Mary Agnes (May) Hood and Marjory Betty (Marjie) Kristiansen pay honour and tribute to our aunt and "sister" Christabel Alice (Betty) Fergie (1919 - 2019) Died 2/3/19. Because our mother, Marjory, was 17 years older than Betty, she was closer in age to us and more of a "sister than an aunt. We grew up together.
Betty was an exceptional woman. She was strong, intelligent, loving, vibrant and positive with a great sense of humour. Although she was glamorous and beautiful, with fabulous eyes and cheekbones, she was never vain. She thought more about other people than she did about herself. She rarely criticised others, even when she had cause, and never held grudges..
Betty was artistic and musical. She drew, played the piano and sang. . She had a rich, melodious voice. Her sister played the piano and her brothers, John and Arthur, sang. Arthur and Phil, the youngest brother, played musical instruments. In the days before TV they all greatly entertained the family.
In her later years, Betty became even more gracious and lovely, with her face reflecting her thoughtful, positive, caring personality.
Betty had different paid occupations, as well as her role as a caring, responsible wife and mother to her three children, Wendy, Ian and Peter. As she grew older she became a self taught herbalist and helped people with advice on herbal medicines.
We will always remember, love, like and respect you, Betty, our remarkable, dear aunt and "sister".
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A poem by Christabel
Suppose I lived to ninety four
Or who could tell, it may be more
I hope I never have to say
Why didn't I start that yesterday
In retrospect from ninety four
To grieve for wasted years of yore
When I thought I had too little time
To learn and grow, expand and climb
When thirty years have slipped away
I hope I never have to say
Such wasted time, hours, days and years
Wasted with hesitations, fears
Lack of confidence, too much T V
Can that procrastinating soul be me
I must start to change my ways
Before the next great growing phase
The wings of time are ever fleet
And efforts grow and challenge sweet
I'll read and write, create and do
Keep vital although days seem few
Life's next great stage will surely come
I'll not sit back and ho and hum
and watch the passing of the days
With mind a-blank and eyes a-glaze
The creaking hinge hangs long they say
Oh yes, that's it, I'll start today.
Christabel Fergie
Christabel lived to 99.