WEISGARBER, Bethiah Caroline - Died Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011 in Kelowna, B.C. at the age of 90.

As wife of well-known composer and UBC music professor Elliot Weisgarber “Beth” was part of the Vancouver classical music community for forty years. She was born in Phoenix, AZ on Jan. 31, 1921, the daughter of J. Leslie and Lillian E. (Swanson) Setter, and grew up on a citrus ranch. Highly gifted in the arts she chose to study piano and voice receiving her degree from the prestigious Eastman School of Music. After marrying Elliot in 1943 she was by his side throughout his career which included periods of time in New Hampshire, North Carolina and California before coming to Canada in 1960. A superb musician in her own right she sang in the Vancouver Bach Choir amongst others and was well known in the Dunbar neighbourhood as a piano teacher. She joined Elliot in many of his world travels, including a year’s residence in Japan. The last 15 years of her life were marred by Alzheimer’s disease. When her daughter Karen and son-in-law Ken Smithson moved to Kelowna she went with them to live in their home. During Beth’s final years she was cared for by the loving staff at Sutherland Hills Rest Home to whom her family gives deep thanks.

In lieu of flowers a donation in Beth’s memory is suggested made payable to the “University of British Columbia” specifying the Elliot Weisgarber Memorial Scholarship in Music Fund established by her after his death.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mem.com.

Arrangements in care of First Memorial Funeral Services, (250) 762-2299.

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