Betty Drysdale was born on March 3, 1928 in Windsor. Betty studied music and geography at McGill University, earning her B.A. in 1951. It was at McGill University that Betty met Mike Drysdale. They were married on September 20, 1952 and settled in Snowdon, Quebec. In 1986, Betty and Mike moved to their retirement home in Bracebridge. 

In Muskoka, Betty promptly joined the Brown Baggers and Muskoka Arts & Crafts and was able to rekindle her artistic talents. She was a devoted member of Muskoka Arts & Crafts and served on the board as Recording Secretary from 1988 to 1992. She fulfilled her role as Recording Secretary with thoughtfulness, attention to detail and always kept the best interests of the members and of Muskoka Arts & Crafts foremost in her mind. From 1987 to 1992, Betty wrote an informative monthly newsletter. Betty was one of those members who could always be relied upon to cheerfully volunteer at all of Muskoka Arts & Crafts’ events, to take her duties seriously, and to perform whatever tasks she undertook with conscientious dedication. She personified the term exemplary member and, in 2004, was recognized with a Lifetime Honorary Membership, a program she had initiated in 1990. Betty also volunteered in other areas of the community, especially with the Hospital Auxiliary which honoured her with a lifetime membership. Betty and Mike spent countless enjoyable hours planning, preparing and tending the beautiful gardens at their home in Bracebridge. On August 19, 2005, Betty passed away suddenly in her sleep. The family held a memorial reception on August 23 at the Chapel Gallery where there were floral bouquets from Betty’s own gardens and her piano music played in the background as people shared the special ways that she had touched their lives.