Peacefully after a long illness, in her 89th year. Predeceased by her father, William Boyd of Brookside, Saskatchewan; her mother, Margaret (née Clark) of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia; her husband Donald Bethune of Toronto; her sister Philipa Hunter of Toronto; and brother James McLaren of Newark, Delaware. Sister of William Boyd of Toronto. Dear mother of Margot (Beth) of Goderich, Ontario, and Andrew (Amy), of Dublin, Ohio. Much-loved granny of Max, Cameron, Graham, Rowan, and Greta. Loved by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Di Bethune grew up in Ottawa, attending the Joan of Arc, Elmwood, and McGill. She cherished her summers in Nova Scotia and was deeply proud of her Atlantic family roots. Active throughout her life, Di played tennis at the Rockcliffe Lawn Tennis Club, ran, and cross-country skied. She was a multi-year participant in the Ottawa Terry Fox 10k and the National Capital Ski Marathon, on her team the Old Grey Mares. Di loved dogs and books, running two bookstores with her husband, Don, and working at several throughout Ottawa, most recently Books on Beechwood, where she made many friends among staff and customers. She loved her family above all else.
A Funeral will be held at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue on Monday, April 1st at 1:00pm. Reception to follow. Private family burial.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ottawa Humane Society.
Di always made me feel good being in her company. She will be missed. The world needs more good neighbours like her.