July 18, 1947 – May 15, 2023
Suddenly, on Monday May 15th, in her 76th year, surrounded by her family, Betty Ann took her final breath. Betty Ann always put others first, especially her family. We now know that Betty Ann was silently struggling with undiagnosed stage 4 lung cancer on top of the rheumatoid arthritis which she lived with for many years. She put on an extremely brave front and protected her family to the end.
Special thanks to the Guelph Fire Department, Police Services, and Paramedics who responded within minutes of the call for help. Special thanks to the ICU doctors and nurses on the 5th floor of the General Hospital and especially Doctor David Hood who was more than just a doctor at a time of need, he was a caring friend.
Betty Ann is survived by her husband Garry of 52 years, her children Nadine Markou (Craig), Peter (Melissa), Tara and Katrina and her younger brother Gerry Fraser (Julie), who she raised since he was 5 years old. She was extremely proud to be Grandma Betts to 10 beautiful grandchildren: Aidan (Kendra Hoek), Bree, Caelen, Leo, Gwen, Cooper, Logan, Blake, Mary and Charlotte. All the grandchildren looked forward to visits with Grandma Betts and all the treats she always had sitting out for them.
Betty Ann has been reunited up in heaven with her parents, Leo and Helen (Wood), as well as her sister Marlene (Burke) and brother Robbie. Her memory will live on in her brothers and sisters, Malcom (Suzanne), Barbara Jean Shipp (Laurie), Michael (Carol), Marie Graham (Bob), and Gene (Barb).
Betty Ann was a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews and Godmother to nephew David Burke and niece Meagan Valeriote. She was blessed to have many aunts and uncles on both the Wood and Fraser sides of the family along with numerous cousins. Betty Ann’s door was always open for a coffee and visit from her siblings, sister in laws, nieces, cousins, aunts and uncles, children and grandchildren. All her family and friends.
Betty Ann leaves behind many close friends, especially Mary Ann Sanvido, friends since 1970, Penny McDonald who she spoke to every night to discuss the goings on of Coronation Street, and Milla Adams and Pat Prior, friends since elementary school. A special thank you to Uncle Gene and Aunt Joan, who was more than an aunt, she was one of her best friends.
Betty Ann was born in Guelph and grew up on Grange St with a close-knit family and neighbourhood, providing endless adventures and stories. Family get-togethers always led to reminiscing about the neighbourhood and brought much joy and laughter. She loved to play sports, making many friends through Ladies Volleyball in the winter months and Ladies Slow Pitch in the summer, playing for 25 years, where she got the nickname “BA”.
Betty Ann and Garry loved visiting senior homes where Garry would play his accordion for the residents and Betty Ann would be sitting in the front row clapping and singing along. You could always count on Betty Ann to send Garry out for their afternoon Tim’s run. Christmas was always made better by Betty Ann’s famous breakfast dish, Grandma Betts’ meatballs and all the baking she would do with her sous-chef, Katrina, who she trained to carry on the tradition. Family get-togethers won’t be the same without her. To make a long story short, “See you in the funnies”.
Betty Ann, I am so glad that you thought of me on that Friday afternoon in March, 1970 and phoned and told me you were given two tickets to the Policeman’s Ball and asked if I would I like to go. That was the beginning of a lifelong love affair.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arthritis Society.
Arrangements entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home.