Elizabeth “Betty” Gallaway November 20, 1937 - September 20, 2025

The family of Elizabeth (Betty) Gallaway is saddened to announce her peaceful passing in the early morning hours of September 20, 2025 at Princess Court (Dryden) with family present. She was 87 years old.

Betty was born into the Johnstone family on October 20, 1937 in Selkirk, Manitoba and grew up in the family house on Dufferin Avenue. Betty and her friends enjoyed local dances and at one of these dances Betty was introduced to a young Jim Gallaway. They both were smitten. They dated, married in and settled in Dryden, Ontario to raise a family. Years later Betty was often seen in the side car of Jim’s 1948 Indian motorcycle cruising around town or on trips to Selkirk.
Betty is survived by her son Guy (Edith) and his children, Patti, Michelle, Matt and Alexa and their families; her daughter Gail (Colin Campbell) and son Michael and his family; and her son Ron (Debra) and his children Justin and Stephanie and their families as well as many step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.

Betty is also remembered fondly by her former daughters in law, Denise Gallaway, Lucille Marion, and Cathy Kovacs. An extensive network of cousins throughout Canada rounds out her family including the Canvin crew.

She was predeceased by her husband Jim in 1983, parents (Fanny and Richard Johnstone), her two sisters (Margaret and Elsie Johnstone), a grandson Andy Campbell and companion Ron Ainsley in 2001.

Throughout her life Betty worked hard to provide for the family she loved and to keep her home. She worked at the Dryden Nursery School, and the Canadian Tire Store as Head Cashier. She also volunteered extensively within the community at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, the Dryden Legion, and Dryden Hospital, etc. She found time for bowling and curling too. Betty passionately enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Some favourites trips were to England and Scotland with her parents and sisters, camping with the local Sam Club, and 2 trips up the Alaska Highway. Betty even once drove a Cadillac to California for friends and in her later years took an east coast bus trip with a touring band that she said was a blast. Travel for family reunions were always full of music, games and fun including trips to Waterton National Park in southern Alberta, at Snug Harbour near Kingston, Ontario and a trip to Fort Simpson, NWT. She surely lived up to her nickname “Go Go Granny”.

Betty’s family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to all the Doctors, staff and volunteers involved in supporting Betty in her homes at 10 Victoria Avenue, Patricia Gardens and the final transition to Princess Count Long Term Care. There are too many to mention. Each of you makes a great positive impact into the lives of the seniors you care for.

A “Come and Go” Tea will be held at St. Luke’s Anglican Church Hall on Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. (CST) with a light luncheon provided.

The public is invited during this time to come and share memories in honour of Betty.

Internment of ashes will occur at a private ceremony for family.