CANADIAN-born Elizabeth “Betty” Clement, who had lived in Penrith since her teenaged years, has died, aged 90.

Mrs. Clement, who lived at Folly Lane with her second husband, John Clement, was a mother of three, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.

Born in Canada, Betty was one of six girls, three of whom were already living in England at the time when, aged 17, she arrived in this country with her mother, leaving two sisters in Canada.

Taken ill during the voyage, her mother died after arriving in England and Betty came to Penrith to live with her sister, Belle Dixon, who was living in West Lane.

She continued living with Belle until she met her future husband, Norman Taylor, with whom she went on to have three children — Maureen Woodall, who lives at Castle Hill Road, Penrith, Valerie Taylor, of Dalston, and Norman Taylor, of Beck Road, Carlisle.

Following war service with the Royal Engineers, Norman suffered a number of health problems, from which he took several years to recover. Eventually, he was able to return to work as a stonemason for the local council.

Before her marriage Betty was housekeeper to Mr. Priestman, of Penrith’s Priestman’s Chemist, who lived in Fell Lane. She later did domestic work at Newton Rigg College, before waitressing at the Tudor Cafe and then the town’s Two Lions pub.

She eventually gave up work to nurse her husband whose health was failing, until his death in 1980.

Some time later, Betty married John Clement, himself a father of three — David now lives in Farnborough, Brian, in Scotland, and Louise (now Foggin), lives in Foster Street, Penrith.

Betty was a very sharp-minded and smartly turned out woman who thoroughly enjoyed television, in particular keeping up with all the soap operas.

She retained a lifelong love of clothes and shopping, making frequent trips to the shops at Carlisle and Kendal — never letting failing health stop her. She was always sociable and loved having visitors and keeping up with family news.

Betty was a regular attendee at the Gospel Hall, in Queen Street, and enjoyed attending regular Salvation Army coffee mornings.

Together with husband John she was at one time a regular at Penrith Conservative Club.

A naturally gifted artist, Betty, who was outgoing, also enjoyed singing and put in the occasional performance over the years at the RAOB Club and the Two Lions. In her younger days she enjoyed dancing.

Betty is survived by John, who took great care of her during her final years, her three children, 11 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.