Tearful farewell to ‘Queen of Florida Gardens’ Betty Bromley

Friendly, caring, iconic: This is how family and friends will remember Florida Gardens identity Betty Bromley, during a special gathering to celebrate her life.

A community identity dubbed the “Queen of Florida Gardens” will be farewelled during a special gathering this weekend.

Betty Bromley died from natural causes last week, having lived a full life centred around family, friends and social outings.

Betty Bromley (second from left) with friends standing in front of a mural made for her. Picture: Supplied

The 91-year-old’s caring and sociable nature made her a well known member of the Florida Gardens community, which is nestled between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

She was often seen walking around the neighbourhood, taking care of her dogs Susie and Kirstie, or gathering with friends at the local cafe.

Betty was so iconic, locals even painted a mural of her likeness with her favourite phrase: “have a nice day dears”.

Following her mother’s death, close friend Alysoun Simmons said Betty became a mother figure to her.

“She was important to me. When my mum died, she stepped in,” Ms Simmons said.

“I have never heard her say anything mean or nasty about anyone – she was just an all-round nice person.

“She liked her independence. She lived her life the way she wanted to.

“Betty was really caring and just loved everybody.”

The Queen of Florida Gardens Betty Bromley, aged 68. Picture: Supplied

Former cafe owner Michael Elliss remembered Betty as one of his best customers.

“She was there every morning at 7am and always had a group of ladies with her,” he said.

“She was a lovely old lady that was very friendly and knew a lot of locals.”

Born in Ballarat in 1930, Betty spent most of her childhood in Melbourne after her family relocated there.

She worked as a receptionist in the suburb of Nunawading during her 20s before she married husband Bill.

Sadly, Bill died shortly after the couple moved to Florida Gardens in 1984. They did not have any children.

Betty Bromley, aged 35. Picture: Supplied

Betty’s niece Carolyn said there was “no question” her aunt would stay in Florida Gardens after her husband’s passing because she had made so many friends in the area.

“She loved entertaining at home and was a fantastic cook,” Carolyn said.

“It was an expression of love for her to cook a meal for you, or a sponge or a cake.

“She was a very giving person of herself – nothing was too much trouble.

“Betty also loved to watch and chat about any kind of sport – you name it – AFL, rugby, tennis, cricket, the Olympics and horse racing.”

The community is invited to farewell Betty this Saturday January 22 from 4pm at Platell Park, Savoy Drive, Florida Gardens.

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