Bettyanne Track

She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children, on Saturday, October 4th at Providence Healthcare. Bettyanne had an extraordinary gift for nurturing deep and lasting friendships, and she was showered with love until the very end.

Born on May 1, 1948 in Ottawa, Ontario, Bettyanne was the daughter of Michael and Margaret Track and sister to Elayne and Michael. From an early age, she showed a deep interest in all things artistic—drawing, making clothes for her paper dolls, and spending countless hours in movie theatres watching the great musicals of the time. Summers were spent exploring with her brother and swimming at the cottage her father built in Norway Bay on the Ottawa River. She loved to read, knit, embroider, and invent stories—earning her the affectionate nickname from her children: “too many hobbies.”

In 1970, Bettyanne was accepted into the School of Journalism at Carleton University—an accomplishment that shaped the rest of her life. She had a remarkable way with words, and in 1974 she moved to Toronto to begin her career with Canadian Press. It was there she met the man who would become her husband, Ross Hopkins.

Bettyanne and Ross married in 1975 and had three children together: Andrea, Aidan, and Alexandra (Alex). Family vacations to Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia remain some of their favourite memories, filled with road-trip singalongs inspired by Bettyanne’s love of music. Many wonderful meals were shared with friends and family, always accompanied by great conversation, contagious laughter, and the occasional spirited debate.

In 1988, Bettyanne began a new chapter in her career as an editor at The Globe and Mail. She was known for her keen sense of fashion, her kind and helpful mentorship of younger colleagues, and her masterful eye for editing. She built lifelong friendships during her 25 years at The Globe and was admired for her generous contributions to the annual Sports Department Auction, which raised funds for the Special Olympics and other charities.

Bettyanne’s charitable nature was an inspiration to many. She always kept a cup of change in her car for “her guys” under the bridge on her commute to work, donated faithfully to Covenant House, and drew great inspiration from Terry Fox—whom she once stood on the street to cheer for during his Marathon of Hope. A fierce feminist, she believed deeply in the power of women and in living beyond society’s expectations.

In retirement, Bettyanne poured herself into her artistic passions once again, taking on ambitious sewing projects— even teaching sewing for a few years with The City of Pickering— drawing, and even silk screening. A devoted reader, movie-lover, and dog enthusiast, she filled her days with the things and beings she loved most.

In 2020, Bettyanne proudly became a grandmother—first to Cambria in October of that year, and later to Elise in February of 2024. Becoming “gramma” was one of her greatest joys, and her radiant smile and laughter were never brighter than when she was with her granddaughters.

Bettyanne was loved and admired by all who knew her, with many of her friends becoming like family. Her fierce, creative, and indestructible spirit will live on in the memories of those whose lives she touched.

Bettyanne is survived by her former husband, Ross; her children Andrea (Tony), Aidan, and Alex (Simon); her cherished grandchildren, Cambria and Elise; and her beloved dog, Iyla.

Let us celebrate Bettyanne’s life together.

A visitation for Bettyanne will be held Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Jerrett Funeral Homes, 660 Kennedy Road, Toronto, ON M1K2B5. A funeral service will occur Friday, October 10, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Jerrett Funeral Homes.

Contributions in Bettyanne's memory may be made to Covenant House Toronto, 20 Gerrard St East , Toronto, Ontario M5B 2P3 CA, https://secure.covenanthouse.ca/page/51545/donate.

Livestream Link: https://ipickart.com/stream/BettyanneTrack/