Betty McAinsh (1 Apr 1952 - 18 May 2020)

In loving memory of Betty McAinsh who sadly passed away on 18th May 2020

Betty

Elizabeth Burgess Livingston McAinsh (Wee Betty) was born on the 1st April 1952 at 14 Rostan Road, Hillpark to Robert and Dorothy and sister of Dorothy who very much wanted a little sister called Betty. Betty was born in the front bedroom of 14 Rostan Road, the house her father built in 1948. Betty had a wonderful childhood playing with her neighbour in the Wendy House which, over time, went everywhere with her – Eaglesham, St Annes Drive in Giffnock and Lothian Drive in Clarkston before the roof eventually fell in! Betty and Dorothy were brought up in Rostan Road and were always very proud of their fathers achievements, buiding his own ‘hoose’ and having a successful business. Unfortunately, Dorothy died at the early age of 38 in 1987, just a few months after her father Robert died – this was a terrible shock to Dorothy’s husband John, Betty and their mother.

Betty was educated at Shawlands Academy and started playing tennis at Hillpark Tennis Club in the early 60’s. She was very successful as a junior, winning The Hillpark Junior Championship in 65, 66 and 67 and helping to win 2 Mixed Doubles West of Scotland Juniors League Championships in 1966 for Hillpark and one for Newlands Tennis Club in 1968. Her biggest tennis claim to fame was being seeded 2nd in the Scottish Under 16 Girls Championship, unfortunately she was knocked out in the semi’s, possibly being seeded a bit too high?! This was a time when Betty enjoyed her tennis the most, going on the train to matches and often getting lost on the way and generally having a great laugh with her tennis friends as they were often not accompanied by an adult! At age 18 general life distractions, partying and working full time – tennis took a back seat. Although, many years later Betty still played occasionally with family and friends at Giffnock. She always enjoyed watching and playing tennis and it was at Giffnock where she met Graham McAinsh in 1991. Betty and Graham married in 2001 at The House For An Art Lover which became her favourite place.

Graham was unequivocally the love of her life!

Graham has always been a great supportive partner, being completely different to Betty in many ways…… Graham likes to be precise when packing suitcases, making sure its never overweight, likes to make sure all doors are locked before leaving the house, Graham never swears, he’s laid back and he’s not very bothered about things. They do say opposites attract?! Graham and Betty had a very happy life together having many wonderful holidays and had many good nights with friends Brian and Sheila. Jan and Bruce and their family had been staunch friends for over 30 years and Betty enjoyed many a good laugh at lunch with Mairi and catching up with tennis friends. Please give apologies for not mentioning everyone by name but all friends were very important to Betty from School friends like Lillian, to more recent Beatson friends like Kathleen.

Her biggest claim to fame was of course having her three daughters, Lynsey, Fiona and Allison, who have always been her biggest source of pride and all their achievements. Although not perhaps always?! There were some teenage years that could be said were possibly trying!!! Betty was always on their side though. She did, however, wait until they had all definitely left before doing up the house!
Her grandchildren, Cameron, James, Katherine, Eilidh and, more recently, baby Patrick have been a great source of enjoyment. Betty loved seeing them playing and growing. And loved even more waving them off after visits!
Perhaps it could be said that Betty’s favourite was Kodie Dog, she never answered back and was always there for a cuddle and only ever wanted more and more biscuits.

On going back to work after having the girls, Betty worked with the WRVS for many years in different capacities. Firstly, in the Premises Department in Newton Terrace and then in Napiershall Street off Great Western Road helping with the Meals on Wheels Service – where many characters made it one of the very best jobs she ever had. After the closure of that service it was off to Paisley co-ordinating a Befriending Service which she thoroughly enjoyed. Betty kept in touch with Margaret and Helen through many pleasant lunches for years.

The same happened when Betty had Breast Cancer, she managed to turn it into a social event. Whether it was in the exercise classes or with other patients, she always seemed to arrange lunches / coffees or nights out with the people she met.

Betty’s favourite place for a few days retreat was of course Arran. She loved visiting Auchrannie, The Douglas or simply an afternoon taking on one of the many walks around Arran – via the chocolate shop of course! She loved going over on the ferry and sitting outside on the top deck taking in the fresh air and feeling like she was really getting away.

Betty’s Favourite Songs

Elvis – The Wonder of You
Andy Williams – Moon River
West Side Story – Somewhere There’s A Place For Us
Simon and Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water
Nessun Dorma
But we must always remember that Betty’s favourite singer was of course Graham!

Betty’s Poems

The Dash
I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend,
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came her date of birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash, represents all the time
They spent alive on earth,
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars…. The house….. The cash…..
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard:
are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That still can be rearranged.

To be less quick to anger
And to show appreciation more,
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
And more often, wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash,
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you lived your dash?

Afterglow
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.

I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.

I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun;
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.