Betty Anne Graves, an educator, artist, and community advocate, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2026. She was 85 years old. Graves is survived by her husband of 63 years, Don Graves; their children Karen (Rodney) McCann and Pete (Amanda) Graves; seven grandchildren; and extended family.

Born Elizabeth Rostrup on April 5, 1941, in Edmonton, Alberta, she was the eldest of three siblings. She attended Strathcona Composite High School and the University of Alberta, where she formed lifelong friendships. It was during family visits to Sylvan Lake, Alberta, that she met her future husband, Don. The couple married in Edmonton in 1963 before relocating to Toronto, Ontario, where Don pursued a career in accounting and Betty Anne taught school.

After several years in Toronto, the family returned to Calgary, Alberta. There, Betty Anne continued her teaching career at Allied Arts and later co-founded The Croft, a craft arts store that supported local artists for more than two decades. The store prominently featured her own artwork, including pottery she created. Her artistic sensibility was a defining element of both her professional and personal life, influenced by extensive travels to regions including Canada’s North, Japan, and Norway.

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Graves was deeply committed to environmental conservation and community engagement. She devoted significant time to promoting outdoor recreation and nature appreciation, actively working with Alberta TrailNet and serving on the national board of the Trans Canada Trail. In the early 1990s, she and her husband purchased property on Mayne Island, British Columbia, which they transformed into a nature conservancy commonly shared with family and friends.

Family held a central place in Graves’s life. She meticulously documented the histories of her Beckner and Rostrup ancestors in carefully crafted, leather-bound albums distributed to relatives. Known for her focus, determination, and warm spirit, she was remembered by friends and family as a passionate advocate for creativity, adventure, and connection.

Graves received support from numerous health professionals and caregiving teams during her final days, including Helios Wellness, the Fanning Centre, Longevity Care, and medical assistance in dying (MAID) providers. In accordance with her wishes, no funeral service will be held.

In lieu of flowers or traditional memorials, the family has requested that those wishing to honor her memory consider donating time to those in need or becoming “champions” for others, reflecting Betty Anne’s lifelong encouragement to support and uplift those around her.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family through a dedicated online portal.