August 1956. They had 53 wonderful years together before Stan passed away in July 2010. In 1955 they started building the family home and every corner of the home and gardens were a labour of love for the two of them. Betty lived there until 5 years ago when she moved to Greystone Manor.

Betty worked at BC Tel before joining Stan in his business ventures and raising their 3 sons. They started with a small Trucking Company (Stoltze Motor Freight). Stan drove and Betty dispatched and kept the books. Next, the two of them took over Lougheed Texaco (Esso) and later, along with their eldest son, opened Start Automotive.

Betty and Stan loved to travel the world. They had a lot of adventures in their 5^th wheel, but especially loved cruising, and managed to fulfill most of their bucket list together. Betty was, above all, focused on family. She was proud of her children; her 3 sons, Art (Kelly), Tim (Cheryl) and Scott (Wendy), but, prouder still of her grandchildren, Chrystalyn (Mark), Timmy (deceased), Arthur (Dezarae), Sean (Teila), Eric (Cassidy), Tess, Verity and Kristian (Charlotte). Her happiest years were spent being a wife, mother, grandma and great-grandma to Sawyer, Bailey, Brett, Jacob, Jackson, Rhiley, Charlie, and Archie. She also leaves behind extended family and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be planned at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favourite Charity in Betty’s memory. 

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