Elizabeth (Betsy) Ann Lane (Nee Greer)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Elizabeth “Betsy” Ann Lane, who passed away on October 1, 2026, at the age of 98. 

Born in Vancouver on January 30, 1928, Betsy was raised in a loving family and enjoyed a wonderful childhood. Some of her happiest memories were of summers spent at the family home on Salt Spring Island. From an early age, she developed a lifelong appreciation for the arts and culture. She studied ballet as a child and enjoyed ice skating, an interest encouraged by her mother, who was deeply involved in organizing ice carnivals.

Betsy was an accomplished and dedicated student. She attended Maple Grove Elementary School, Prince of Wales Elementary School, Point Grey Junior High School, and Prince of Wales High School, graduating in 1945. She went on to attend the University of British Columbia, graduating in 1949 with first-class honours in Chemistry. During her university years, she was also a member of Delta Gamma Sorority.

Her professional life reflected both her intelligence and her curiosity. She worked with the National Research Council on the Atomic Energy Project in Chalk River, Ontario, as well as with the B.C. Research Council at the UBC campus. Her professional interests also took her overseas to the Royal School of Mines in London, England. 

In 1956, Betsy married William T. Lane, a lawyer, and began a life together filled with family, learning, travel, medicine, and the arts. She had a particular love of exploration and history, visiting archaeological sites throughout Guatemala, Mexico, South America, and Europe, including Egypt. Betsy also gave generously of her time and talents to the community. She was involved with numerous cultural and community organizations, including the Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company, Canadian Music Centre (B.C. Region), and the Junior League of Vancouver. She also served as an elected member of the UBC Senate. 

Her commitment to public and cultural life was recognized at both the provincial and national levels. Betsy was appointed by the Federal Government to the Canada Council and served as a member of the Federal Cultural Policy Review Committee. In recognition of her many contributions to the community, she received an honorary doctorate from Simon Fraser University and was appointed to the Order of Canada.

Above all, Betsy was proud of her family. She leaves behind cherished family members, including Naomi Lane, Tom Lane, Todd Constant as well as her grandchildren, Thomas, John, William and Samantha Lane and Rachel and Elisha Constant. She also maintained close relationships with cousins and extended family throughout Canada and the United States.

Betsy will be remembered for her intellect, curiosity, love of the arts and culture, dedication to her community, and devotion to her family. Her remarkable life spanned nearly a century, during which she touched many lives through her service, accomplishments, friendships, and generosity.

Her legacy will live on in the family she cherished, the communities she served, and the many people who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest peacefully, and may her memory remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.