Betty A. Trainor

      Betty A. Trainor was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed her to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, she possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. She had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and she was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Betty always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Betty was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

      Betty was born on August 29, 1930 at Plummer Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Her parents were Joseph Farish, and Ethel (Millard) Farish. Betty was raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Always able to express herself well, Betty possessed strong interpersonal skills. She was optimistic in her outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in her communication. Armed with a great wit, Betty was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

      Blessed with a balanced attitude, Betty was able to relate well with others. Her occasional role as family mediator gave her the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Betty was raised with Five siblings, although three died young. She had older siblings, George, Marion, Doreen, and Kenneth, and one younger brother, Norman. Betty had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

      As a young child, Betty showed her creative ability in many ways. She was outgoing and animated. Betty enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. She took part in basketball as a child, and basketball and skating in high school. She was a Young Peoples at the church, singing with her family at different churches. In her spare time she liked reading, boating with her dad, and camping at Leighs Bay. Betty's memorable achievements included.

      Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Betty was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. Her curious nature was spurred by her ability to maximize her personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. She was good with facts and had an excellent memory. She graduated from Sault Tech Albert St. in She did not graduate, instead going to work at Earl Taylor's electric store. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      When the goal of college was in sight, it became important to Betty. Again, her direct, “down to earth” approach served her well. She was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. She did take sewing classes at Sault College, a quilting course, and a "stretch & sew" course. She had an excellent mind for business and started her own business: a domiciliary Hostel where she looked after elderly folks who were discharged from the hospital, but needed care.

      Friends and acquaintances found Betty an easy woman to get to know, and those close to her would often praise her open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Betty was uncomplicated and straightforward in her relationships, which allowed her to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of her best friends were Gladys Taite, Betty Walker, Eva Inch, Grace Mitchell, and Jim Smith. Later in life, she became friends with Gladys Benson, Ruby, Anne Marie, Beatrice Bell, Stella, Roweena, Jesse Still, Joan Trainor.

      On March 27, 1948 Betty exchanged wedding vows with Alvin Alexander Trainor (Alex) at the First Baptist Church by Pastor Duncan McGregor of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Betty was attentive to Alvin's feelings, and she charmed Alvin and others with her gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Betty was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

      Very much like a kid herself, Betty identified with the inquisitive and creative side of her children’s personalities. She was able to direct her energy and spontaneity towards helping her children acquire added common sense skills. Betty was blessed with Seven children, Gladys, Sandra, Kenny, Norma Jean, Rodney, Joseph, and James, as well as two deceased: Daniel and Pauline. They were also blessed with Thirteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren, Sarah, Andrew, Rebecca, Trevor, Kimberly, Daniel, Nathan, Joshua, Naomi, Emily, Jesse, Hannah, and Emma.

      Betty was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around her. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Betty’s strengths included being able to think on her feet. She could be a leader who sought impact for her decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Betty was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. She was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Betty could multi-task, and she was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing her to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in her work environment. Her primary occupation was a Nurses Aide, homemaker, seamstress, quilt maker, Caregiver to the elderly, foster parent. She was employed for 30 years by her Domiciliary Hostel, and for 10 years by the General Hospital.

      Betty enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. She had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that she did. She put this creativity toward all of her pastimes. Her favorite pursuits were Sewing, knitting, and crochetting. She made many toys for grandkids, and outfits for everyone. Her teddy bears were the greatest! She was a cook extraodinaire! Everyone loved to come and eat at Betty's. She loves outings and planned many. Crafts, table games, and puzzles were some of her other favourites. She made teddy bears with moving joints for as many babies/kids as she could. Camping and Bells Point, St. Joseph's Island, and Rock Lake Christian campground. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Because she liked to take risks, Betty was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. She was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. In high school, Betty played Basketball, skating, toboganing, and bowling on occasion. Betty was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were Wrestling, along with her father.

      Betty was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made her a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which she belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Betty worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. Throughout her later years, Betty held Canadian Sunday School home bible clubs in her home for several years.

      Betty was a generous woman who prized that same quality in others. So it’s little wonder that she was so active and giving in her community. Betty was a member of several community groups, including Worked for the FBC Sunday School bus ministry for several years. She served on committees for the Knitting Club, Foster Parents Association, home and school association, Pioneer Clubs, and the social commitee for First Baptist Church.

      Betty held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to her. She was a member of First Baptist Church for 75 years. During that time, she was a SUnday School teacher for grade one for 20 years.

      Travel and vacations were experiences that Betty truly enjoyed. She preferred to seek out excitement wherever she went and she was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” She was willing to leave her plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included Florida, London, England, Scotland, Shetland Islands, East Coast and West Coast of Canada.

      Betty was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Betty’s favorites was Cocker Spaniel, Jammy. They were best friends for At least 10 years, and she had 5 puppies. Her family was rounded out by her Cats, bunnies, and dogs.

      When Betty’s retirement finally came in 1992, she was well prepared. She used logical analysis of her retirement options in order to ensure her retirement would be fulfilling. Still, she was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. She remained in Sault Ste. Marie. In retirement, she found new pleasure in Camping, travelling, enjoying her grandkids, church activities (Bible Camp retreats).

      Betty passed away on September 4, 2018 at Sault Area Hospital, Sault Ste. Marie. She had Alzheimers, then got infected gallbladder which caused septicemia. She is survived by Sister Marion, Brother Norman, Sister Joan, brother Donald, Six children, thirteen grandchildren, and seventeen great grandchildren. Services were held at Arthur Funeral Home, Barton and Kiteley Chapel. Betty was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery.

      Betty was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, she relied on her senses to increase her involvement and awareness of others. She was always able to provide amusing repartee to her friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Betty had a theme song written about her, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” She enjoyed her life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Betty A. Trainor.

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TRAINOR, Betty Alice - Betty was born on August 29, 1930 and went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, September 4, 2018. Beloved wife of 58 years to the late Alex Trainor. Daughter of the late Joseph and Ethel Farish. Loving mother of Sandra Trainor. Kenny Trainor (late Jenny), Norma-Jean Hayes-Sheen (Ken), Rodney Trainor (Cindy), Joseph Trainor (Janice), James Trainor (Kim), the late Gladys Taylor (late John), late Pauline and late Daniel. Most precious grandmother of Sarah and Andrew Taylor (Colette), Becky, Trevor (Karlyn) and Kimberly Trainor (Serge), Danny (Lisa), Nathan (Anna), Joshua (Heather) and Naomi Hayes-Sheen, Emily and Jessie Trainor, Alexander (Lindsay), Hannah and Emma Trainor; Great-grandmother of Seventeen. Dear sister of Marion, Norman Farish (Evelyn), Joan Farish, Donald Farish, late Doreen Farish and the late Kenneth. Betty will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. - 705-759-2522) on Friday, September 7, 2018 from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., followed by the funeral service in the chapel at 1:00 p.m., Pastor Jack DeVries officiating. Interment Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Alzheimer Society or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Special thanks to Dr. Reich, Dr. Krause, Dr. Parsons, the Nursing Staff of 3B and the FJ Davey Home Apple Orchard 2 for their care given. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com