The world became a bleaker place on September 21st, 2022, with the passing of Elizabeth Ann Roe (Betty Ann). Over the span of her 71 years, she touched many people with her large heart, but the loss is felt most sharply by her family, who she loved unconditionally.
Born in 1950 in Ottawa, Elizabeth was the daughter of Beverley and William, beloved younger sister of Bill (Norma), Jack (Donna), Chris (Peggy) and the older sister of Laird (Sandra) and was aunt and great aunt to many. Betty Ann was sister-in-law to David Balfour (Danielle), Virginia and Ian (Shelley). She also had a special relationship with her one-time mother-in-law Elsie Balfour.
Betty Ann grew up in Ottawa and she excelled at sports, winning awards in high school, then going on to become the MVP for both basketball and volleyball at Carleton University. She graduated with a geography degree and went on to have a long and successful career in the Government of Canada.
Her greatest source of pride was her daughter, Jennifer, and son, Andrew, for whom she would move heaven and earth, who she had with her university sweetheart Robert Balfour. Betty Ann created a lovely home that was regularly filled with Jennifer and Andrew’s friends, acting as a second mom to many. Betty Ann could not have been a more loving mother and Jennifer and Andrew adored her.
Her happy place was at the family’s cottage on Blue Sea Lake, where she would read, garden, and enjoy the beauty of the island and its surroundings. She relished the fact that so many of her beloved family owned neighbouring cottages and she would revel in being able to see everyone from the spring until the fall. She could always be found with her succession of Cocker Spaniels (Buddy and Rory). The perennial gardens on Bide-a-wee flowered every year.
A Celebration of Betty Ann’s life will be held at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa, ON) on Wednesday, October 5th, 2022, from 5-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or just be kind to someone and make sure to tell those closest to you that you love them. Life is short and precious and can depart without warning. The thing Betty Ann did best was to let those she loved know how special they were to her.
Oh my dear friend Betty Ann. The years we spent working together at Energy Mines and resources. You taught me so much about life. You were such an inspiration to me and I loved you dearly. Condolences to family.