Who are you?

I am your grandma. My name is Florence Elizabeth Finnsson, but you can call me Betty. [Editor’s note: Betty is also a BC Seniors Games Bronze Medalist in bridge, but she’s a little too modest to say it].

What do you do for fun?

Play bridge, play whist, go to parties, drive my car places, and cause trouble.

What is your favourite community?

Courtenay. It’s the banana belt of the island.

What is your superpower?

Geez. I don’t know. Putting up with you?! [Editor’s note: after careful discussion with several familial stakeholders hanging around Betty, agreed that always speaking her mind – no matter what the situation – is one of her superpowers…not to mention modesty].

How do you use your superpower to build community?

You ask the dumbest questions. [Editor’s note: see, speaking her mind!]. I only say good things about people – except conservatives – when I speak my mind, and that helps create a positive community.

My three favourite things about Betty are…

1. She is a strong woman. Betty has shown her two daughters and three granddaughters what it means to be a leader inside and outside a family. Consequently, all the men in the family had a head start on what it means to be “sensitive, new-age guys” – Betty taught us this trend way before it was cool! Whether subtly or direct, my sister, mom, aunt, and cousins have been shown strength by a woman who had it figured out well before her time.

2. She calls it like she sees it. Yeah. See comments above. She has the wonderful ability to intervene in situtations where something is wrong (a kid not reaching their potential, homophobics, people not helping enough, or overzealous grandsons). And, thing is, she can usually pull off her straightshooting, honest intervention without hurting feelings. That’s power!

Whatever the event, gathering or dinner, Betty’s in charge. And we’re cool with it!

3. She puts everyone before herself. This one time, we were going on a family trip to Tofino. Betty wanted everyone to go, but didn’t want to take two cars, because there were eight people going (not enough for two full cars). So, she sat on the floor of a minivan for the five hour drive and didn’t complain once. I was eight or nine at the time and might not have fully grasped the selflessness of this gesture; however, I certainly did understand just how hilarious it was. Point is, when such giving abounds, it becomes contagious and, before you know it, you’re lucky enough to be a part of a very, very generous family. And it’s a beautiful thing!

[Editor’s note: Betty turns 85 in three weeks and the grandchildren are building momentum towards what promises to be a totally kick-ass party!]