Elizabeth "Betty" Jean Law

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother and grandmother, Betty Law, on January 31, 2026. Born Elizabeth Jean to George (d. 1955) and Madeline (née Collins, d. 1964) Malleck on January 27, 1928, Betty was the last surviving sibling of twelve.

She was predeceased by her siblings: Mary Izma (Joe), James (Dorothy), Joanne Dillon (Neil), Dick (Mabel), Colleen Hobler (Francis), Ann Wilson, Susan McDonnell (John), David (Leone), Basil (Carol), John (Bonnie), and Paul. She has now been reunited with her beloved husband, Bill (d. 2025), and their precious daughter, Rebecca Jane (d. 1961).

Betty is survived by her son, William (Joanne), and their seven children: Bill (Jessica), Heather Figueiredo (Kyle), David (Heather McGuckin), Kevin, Andrew, Mark, and Emily; as well as her great-grandchildren, Warren and Madeleine Law, and Antonio and Thomas Figueiredo.

She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Jim Wilson, and sister-in-law, Jackie Malleck, who has been the glue of the remaining Malleck family. Betty was a beloved aunt to over 50 nieces and nephews.

Betty was the sixth of twelve children, all of whom grew up on Union Boulevard in Kitchener as devout Catholics. She attended St. Louis Elementary School and graduated from St. Mary’s High School. Following high school, Betty worked as a secretary at an insurance company and later as a bank teller.

Betty met her husband, Bill, while playing badminton at the Granite Club in Kitchener. They shared a lifelong passion for badminton and golf. Married in 1960, they spent the next 65 years actively involved in their community until Bill’s passing in 2025. Betty enjoyed a simple lifestyle throughout her life and was involved in many groups, including the Cambridge Garden Club, bridge clubs, the Catholic Women’s League, and the Ancient Mariners. She generously donated her time to many community activities and fundraisers. Her favourite role, however, was being a mom. Betty was an excellent cook, and there was always a good meal ready for Bill when he came home from work.

One of her greatest pleasures was spending time with her seven grandchildren. She often remarked on their positive qualities, and according to her, they could do no wrong. She cherished time spent with them at the cottage in Algonquin Park, lunches at her house during school days, bowling outings, and attending their many sporting activities. Betty was present for every occasion and made each birthday memorable by baking her special chocolate “money” cake. Every visit with her grandchildren included spoiling them with junk food, teaching them card games, and sharing her fun riddles and jokes from her youth.

Betty’s siblings were also a constant presence in her life. They shared a great sense of humour and were a significant part of her social world. Growing up with eleven brothers and sisters shaped her into the kind, unselfish, funny, and caring person our family will miss dearly.

In her later years, Betty lived with dementia, but it never dulled her sense of humour, love of storytelling, or occasional candid commentary on others.

We would like to thank the memory care staff at Seasons Retirement Home in Cambridge for making her final years as comfortable as possible. Their care and patience were deeply appreciated. Betty’s last few weeks were spent at Hilltop Manor Long-Term Care. Although her time with the staff there was brief, the level of care was second to none, and we are forever grateful.

A memorial visitation will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 7:00–9:00 p.m., and Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 10:00–11:00 a.m., followed by a service and luncheon at T. Little Funeral Home, 223 Main Street, Cambridge.