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.
Livre de visiteurs
F DAVID ROUNTHWAITE
Christina Campbell
Hi Margot and Beth. We are sending our condolences on the loss of your mother Margot. Through her obituary, it was nice learning about her Atlantic roots, her interests and especially about the bookstores.
May the many memories comfort you.
In friendship,
Chris and Clint
Maggie Knaus
Margot and Andrew, your mother was a beloved presence at book fair each and every year. We learned so much about books and life as she peered over her glasses looking at us with a great smile on her face. A light has gone out in the world. All my love to you and her. Maggie
Sonia Doyon
To Di's family,
I had a chance to know Di when I worked at the Rockcliffe Park Branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Di was a gem! We always had great conversations about books and authors. Her love for literacy and libraries was a true dedication. I will keep you in my prayers during this difficult time.
Customer Jenn
I'll always remember her for having a really friendly & welcoming face. When I first moved here I felt so lonely here & there. Anyway 1 night she introduced herself. I didn't know her but I recalled her kindness from that time in my life. Of course she always had a smile when I saw her since!
Graham Hardman
That twinkle in Di's eyes, her warmth, her wisdom, her grace: just some of the beautiful things that defined a very special person who enriched the lives of all who knew her. I send my deep condolences to her family and old colleagues.
Katheryne (Books on Beechwood & Hospital)
Dear Margot and Andrew,
I'm so heartbroken for your loss. Di was a real force of nature and had one of the kindest hearts out there. What fun we had on some of those quiet days at BoB! We would laugh until we were close to tears. I cherish the children's books she either sold through BoB or so kindly gifted to me. Her love of reading was unmatched! And I'll never forget how much she loved Don and will think of how happy they must be to be reunited now. Everyone loved Di's humour, her lovely smile, and her quick wit... it will be a dimmer world now without her in it. Rest in loving peace, Di.
Love,
Katheryne
Sheila Mahoney
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your Mom as such a great member of the Rockliffe community.
Jeanne Laux
I always delighted in seeing and chatting with Di at the bookstore and the occasional coffee together. We met when she and Don sold me their Dufferin House condo and could not have been more gracious in orienting me to the new digs. Di was ever warm and welcoming (and beautifully dressed!) knowledgeable on all things literary while ready to enjoy a bit of neighbourhood gossip too!
Antoinette
Dear Margot and Andrew, thank you for sharing your mother with us. She was such a presence in my life at BooksonBeechwood. We shared so many stories about dogs and books. She was a favourite of my two dogs, Poochie and Tika and also my daughter , Verona .I am so sorry for your loss. May the many memories bring comfort.
an elegant, kind and gracious lady loved by her whole family