Betty Ann (Whittaker) Creamer

Betty Ann Creamer was born in Toronto, Ontario on December 14th, 1933, and passed away in the Comox Valley on October 24th, 2024. She is survived by three daughters, Cindy Lee Harlow (John), Kelly Gail Creamer, and Thayna Michele Wasiliew (Darrin), daughter-in-law Pati Creamer, 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, one niece, and one nephew. 

She was predeceased by her husband Frank William Creamer (January 1995), son, David Spence Creamer (May 2009), son-in-law  Allen (Mac) Rodney MacDonald (August 2014) , daughter Kathryn Anne Creamer (January 2018), brother Donald James Whittaker (2019), and daughter Sandra Lyn MacDonald (October 2022), and Scottie dogs McDuff, Brill, Brora, and many other pets throughout her life. 

Betty Ann came from a family of four, including her parents and younger brother Don. Betty Ann spent her childhood years growing up in New Castle, Ontario. Favourite past times during her childhood included spending time out at her cousin's farm in the country with the family; or finding a quiet place where she could get lost in a new book. She loved reading even in her later years, and knew she could always look forward to December when she often would receive a new book on her Birthday or on Christmas morning. 

At the young age of 13, Betty Ann met the love of her life, Frank Creamer. She knew from the very first date that he was a special chap. Throughout her life, Betty Ann would share stories about her fond memories watching Frank compete as an athlete on various sporting teams, attending dances with friends, and going on sunny day drives which often involved a stop for a picnic along the way. On October 18th, 1952, the young couple got married and spent many years happily adventuring through life. 

After high school, Betty Ann started her journey and education to become a nurse. She bookmarked that chapter of her life in 1953 while she and Frank raised their family. In 1979 she finished her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse from Malaspina College, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, BC, and practiced for over 10 years at the Comox Valley Hospital.

In 1950 Frank joined the Canadian Air Force to become a navigator. Frank, Betty Ann, and family were stationed to many different provinces across Canada including Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and British Columbia where they retired in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. Between the years of 1953 and 1965 the Creamers bloomed into a beautiful family with five daughters: Kathy, Sandy, Cindy, Kelly, and Michele, and one son David. 

Family meant the world to Betty Ann, and this was reflected in her memories and stories. Whether it was an impromptu song and dance gathering in the living room, family dinners and happy conversations around the big dining room table, or family trips across Canada or to Mickey’s Magical Kingdom, she glowed with pure joy when reminiscing. Betty Ann was fortunate to have so many grandchildren and great grandchildren. It wouldn't be a surprise if you saw her at the hockey rink cheering on the Comox Valley Chiefs or going to the recreation centre to watch a gymnastics or diving competition. She loved attending various dance recitals, choir, and band concerts. Music always held a special place in her heart, especially hearing the sibling harmonies. In her later years Betty Ann treasured the times when her family members would surprise her with a visit, or a long phone chat over a cup of coffee to catch up on life events. It always gave her a great boost and raised her spirits, and she enjoyed passing on the updates to the rest of the family and friends. 

Betty Ann had a talent for sewing, she shared stories about the dance and Halloween costumes, garments, and graduation dresses that she created... As her kids grew older Betty Ann grew a passion for painting. She took numerous lessons and created many works of art that live on in many of her family’s homes. Another talent she had was creating hand painted wooden ornaments that were unique to each individual and hung on Christmas trees every holiday season. In the spring and summer, she loved gardening and getting out for nice long walks. Betty Ann was an avid cook and baker. She enjoyed gathering and trialing new recipes from books she read or shows she watched. Her mashed potato casserole recipe still lives on at many family dinners. 

December was always a special time of year for Betty Ann as she often cherished the memories of spending time with her family and friends celebrating her birthday and the many gatherings around the holiday season. Last year, on Betty Anns’ 90th birthday she quoted “I am grateful that I have lived a very long and fulfilling life. I love all my family very much and we have shared many great stories and memories, but if and when it is time to go, C'est La Vie!”