A life well-lived is its own reward.
That’s something Betty Trotter knew very well.
When the Langley woman passed away last month at 101 years old she did it with few, if any, regrets.
“She was ready to go,” said Mrs. Trotter’s daughter-in-law, Victoria Trotter.
“She was a very positive person. She loved everything modern; she looked to the future, never to the past.”
Born in Carlyle, England in 1913, Mrs. Trotter worked in civil defence in London, during the Second World War. She would walk the streets of the city at night to ensure blackout procedures were being followed.
By this time, she had already embarked upon a career as a teacher.
It was also during the war that she met her husband, Cecil, at a dance for Allied soldiers. The couple married in 1941 and moved to Canada, where they had two sons, Stephen and Richard as well as a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She spent a lifetime fostering a love of reading, writing, art and music.
In her later years, would send Stephen to the library to pick up half a dozen books every week, said Victoria.
In fact, in addition to being a voracious reader, Mrs. Trotter wrote two books — one for children and a romance novel.
The children’s book, titled Debbie’s Dilemma, which she also illustrated, tells the story of a young zebra who learns that true beauty comes from the inside. Her family had it reprinted for her 95th birthday.
She also sang with the Bach Choir in Vancouver.
“She liked to listen to classical music. Or, as she termed it, good music,” said Victoria, with a smile.
“She had a great appetite and was a great cook,” recalled Stephen.
After her husband passed away, Mrs. Trotter set out to see the world.
Among her adventures was a barefoot cruise on a sailing ship during her 60s, when she dove into the Mediterranean.
“She was never nervous. She had a zest for life,” said Victoria
In addition to her creative instincts, Mrs. Trotter had a very practical side and was known for offering sage bits of advice.
She was famous among friends and family for quotes in greeting cards, said Victoria.
“When you got one, you couldn’t wait to open it to see what piece of wisdom she’d given you.”