Betty Ann Tomlinson (nee Lee), was truly born to be a mother so it was so fitting that she peacefully left us on Mother’s Day 2012 – beautiful sunny Sunday – after a long determined battle with breast cancer in her 72nd year.
Betty Ann Lee was born on July 6, 1939. Raised in the neighbourhood of Ennerdale Road, York Township (North Toronto) she was the second youngest of seven children; Mabel, Kay, Eric, Mary, Glen and Ruth [predeceased 1996]. Betty Ann adored all of her siblings for her entire life.
Betty Ann was a basketball star in the 1950’s. She was the top scorer of the White Rose Team from 1956-1959. Later in life Betty was an avid baseball player in Tottenham, one of many activities connecting her to the community she loved. After basketball she and her sister Mary played competitive baseball together prior to marriage. She passed this love for competitive sports to her children and grandchildren. Betty’s love of cards fostered some dear friendships for over 40 years and also created a new network of friends in her later life. Many will also remember Betty for her passion for volunteering starting with the Glenfield Sports Club and expanding to include her church. Betty was an active member of the Rich Hill United Church congregation serving as a steward and treasurer for well over a decade.
On a blind date, Betty met her beloved husband Ted who sadly predeceased her nearly ten years ago shortly after celebrating their 40th anniversary.
Together, they had 3 children: Ted Jr.(Michele), Leslee (Sam)and Kirk (Betts). Betty’s life was blessed by the love of her grandchildren; Mitchell, Tyler, Amanda, Elizabeth, Samantha, Brooke and Abby.
Often, her day would start in the wee hours baking and would end after everyone else had gone to sleep. Those lovely, beautiful, capable hands were always busy creating something delicious. She was a tremendous cook and baker who loved to share with family or whoever walked into her home. And that busy mind! She was a planner and always made time to ensure everyone was looked after and special events planned out. She was a perfectionist who proved good could always be better through hard work and imagination.
Her compassion knew no bounds. Everyone else’s needs took priority to her own and she would have it no other way.
Betty was a loving mother, devoted grandmother and sister, incredible aunt, and dedicated friend.
Her loyalty and integrity guided everything she did. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome. Her smile and laugh lit up the whole room. Her wit and charm made everyone want to be around her.
We are sincerely grateful for the superb care and attention she received from the oncology team at Southlake Regional Health Centre and during her last days at Stevenson Memorial Hospital.
Visitation will be held on Thursday May 17th, 2012 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 p.m. at the Rod Abrams Funeral Home, 1666 Tottenham Road (905)936 3477 www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com . A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m on Friday May 18th, 2012 at Rich Hill United Church, at the intersection of the 10th Sideroad and the 2nd Line of New Tecumseth, just outside of Tottenham, Ontario. Lunch will follow. There will be a private family burial at a later date.
Condolences for the family may be arranged through the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation would be sincerely appreciated. www.cbcf.org/ or Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Central Office
375 University Avenue, 6th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2J5.
Karen Thomad says
I am the other gramma of Abby and Brooke Tomlinson, mom of Betts.
Betty was my guiding light in how to be a grandmother. She already had had lots of experience when the twins were born.
I admired her so much for the way she just knew where to jump in and be hugely helpful by getting people fed and getting things done thus lightening everyone else’s load.
She was truly remarkable. I will miss her visits to Halifax greatly.
Charlene and Alan Fry says
Our deepest heartfelt sympathies go out to the entire Tomlinson family during this time of sadness. My last conversation with Betty was about her grandchildren and how proud she was of their accomplishments.
Such a wonderful and caring woman who will be missed by all.
Betty Lou & Hank Vanderpost says
To Betty’s Family:
We do not know you personally,but we want to send our sincere sympathy in the loss of your dear mother. We met her at Tottenham playing cards on Tuesday afternoon, and she was a wonderful, friendly person. We will miss her smile.
Sincerely,
Hank & Betty Lou Vanderpost
Michael and Shaun Lee says
It’s hard to find the words to describe how Aunt Betty touched my brother and I over the years, so many weekends spent enjoying conversation and time. Our lives were far better having had her in them, and we know she will always be with us with each step we take.
Irene and Ed McDowell says
We wish to express our sympathy to all of Betty’s family. Betty was a very kind and warm person.
Annette Giardinazzo says
My deepest sympathy goes out to Leslee & family. Losing a loved one is truly one of life’s most difficult times. Know in your hearts that she has gone to rest without pain and suffering. The memories you have will live on forever in your hearts and let this not be a good-bye to your loved one but rather farewell until your paths cross again.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
Barb and Jeff Culbert and Family says
To Betty’s family. We got to know Betty through Leslee and Sam and the girls. We were able to share some of the family parties and daily events. It is rare to meet such a truely nice person. When she said, ” How are you?” She meant it. She always had time for you. Our thoughts are with you at this time as she will be missed. She has left us all some good times and lovely memories.
Debbie Longland says
To Betty’s Family, Your Mom and Grandmother was a great lady. I played ball with her and what a ballplayer she was. She always had a smile. Rest in peace Betty as you will be dearly missed.
Elaine Pittman says
I want to express my deepest sympathy to Betty’s family. She was truly a wonderful person.
Merle (Sis) harris says
To Betty’s family-I want to express my deepest sympathy on Betty’s passing. She was a truly special person and she fought the good fight. I always looked forward to spending time with her and Mary when she visited NS. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love Sis
Barbara Lawson says
To all of Betty’s Family: Betty and I became special friends through our shared battle with breast cancer. We met through our on-line support group and on her first visit to Nova Scotia after her surgery in 2006 she came to lunch with me. We felt an instant bond and continued to see each other on subsequent visits. Her sense of humour, her beautiful smile and her sweet nature will always be in my heart. Rest well my friend. Till we meet again. Love Barb
Joan and Pat Ronan says
We know that Betty has found a special place in heaven beside her beloved husband,
Ted. She was a very special person and friend to many of us and she will always continue to have a place in our hearts. Betty was always concerned on how others were doing while putting her own problems aside. Her smile and laughter will be remember. Betty you will be truly missed.
Stewart's (Halifax) says
Krik and family, Condolences on the passing of your mother, find comfort in family, firends and memories.
Evelyn Feldman says
Leslee and family, I was very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing and would like to extend my condolences to the entire family.
You have wonderful memories of your Mother and may they bring you through this very sad time of your life.