Elizabeth (Betty) Margaret (Forshaw) Talarico • January 14, 1925 – January 28, 2021 • “A True and Faithful Servant”
Boundary Country native, Betty Talarico passed into the Light in her Grand Forks home in the loving presence of her family on January 28, 2021 at the age of 96 years. She was the fifth child and only daughter of Agnes and Robert Forshaw, born in Greenwood on January 14, 1925.
Betty received her schooling in Greenwood, grade 13 education at North Vancouver High, earned a Bachelor of Household Science degree from the University of Saskatchewan (1948) and her teaching credentials from the University of Victoria. After one year teaching in Princeton, she returned to the Boundary in 1949, establishing the Home Economics Department at Grand Forks Secondary School. She was a teacher there for a period of 24 years. Betty believed that through teaching home economics, she was helping her students gain valuable knowledge and skills which would enrich their lives and those of their family and community.
In addition to being a wife, mother, and teacher, her interests were sports groups in her community. Betty was a lifelong Anglican, being born into an active church family. St. Jude’s church in Greenwood was built in 1888 and it is interesting to note that the lumber used for later additions and repairs came from her brothers’ sawmill.
She was baptized (June 14, 1930), confirmed (September 22, 1939), and married Adoph (Ace) Talarico (September 3, 1952) at St. Jude’s. When she moved to Grand Forks, she became actively involved with Holy Trinity Church and was a lifelong supporter of both parishes in the sharing of her time, talents, and treasures.
When asked to share a few thoughts about Betty, The Reverend Simon Shenstone (Honorary Assistant) writes: “I began attending Holy Trinity Church in 1984 and remember Betty faithfully attending the services. I was appointed Deacon-in-Charge in 1988 and then Incumbent Priest until retirement in 2015. Throughout my time as Parish Priest, Betty was always very supportive and I remember well visiting her in her home, overlooking Grand Forks. We chatted about the “old days”, especially of her time at St. Jude’s in Greenwood. She continued that support after my retirement, when I would take the occasional Service. She would say, “You are still coming all the way down that mountain to come in to do services”. (I live up in the mountain above Christina Lake). Betty was a woman who supported her Church, priest and the work of the church in whatever way she could. May she rest in peace!
The Reverend Cathy Straume (Assistant Priest) shares: “I have lived in Greenwood for over 35 years. I came across Betty before I met her, as her reputation as a leader and well recognized member in the Boundary area preceded her. Matters concerning Greenwood and our Anglican presence were of great concern to Betty. Whether political or mundane, everyday living concerned her. Brother Bob Forshaw was a well-spoken, politically active individual with Betty deliberating by his side. Her viewpoints came from her faith and teaching young, upcoming citizens of all backgrounds. I will always hear her saying “What are the facts? What do we know and we will work from there.” Rest in peace Betty!
Long-time parishioner, Rosalie Moore, tells that Betty remembered cooking with her Mother and Grandmother. Rosalie writes that “Betty was a strong and faithful member of Holy Trinity Church for many years. She was such a wealth of information. Anything you wanted to know about the history of the church and its people, you could ask Betty. She was always ready to help and did so through our many bake sales, community teas and fund raisers. She was a fine lady and a good friend. I will miss you Betty!”
Betty will be deeply missed and remembered, with great thanks and admiration, for her resilience, wisdom, steadfastness, generous and love by her daughters, Jill and Denise, two grandsons and two great granddaughters, plus nephew, nieces and their families.
She will also be sadly missed by her church families at Holy Trinity and St. Jude’s as well as the communities in the Boundary. Betty was an individual with a presence, spoke eloquently in expressing her viewpoint and was highly dependable. When she gave her word to do something, you could be sure it would be done in an organized and timely fashion. Her faith, love and support of the Anglican Church is exemplary. The success and legacy of one’s life is often measured by their accomplishments, words and actions. The journey of Betty has left a positive impact on this world including her family, church members, students, friends, acquaintances and strangers. She was an inspiration, mentor and role model to many. Her legacy of good works is carried in memories that are a part of hearts that crossed her path. Blessings and Gratitude for her life!
Respecting Covid-19 protocol, the family held a private service at Holy Trinity Church, officiated by the Reverend Rosalind Westaway (Honorary Assistant) on February 4th. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery where she was laid to rest by her husband and two sons.
Family obituary may be viewed at Grand Forks Gazette. The Talarico Family may be contacted by mail: PO Box 1772, Grand Forks, BC, V0H 1H0 or by phone 250 442 8136.
