By Ursula Maxwell-Lewis
Langley Beta Sigma Phi sorority sisters surprised long-time member, Mary Cooley, by presenting her with the International Award of Distinction at Newlands Gold and Country Club during the annual Founder’s Day Ritual on Monday, April 23.
The rarely presented award is the highest honour Beta Sigma Phi sisters can bestow on a member.
Active and dedicated since joining Beta Sigma Phi in Nelson, BC in 1948, Mary Cooley is renowned for going the extra mile for people both in and out of sorority.
Not surprisingly, many people went extra mile for Mary on Monday night to share the celebration. Daughter-in-law, Ingrid Cooley, travelled from Arlington, Texas, Dolores Leeming from Ontario, and Pat Jorgenson and Donna Yeutsy from Seattle.
Her daughter, Sandy Henry, came from Maple Ridge, as did Hazel Carr and Ev Rilkoff. Other surprise guests included Vernice Stephenson (Surrey), Lorraine Nelson, Marj Cameron and Betty Fleming (Chilliwack), and Mickey Emerton, Marie Merritt, and Doreen Brown (White Rock).
Longtime friend and sorority sister, Sydney MacPherson of Surrey, said: “Sorority and volunteering are her life and we are very proud to share it with her.”
This year, Beta Sigma Phi International celebrates its 80th anniversary.
“We are a cultural and friendship organization that also contributes to our community,” says MacPherson.
This year Beta Sigma Phi celebrates its 40th anniversary in Langley with nine enthusiastic chapters, and an area council.