Elizabeth Ann Derry

Betty’s children – Paul (Ingrid), Martha (David) and Rachel, alongside grandchildren Natalie, Zachary, Clare, Hannah, Gabriel and Jacob – invite extended family and friends for a graveside interment: Saturday, August 13th at 1:30 pm, Little Lake Cemetery, Peterborough. Light reception to follow.

“It’s been a wonderful life… no complaints!” Elizabeth, or “Betty” as she was most often known, in her 87th year, Mom breathed her last, and took that last pivotal step, at Princess Gardens in Peterborough, on January 2, 2022. Predeceased by her parents, Cecil Edgar (1960), and Jean Barclay (Gillespie) Lapp (1992), and her beloved husband, William Norman Derry (1995), as well as trusted companion William “Bill” Carman of Furlong, PA (2013). Survived and lovingly remembered by her children, the Rev. Dr. William Paul Peters Derry (Ingrid), of Winnipeg, Martha Elizabeth Hunter (David), of Peterborough, and Rachel Ann Derry (Chris), of Dundas, and grandchildren Natalie Hunter, Zachary Derry, Clare Miles, Hannah Derry, Gabriel Miles and Jacob Derry, and extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews. Cousins Nancy Johnson, Peter and Hugh Rose, alongside Norma Bown grew together with Mom like siblings.

Family, faith, music and friends were the pulse of Mom’s life, and the central purpose by which she lived. Learning piano from her father, she excelled, even as it was not always an easy road, and her musical talents blossomed. She graduated from Peterborough Teachers College (1956), where she met our father, “Norm,” forming a bond of love as well as friendships which endured for the decades which followed. It is indeed a legacy of community and teamwork that both Mom and Dad have bequeathed to us, their children and grandchildren. Receiving her A.R.C.T. from the Royal Conservatory of Music (1956), Mom was active in Murray Street Baptist Church, Mark Street United Church, returning in recent years to St. James United Church, coming full circle to where her father had been organist many years previous. A teacher at heart, after “taking a break” to raise her children, Mom returned once her children were well established in school. Retiring from teaching Kindergarten at Keene Public School, with our dad’s dedicated behind-the-scenes yet ever-present assistance, Betty taught Music for Young Children, with multiple pianos in their Charles Street home.

Given COVID-19 realities, a memorial celebration of our Mother’s life will take place later, most likely this coming spring. These last months have been particularly challenging for Mom, and we sincerely thank Dionne Lewis-Rampton – Director of Care, Tim Newman – Executive Director, Stephanie McBride – Manager of Resident Services, along with all the staff at Princess Gardens, and in most recent days, and acknowledge the prompt, urgent and compassionate attending of the MAiD team, led by Dr. Brent Macmillan. We likewise express appreciation to the Rev. Julie van Haaften for her words, prayers and presence.

As expressions of sympathy and gratitude, donations are welcome to THE KWASIND CENTRE (c/o CAMP KWASIND – 5 International Blvd, Toronto ON, M9W 6H3), a ministry of the Canadian Baptists of Ontario & Quebec for which our parents long felt attachment.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,

Bid my anxious fears subside;

Death of death and hell’s Destruction,

Land me safe on Canaan’s side.

Songs of praises, songs of praises,

I will ever give to Thee; I will ever give to Thee.

William Williams Pantycelyn | CWM RHONDDA