Obituaries

Betty-Jane Tsui (née Wilburn) passed away on March 7th in Kelowna, BC.

She is survived by her devoted husband of sixty years, Gilbert, son Ben and his family (wife Andrea, daughter Brynn, and son Zachary), and daughter Nicole.

Betty-Jane was the eldest of all her siblings; all of whom predeceased her.

She was the daughter of an American soldier and a young, Chinese war bride. She spent much of her formative years helping to care and raise her younger siblings in wartime Shanghai.

Several decades later, she was a part of a new and exciting, modern post-war Hong Kong. A literal jetsetter, she flew the friendly skies and met her future husband, Gilbert. They were practically celebrities, living the high-life and flying off to see the best of the world.

Betty-Jane and Gil made the decision to emigrate to Vancouver, Canada, knowing they did not want to start a family in the East.

Life in Canada was grand. Their house was the one that all their family and friends came to. They put on marvellous dinner parties during their Mod Squad heyday in the 1970s, and continued to be fabulous hosts for decades to come.

Betty-Jane was fierce and passionate, vivacious, and funny. She could always carry a conversation and keep you captivated - a gift she held onto until almost the end.

She really hit her stride as a grandmother. She cherished visits from her grandchildren when they came to visit her at their home in Kelowna.

In these last years, she endured her second bout of cancer and the cruel onslaught of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

She passed peacefully, her heart finally stopping when her husband, son, and daughter were together with her.

A celebration of her life will be held later in the spring. Interment will be at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to either: The BC Cancer Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Society of British Columbia.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyviewfuneralhome.com for the Tsui family.

• Mar 14, 2025
  Dear Gil and family,
  
  We will all miss Betty, especially the 1st-floor team. May you find comfort and peace in the special memories you hold so dear. - Jenelle Hynes & The Vineyards Team
• Mar 14, 2025
  Always such sadness when our loved ones pass but so uplifting to get a chance to actually get to know about what a wonderful life Gil and BJ had. We sometimes lose sight of the happy times in the sorrow of the moment. Our condolences at this time but more importantly thank you for sharing your story. - Gary and Marie Anne Nason
• Mar 13, 2025
  Gil & family,
  
  We were saddened to hear of BJ's passing.
  
  We have had the pleasure of Gil & BJ being our next door neighbors for just over 20 years. Gil & BJ have a wonderful family, very supportive of their parents. We have had wonderful meals & times with Gil & BJ, They are great cooks & hostess. You are missed by many folks BJ.
  
  Wayne & Shirley Carter - Shirley Carter
• Mar 12, 2025
  Gilbert and family:
  
  I happened to be browsing Kelowna obituaries and was surprised to see Betty Jane’s obituary. I remember your family living next door in Richmond; what a nice family and neighbours you were. Unfortunately we lost track of you after Calgary.
  
  Take care and regards to your family.
  
  Ron and Linda Araki - Ron and Linda Araki
• Mar 12, 2025
  Hi Gill and family. Unfortunate to hear of BJ's passing. Please accept our deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. - Andy/Marilyn McDonald

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