In Loving Memory of Betty Julia Wetelainen, age 88, who passed away on October 09, 2020. Betty was predeceased by her loving husband of 70 years Frank. Betty is survived by her four children Frank Jr (Elaine), Richard (Bonnie), Kathy and Drake. Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great- great-grandchildren.
Born to Max and Julia Naumann, Betty grew up in Dinorwic and developed a great passion for music. At a young age her father got her a Gibson Jumbo 45 guitar. An identical one was ordered for her friend Edeline and together they sang and entertained in countless halls and events in the area. They soon ended up to be sisters-in-law and were lifetime friends.
Betty and Frank worked their own retail business together for 48 years. She was the manager, bookkeeper and family custodian all at the same time. Raising four young children and working over eight hours a day was standard. Betty was tireless in supporting community activities. She started the original fundraising effort to purchase professional fireworks for Wabigoon. Her efforts inspired other volunteers to step up and grow that fireworks show to the absolute best in the area that rivaled any show in Canada of which she was extremely proud.
Prior to 911, Betty started up a local phone alert system to dispatch the Wabigoon Fire Team to calls. The first emergency call went to the store and from there she would initiate a phone fanout to all responders. Betty would never leave the store without a backup for that system.
She was a key member in the group who developed and printed the Wabigoon History Book “Rock Fur Forest Lakes”. That book is cherished by everyone in Wabigoon and area as it contains an entire generation or more of Wabigoon History and Families.
Betty managed the Greyhound Bus depot at the store in Wabigoon and was recognized by Greyhound with a long service plaque and offered a lifetime pass on Greyhound for her efforts.
In retirement Betty enjoyed gardening, especially her flowers that she continued to plant and care for herself even up to her passing. She loved her retirement home and view of the lake overlooking Wabigoon. She will be sadly missed by family and anyone touched by her.
Condolences(7)-
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Gayleen Haw, Allan Haw, Cheryl McIntosh says
October 14, 2020 at 7:25 pmOur deepest sympathy on.Betty’s passing. We have fond memories of her and Frank! They were great neighbours and will always be a part of Wabigoon history! Our thoughts are with you!
Irmy (Lang) Franson says
October 15, 2020 at 5:50 pmOur condolences to the family of Betty. Betty and Frank were always nice to me growing up in Wabigoon, and still nice the few times I would see them as an adult. They were such a great part of the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
judie Legros Hindy says
October 18, 2020 at 11:02 pmwe were deeply saddened to hear of Betty passing away . Many many fond memories of growing up in Superior Junction
Frank and Betty ran the general store there.Betty was a true trail blazer in organizing and “ getting things done” It was through her and my Dad’s 4 years of letter writing and constant badgering Leo Bernier ( then the member of parliment) that eventually that saw the car bridge installed a across the Surrgeon River! Every time i cross the bridge i think of her and how hard they canvassed
Several years ago i attempted to try to have the bridge named in her honour but i was not successful .
Rest in peace Betty your spirit will be missed by all who loved you
our condolences to all her family
judie Legros Hindy says
October 18, 2020 at 11:08 pmour condolences to all the family
we were deeply saddened to hear of Betty passing away . I had many fond memories of growing up in Superior Junction
Frank and Betty ran the general store there.
Betty was a true trail blazer in organizing and “ getting things done” It was through her and my Dad’s 4 years of letter writing and constant badgering Leo Bernier ( then the member of parliment) that eventually that saw the car bridge installed a across the Surrgeon River! Every time i cross the bridge i think of her and how hard they canvassed
Several years ago i attempted to try to have the bridge named in her honour but i was not successful .
Rest in peace Betty your spirit will be missed by all who loved you!
Mark Beasant says
October 22, 2020 at 2:35 amDuring my patrols I had many occasions to stop in the store and enjoy a chat with Betty and Frank. We became friends and of all the people I have met Betty is always in my thoughts. Our condolences to the family.
Mark Beasant says
October 22, 2020 at 2:45 amDuring my patrols I found many occasions to stop by the store and chat with Betty and Frank. I always enjoyed the times I spent with Betty. We became friends and she always had a place in my heart. We send our condolences to the family.
Terry Habinski says
October 26, 2020 at 9:37 pmSending my condolences to all your family,Mickey,Richard ,Cathy and Drake and your respective families.
Saying goodbye to your mother is such a difficult time.
I have such fond memories or our family times together and how close our family ties were back in the day.
Judie and I stopped in to visit your mom and dad in the summer of 2016 and I have several beautiful pictures of them that I’d love to share with you.
Please keep in touch when you have a celebration of their lives as we’d be honoured to attend.
Sending sympathy and love to all of you.?
Donations may be made to the Wabigoon Cemetery through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3