It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our loving mother Bette Donovan at the age of 83 on May 8th, 2024 surrounded by her loving family in Dryden, ON.
Bette was born in Chatham ON, raised in Bracebridge ON and lived in many places in Southern Ontario before she eventually made her way with her three children to Ear Falls in 1975 where she found her roots and a fulfilling life of being a member of the Legion (achieving a Lifetime membership), and many would remember her many years working at the Ear Falls Arena and volunteering at various community initiatives including many years organizing the July 1st celebrations and 27 years for the Terry Fox Run in which she was recognized by the Terry Fox Foundation and the Governor General in 2007. Mom always loved to play her beloved mahogany upright piano (and any other she could find) which was with her since she was four years old. In her last few years, she had moved to a seniors complex in Dryden ON to be closest to her youngest daughter and three grandchildren.
Her greatest passion was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in which her little family of four has blossomed into 19 and growing. She is survived by her daughter Cindi Donovan-McKenna (children Jake (Kelsey) and Cole), son John Donovan (Sheree and children Jasmine (Mike), Ariel (Dominic and great grandchild Ashton and one on the way) and Trey) and Melissa Donovan (Tyrone) and children Trista (Sam and great grandchild Phoenyx), Randi (Andy) and Carter.
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Margaret Allison says
May 9, 2024 at 2:30 amMy name is Margaret Allison. i am Bette ‘s older sister….i live in Chtham Ontario..where the majority of Bette’s bio” brothers & sisters continued to grow up over years… Bette & I finally found each back in 1960 when she returned to Chatham on her Family Search….we would lose touch off & on over the years..but.. that family blood would find each other in due time…..We still have 1 brother Ron Horne still living here as well myself in Chatham Ontario. in the bio’ family brother Fred has passed & sister Molly has also passed.. Bob & Jack live outside of Canada./still searching for them….My sister Bette & I have had a loving & strong Family relaionship over all these years… Bette came with her grandaughter on a surprize visit 2 years ago to my home in Chatham Ont.. that was a real surprise.. knock my door. i open door.. holy what you…she was laughing “aren’t you going to let your baby sister in ” We hadn’t seen each other in flesh for quite some years..but.. oh my what a beautiful family reunion that was…My girls ..Glenda.Cindy & Valerie stopped their work jobs & came straight my home…of course shocked.. & my son James came from work in London Gardens/London Ont…..Bette sure enjoyed her time for the almost 2 weeks & casino. winnings (with my girls.not me ) sleeping late..reminincing.. late night talks…..collecting family photos.. family information…..bragging her new little ones back home..many huge HUGS & close Embracing & yes..,,many tears of Thankfulness for each other…she admired a pair of my new shoes..ha ha so of course gave them with the new ties (cancer sucks )…after she went back home… we continued our sisterly family reconnections….i knew her health was failing..she often told me… Marg,,darn I wish I had quite smoking earlier..Yeh Bette..I used to tell her.. nothing unusual Sis.. we all most all wait until TOO LATE. then WISH & WISH & WISH SOME MORE” BUT… AS I TOLD HER MANY TIMES.. ‘ SIS, i am here for you no matter.. so so happy & grateful the GOOD LORD saw fit for us to find each other before it was TOO LATE FOR US.’ Look Sis.. how much we have gained in the short time we have had.. be Grateful it could have been less time or no time at all…I will awlays be Grateful for our LORDS COMPASSION bringing us together again…..would wish for more time more of a lot of MORE..MORE..MORE..but honestly BETTE..truely GRATEFUL for what you & I have shared during ‘ OUR SISTERLY TIME ON EARTH ” FLY HIGH WITH ALL FAMILY ANGELS & MEET US AT THOSE PEARLY GATES OF HEAVEN & WELCOME US ALL HOME AGAIN WITH EACH OTHER…….THANKS FOR THE BEAUTIFUL CARING LOVING SISTERLY MEMORIES FROM MY HEART TO YOURS..HOLD ON TIGHT. SEE YOU SOONER THAN YOU WOULD IMAGINE…LOVING YOU ALWYAS & FOREVER… YOUR OWN TRUE SISTER MARG…..
Donna Johnson says
May 10, 2024 at 12:01 pmSo sorry for your loss. Your mom was a hard worker in the legion, July 1st and Terry Fox. I enjoyed a few games of bingo with her and Sherryll. Lots of fun! She’d alway say, I’m Bette…with an E! I called her Bette D. Know she is in a better place.
Brian Thordarson says
May 13, 2024 at 10:50 amBetty was a key member of the Ear Falls Recreation Department and a very good worker. .I could always count on Betty when I was the Rec. coordinator in Ear Falls. I had the opportunity to visit here just before Christmas last year at her residence in Dryden. She will be missed
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ear Falls Royal Canadian Legion Branch 238, 40 John St, Ear Falls, ON P0V 1T0 or to the Terry Fox Foundation, 8960 University High St. Suite 150, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 4Y6