Fond Memories of Sis Betty

This is the month in North America when we honour all the exceptional ladies in our lives, that we are blessed and privileged to call our mother. It gives me great pleasure to pay a special tribute to one such person, Sister Betty, who was a special cousin, devoted daughter, caring sister, exceptional mother and a loving grandmother.

I have fond memories of Sis Betty as I was growing up in Guyana. When I was a little girl, she and Lall Bunyoe lived across at Old Aghee's house on Barr Street. It was habitual every afternoon, after school, that Baby Rosie be taken for a stroll in The Royal Pram. This was done along the La Promenade of Barr Street, while Sis Betty checked my homework. Of course, this interferred with my playing time. I was only allowed to play with my friends after I received Teacher Betty's stamp of approval,indicating that my homework was done to her satisfaction.

Sis Betty was multi-talented and she had a strong passion for sewing. I remembered that once she made a pretty pink dress for Viv (all hand sewn)while we were on our way to a wedding. By the time we arrived at our destination, Miss Viv was decked out in her designer's couture! Unfortunately, after the little Princess finished her bottle, she threw up all over the dress and ruined it. It was amazing to see some of the masterpieces Sis Betty created with only her sewing needle.

She was not only an influential role model for her sisters but also for her younger cousins. Although she was strict with us at times, she also had a soft and gentle side especially towards her Bent Street cousins. Although Sister Lena was the the first lady driver in the family, it was Sis Betty who had the monopoly of the Camp Street cars. She took us to numerous social events and for a drives along the Sea Wall on Sunday afternoons. If we were good in the car, we were rewarded with ice-cream at the infamous Brown Betty.

Sis Betty had a very close relationship and special bond with Mom, whom she often referred to as her second Mother and considered Bent Street her home. That relation-ship did not change when we moved to Canada. Whenever she came to Toronto, she stayed only at Mom and Dad's, as she felt comfortable, welcomed and loved in their home.

Sis Betty knew all about multi-tasking before it was implemented in North America. She worked very hard at the drinks factory, Broad Street. She had to juggle a career as well as, being a single mother. In her spare time, she made beautiful dresses not only for her daughters and nieces, but also for myself when I lived with Old Aghee.

Sis Betty always conducted herself with class and dignity and expected nothing less from everyone. When my family and I were on vacation in England in 1997 we stayed with Sis Betty and what a fun time we had. I spent quality time with her and got to know the personal and intimate side of Sis Betty. We were inseparable and many evenings were spent (over a glass or two of sherry)laughing and crying as we reminisced over the happy days spent growing up in Guyana with our cousins.

Although we miss her terribly now that she has passed away, we rest assured knowing that Sis Betty is at peace and in a better place. Knowing her, she is likely making sure order and decorum are kept in the Kingdom of Heaven!

Sattee Singh~Toronto