Elizabeth "Betty" Petis

It is with heavy hearts, but gratitude for an extraordinary life, that we announce the passing of Elizabeth "Betty" Petis at the age of 89, on July 24, 2026, at the Hamilton General Hospital.

Born to Hungarian immigrant parents, Betty grew up in Delhi. Though shy in her youth, she possessed a quiet strength that defined her life. Betty pursued a career in nursing, serving with compassion at Hamilton General and Norfolk General Hospitals.

In 1960, Betty met Mike Petis. Married in April 1961, they shared a dynamic 59-year marriage, which was filled with lifelong friendships, world travel, hosting events including their famous backyard goulash parties and bacon fry’s right in the middle of downtown Stoney Creek.

After raising their 3 children, she returned to nursing in the 1980s. When she retired, she seized a lifelong dream, enrolling in Mohawk College's Fine Art Program. Graduating at 62, she emerged as a celebrated local artist and served as President of the WAAH. Through projects like the Bicentennial Barn Quilt at Battlefield Park, her paintings and her treasured annual hand-painted family Christmas cards, Betty found her true voice.

When a severe stroke at age 80 stripped away her speech and mobility, Betty responded with fierce resolve. After six months of perseverance, she learned to walk, talk, and even paint again—a testament to her personal motto: "Take a deep breath and take the next step." Following Mike’s passing, Betty moved to Summit Heights Retirement Home, proudly embracing a vibrant new era of self-reliance, joy, fun, and leaving behind a wallet of $90,000 in funny money.

Betty was predeceased by her husband, Mike and son Michael. She is lovingly remembered by her brother Alex (Mary) Nemeth, children: Patty-Suki Fox, Julie (Lou) Parco, grandchildren Asia Petis (William), Melissa (Rodney) Bierhuizen, Adam (Natalie) Parco, 5 precious great grandchildren, niece Sarah (Tyler) Lasko, nephew Matthewe Nemeth and 5 great nieces and nephews.

Betty worked on 4 West at Hamilton General for 15 years and was blessed to pass her last days under the loving care of Dr.Um and his incredible team on that very same ward.

If you own a piece of Betty’s art that could be displayed at the visitation, write your name on the back and drop it off at the funeral home.

A visitation will be held on Monday July 27, 2026, from 5pm – 9pm at Markey-Dermody Funeral Home, 1774 King Street East, Hamilton, L8K 1V7 with a prayers starting at 5pm. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday July 28, 2026, at 11am at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, 63 Highway 20 East, Stoney Creek, L8J 2W9 with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hamilton General Hospital and Our Lady of Assumption Building Fund.