Elizabeth Dorothy Dockerill

Elizabeth “Betty” Dockerill passed away peacefully at Royal Columbian Hospital on August 1, 2025.

Born on May 26, 1948, in Trail, B.C., Betty was the youngest daughter of Ethel and Robert “Bob” Dockerill. She grew up in Trail, where she attended school and graduated from Grade 12. Betty continued her education at Selkirk College in Castlegar for a year, followed by a year at UBC in Vancouver. In 1968, she enrolled in the nursing program at BCIT, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1970. Later, in 1992, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Victoria.

Betty’s working life began as a playground supervisor during her teenage summers. She also held secretarial positions at the Cominco Smelter in Trail. Her nursing career spanned 36 years, with roles at Woodlands School in New Westminster, in Dawson Creek, and finally at Mt. St. Joseph’s Hospital in Vancouver, where she served as a night supervisor for many years.

Outside of work, Betty found joy in pottery, travel, and spending time with her beloved pets. She took pottery classes at Century House, creating beautiful pieces that reflected her creativity. Her love of travel led her on a six-month backpacking adventure through England in the early 1970s, and she also visited Hawaii and Alaska. Betty especially cherished time with her dogs, enjoying long walks along the New Westminster Quay and participating in dog agility. She and her dog Nemo also volunteered in hospitals, bringing comfort to patients.

Betty is predeceased by her parents and her cherished pets Daphne, Nemo, Athena, and Sinny. She is survived by her sisters Margaret (Gordon) Aalhus and Joan (Dave) Coulson, as well as her nieces and nephews: Kimberley (Sean), Kirstin, Natalie, Robert (Bev), Jacob, Susan (Bud), Laura, Anna, David, Heather (Chris), Erik, and Alysse. She also leaves behind her sweet dog Bobby.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. C. Chan and the staff at New Westminster Family Practice, Dr. Da Roza, Dr. Hung, and the kidney dialysis team at Royal Columbian Hospital. Gratitude also goes to the doctors and staff in the respiratory and vascular departments, and to the many others who cared for Betty over the years. A special thank you to her thoughtful and caring friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Kearney Funeral Home – Columbia Bowell Chapel, 219 6th Street, New Westminster, B.C. Refreshments will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada, the BC Diabetes Association, or the BC & Yukon SPCA.