We Remember
CURELL, Elizabeth McMillan (née Macdonald)
August 12, 1928 — October 27, 2023
Liz “Betty” passed away peacefully with a full moon shining through her window. She is survived by her children David, Jane (Dave), Bob (Bettina), and Brian; her younger brother Robert; sisters-in-law Marge and Zorea; extended family; and fondly known as grandma to Jessica, Calvin, and Kuni.
Liz was the oldest of 5 (Ian, Bev, Glen, Robert) and the only girl. Being the elder of the children, she took an active role in keeping the family under control and continued to have strong and close relationships with her brothers and their families. All of the family was active in sports and Liz excelled in speed skating, swimming, and diving; she also loved baseball so much that her bottom set of teeth had been completely knocked out. In her teens, she began modelling for “Woodward’s” in Edmonton, AB and so began her flair for fashion.
After marriage and having a family in Edmonton, the family of 6 moved to Kelowna, BC in 1962, where Grandad Curell had been living since the early 1900s. Soon after arriving in Kelowna, she began 22 years of volunteer work at the Kelowna Hospital Auxiliary and was the buyer at the KGH Gift shop. In addition to her volunteer work, Liz taught high school charm classes at KSS; organized fashion shows for charities; hosted gala nights to raise funds targeted for a roof on the Parkinson Recreation Pool as well as the KGH Foundation; and she was the marketing director for the 1980 BC Summer Games. During the winter it was weekend “après” ski tailgating at Big White that kept her socially connected, and in the summer she was a keen tennis player at KGCC in singles and mixed doubles.
There was no “free lunch” for Liz. Separated in 1981 at the age of 52, she stepped out of the comfort zone of many peers and used her flair for fashion, old-fashioned grit, and determination to open a swimsuit and cruise wear boutique in Kelowna. Desiring to be closer to her family, she relocated the business to downtown Vancouver in 1987, and it soon became the “go to” retailer of swimwear in Western Canada. After retirement at 90, she moved back to Kelowna and rekindled friendships and stories at the “Missionwood” Seniors Resort.
In the early 1980s, Liz began travelling to different Club Meds. She quickly became an expert on Club Meds and over the years had stayed at 15 Club Meds throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. She cruised Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, South America and walked the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, the Algarve, and enthusiastically visited the homeland of her parents, Scotland.
Liz embraced a night out, especially to big name theatrical and musical venues, and she knew how to throw a party. She was always up-to-date with current affairs, and she wasn’t afraid to offer her opinion on just about anything.
The family would like to thank the stroke ward staff at Kelowna General Hospital for their compassion and guidance over the past 3 weeks and ensuring that each evening she was tucked in for a restful night.
Liz had a full life; loving family, community involvement, career in business, excellent at entertaining and an adventurous traveller. She will be remembered as “The Amazing Liz” and, will be joining many family members and friends in her next life.
There will be a private family service. As per her wishes, a gathering to celebrate the life of Liz will take place FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023, between 1:00-3:00 PM, at the KELOWNA GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB: 1297 Glenmore Drive, Kelowna, BC. If anyone chooses to donate in memory of Liz, please do so to the KGH Foundation.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023, between 1:00-3:00 PM
Location
KELOWNA GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB: 1297 Glenmore Drive, Kelowna, BC
Share with Others:
KGH Foundation Link: www.kghfoundation.com.
Service Information
Service Details
The service for CURELL, Elizabeth McMillan (née Macdonald) is scheduled for FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023, between 1:00-3:00 PM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
KELOWNA GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB: 1297 Glenmore Drive, Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
David, Jane, Bob and Brian,
My heartfelt sympathy to all of you over the loss of your Mother.
Betty was a people person who loved her family and friends and being with them. When she started her cruise wear store in Kelowna, she was so great employing her friends children during the summer months. I was fortunate to work with her when she moved to Vancouver, and her store became the destination place to get your cruise wear. Betty was a dry, attractive lady and certainly was a model for her cruise wear line. She lived a long life and a life well lived. She will be missed.
I loved seeing your mom and hearing of her life, she will be greatly missed. Gail
Jane, David, Bob and Brian,
My sincere condolences to you all on the passing of your dear Mom.
She was truly an amazing person. The last time I chatted to Betty was in her lovely swimwear store in Vancouver. It was simply the most incredible, high quality, extensive swimwear store I had ever encountered. She had an amazing fashion flair and enthusiastically brought me so many swimsuits to try on that I recall being in her store for well over an hour. Betty was an extraordinary, successful business women who followed her passion and became an expert in the swimwear retail sector in B.C and beyond.
I have such fond childhood memories of the Curell family arriving by boat at our Poplar Point home dock for visits and many much loved waterskiing adventures. Our family snowskiing gatherings at Big White were such fun and there always seemed to be many apres ski parties and delicious food. The Mexican themed parties at your home were incredible thanks to Betty’s culinary talents and her flair for
entertaining and hosting a perfect party.
May you all find comfort knowing that Betty is shining down on you with her love.
With my deepest condolences and wonderful cherished memories of beautiful Betty.
Patti (Morrow) Dorin
Bob, and family,
My sympathy on the passing of your mother. Trust you have many treasured memories to sustain you in your bereavement and in the future. May her soul rest in peace!
Bob,Jane,David and Brian,
My deepest condolences on your loss. For over four years Liz and I walked together almost daily to the Missionwood dining room where there was much reminiscing and many stories told. She is lovingly missed and will be fondly remembered for her kind and dependable friendship. I also really enjoyed my visits with Bob and Bettina and Kuni and wish you all the best. Liz was very fortunate to have such a wonderful family..
My deepest condolences on the passing of your Mom. Liz and I walked to the Missionwood dining room together almost daily., where there was much reminiscing and many stories of the past told. She is lovingly missed and will be fondly remembered for her dependable friendship.
I also very much enjoyed my visits with Bob, Bettina and Kuni, I wish you and all of Liz,s family the best.
Dear Jane, Bob, David and Brian.
We both have fond memories of your mother and shared many hours in her swimwear stores, trying on innumerable bathing suits! She could always find the right one from the vast supply of merchandise. We’re sorry that we’ve lost contact with the Curell family but hope everyone is doing well. A donation in Betty’s memory has been sent to the KGH Foundations, With sincere sympathy and best wishes, Audrey and Lorne Lindsay
We are just learning of your passing Elizabeth. All of the conversations we had while working together at Bob’s “Just Cruisin Shop” on Howe, always left me knowing I was speaking to someone with opinions. You taught me a little about fashion, a lot about family commitment and when we spoke about politics and Vancouver, you knew as much as just about anyone. Well read, proactive, and inspired, I’m sure you loved your family with every ounce of your being Elizabeth, and it was a pleasure to meet you. May God bless and keep your spirit and comfort your family with the knowledge you were appreciated.