At 94 years young, Betty passed away on July 5th, 2020 at V!VA Barrhaven, Nepean, Ontario. Betty was born on September 30th, 1925. She spent all of her life in the Ottawa Valley, enjoying 93 summers at the family cottage on the Big Rideau, near Rideau Ferry, a tradition she passed on to her children. On August 1st, 1953, Betty married Allan Wrenshall and their 65-year marriage was a testament to the power of love and hard work. Al passed away on August 2nd, 2018.
Al and Betty’s marriage produced three children; Nancy (Glen), Don (Sandra) and Ellen (Joe). Betty’s early career as an elementary school teacher contributed to family rituals like reading chapters of “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” during lunchtimes when the Wrenshall children came home from school for a home cooked lunch. An accomplished seamstress, matching Christmas outfits were made by Betty for all three. She was also a pretty amazing cook. Al often said it was her homemade pumpkin pie that “sealed the deal” and won his heart.
Betty will be sorely missed by her six grandchildren; Marni, Michael, (Alexandra), Emily, Alanna, Taylor and Lindsay. Betty was thrilled to meet her one great grandchild Anne almost two years ago and enjoyed every opportunity she had to see Anne. “Aunt Bett” will be missed by her nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews on both the Lloyd and the Wrenshall sides of the family. As one niece put it, Betty was a wonderful example of the capable, energetic and optimistic generation she was born to.
Betty’s story would not be complete without a word about her volunteer activities. She was always a very active member of the United Church congregations she belonged to, even as a young girl. She sang in the choir and the United Church Women (UCW) groups she belonged to were near and dear to her heart. Betty also volunteered for the Children’s Aid Society in the Ottawa area, driving children to appointments and working with at risk families needing extra help such as learning how to budget, how to cook and other basic life skills.
Right up until her last days, Betty’s strength and sense of humour were evident. She was always “Hunky dory or Super-duper” when asked. She will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the CNIB or the Arthritis Society of Canada.
Ellen and Family,
Very sorry to hear about the loss of your mom.
My sincere condolences. Dot