Story by Jenny Rook, and republished courtesy of the Lakes Post.

“It was such an amazing moment in time, they were both so amazed to see each other, it touched all the staff,” Lifestyle Coordinator Brenda King said.

Meet Betty and Betty

It turned out the 97-year-olds had known each other for 65 years but had lost touch over the years.

Betty Ray was born in Lilydale in 1927 and as a young woman went to work as a typist and receptionist at a business run by Betty Carr’s husband in Melbourne. They became friends through the different social events the company ran and after Betty left work stayed in touch.

“We would occasionally bump into each other, but after some years I lost track of her,” Betty Ray said.

She has two sons, Ian and Graeme, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Betty and her husband Neil moved to Inverloch in retirement and then Lakes Entrance in the 1980’s. When her husband became ill, he was cared for at Calvary Lakes Entrance before he passed away.

Betty Ray later came to the home for some respite care and decided to stay and have full-time care.

This was the rekindling of what is once more a beautiful friendship between the two Betty’s filled with love and respect.

After a short period, they managed to get two rooms side by side and became neighbours.

“It is so lovely to renew the friendship, we are just like sisters, it really was meant to be,” they said.

The coincidences continue

The coincidences did not stop through their lives as Betty and Eric Carr also moved to Inverloch in retirement, then shifted to Lakes Entrance to be close to their daughter Cheryl, son-in-law Graeme and their three daughters in 1983.

Both ladies enjoyed varied activities in Lakes Entrance with Betty Carr being involved in the Walk-a-weigh Group and Probus as well as enjoying gardening, sewing, knitting and making fancy treats for her son-in-law and daughter, her three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Betty Ray was a keen member of the Bowls Club and RSL and enjoyed trips around Australia and overseas with her husband.

They now enthusiastically join in with Calvary Lakes Entrance’s activities like Bingo, music, cards and happy hour. Betty Carr particularly enjoys dancing, art classes and helping fold the tea towels. Betty Ray does exercise classes every morning and helps with craft.

“They really look after each other and both have loving and supportive families who visit regularly and take them out,” Brenda said.

“Betty Carr’s daughter, Cheryl Nicholls, comes in and does armchair travel sessions which the residents enjoy, and it makes her mum very proud.”

At 97, the two Betty’s keep the staff on their toes and are a true inspiration to all. They prove that when life gets in the way of a friendship, it can be rekindled, valued and enjoyed at any stage or age.

“We love the very happy and caring staff here and think it is wonderful that we have each other,” they said.