In loving memory of Elizabeth Rose "Betty" MacKinnon, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister -in-law, teacher, and friend. Betty was born, June 27, 1953 in Inverness Hospital but lived in Scotsville all her life. Betty’s family left behind to mourn are, her loving husband of 49 years, John; her three children, Mark, Keith and Kristen Gillis (Billy); her three grandchildren, Jonah, Lana, and Alan; brother-in law, Garry Myers; sister-in-law, Danena MacKinnon; several nieces and nephews; as well as all the Mackinnon in-laws.
Betty was predeceased by her parents, Duncan and Ida; sisters, Florence and Anna; and brothers, Malcolm, Freddie, Edwin and David.
Those who knew Betty, the teacher, would describe her as a great teacher and mentor who inspired and nurtured their love for reading and just learning in general. Yes, Betty was that kind of teacher that you never forget. However, Betty was so much more than that.
Beyond the classroom, Betty exemplified that love of learning. She was a treasure trove of knowledge and wit and as we all said, "Betty’s intelligence was evident in so many ways". Whether it was solving New York Times crosswords, or dominating the Jeopardy rounds with ease, Betty shone. Her sharp intellect was equally matched only by her exceptional storytelling skills and sharp wit. Even right to the end, her wit and sense of humor remained intact. In fact, days before the end, as a family member fed her pudding, some of the pudding spattered on her shirt, to which Betty replied, ”Oh look , I’m creating a Picasso!”
Betty’s other love was her love for baseball and of course, in particular, The Toronto Blue Jays. Betty was an ardent fan and enthusiast and in true Betty style she knew all the players and all their stats.
Betty was also an avid collector of antiques, and would take in as many auctions as possible, during the summer months, bringing home a cup and saucer to an upright piano. This piano became another love of Betty’s which she passed on to her grandson, Jonah. Betty’s search for treasured items was extended to any family member that might have mentioned a needed item. So when the term family is used, we all agree that Betty was about family, in every sense of the word. When she spoke of her grandkids, her eyes welled with tears.
In fact we all loved Betty from the day she walked into our lives. She proved to be a tower of strength, in dealing with the death of her mother, and her six siblings. In her own struggle with cancer, she fought an arduous battle. With the help of her faith, and support of her family and friends, she kept fighting until God felt it was time to take her home.
As we bid farewell to Betty, we remember all of who she was and how each of us will carry a little bit of her in us as we go forward. Whether it be recounting her stories or watching The Jays, Betty will be there. We will think of you each time we need a warm hug, or we sit down for a tasty meal, every time we need a problem solved, share a good memory, or look at freshly planted flowers. These memories and many others will bring you back to us. Yes, those memories will sometimes make us cry, and some will bring smiles, but no matter what the memory, it will be of you.
Visitation will take place in Inverness Funeral Home on Thursday July 13 from 3-7 pm. Funeral Service will be held in East Lake Ainslie Presbyterian Church on Friday July 14 at 11:00 am. A private family burial to follow.
Family flowers only please.
Memorial donations in Betty's name may be made to Central Inverness Palliative Care Society or to Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital.
Betty loved flowers, so please plant a flower in her memory.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
