Betty Jean Andrews

Thank you for taking the time to join us and help us to remember what a special, wonderful woman Betty was. Me of all people will do my best to work with technology and pay tribute to my friend, my mother-in-law and someone who was important to everyone joining us today. I cannot ever recall calling her anything else but mom. As a member of her family I am married to her lovely daughter Laurie and to steal the phrase “someone who is just like mom”. Along with Gary and Patti there have never been three more dedicated, caring and loving children in the world. You are witnessing a family who has not had a conflict in their entire lives. Since the sudden passing of their dad Peter in 1978 at a very young age, we have poured our hearts and souls into mom’s needs

and always rallied around her. This was an understood fact and was never taken lightly. As you know she leaves behind three children, along with five grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren with one more on the way.

Betty was born in North Bay in 1934. Her parents were Chancey and Mildred Jacques. At the time she had one sister Eleanor (Wilkenson – married name). Throughout their lives these two families spent their time together visiting, vacationing and doing all sorts of things that aunts, uncles and cousins do. As family goes, lets just say there was a big one coming. Thanks to our inquisitive youngest sister Patti we came to find out about Betty’s other siblings, that for various reasons in those days including Betty were adopted by other families. So here we are all these years later in 2000 when Betty was 66 years old, these other fantastic family members enter our lives. There were additional brothers Tom, Bill, Jim and her sister Doris also several nieces and nephews. She had lost Bill,

Doris and her niece Linda, recently. Doug, Carol, and Leanne she though of you often. We are thankful that Frank and Eileen Klein, yes that big police officer before moving to Sault Ste. Marie, introduced Betty and Pete in North Bay.

They married soon after. Friends of the day included Ted and Millie Piper, Bob and Elsie Black, Willie and Verna Geisler, Lloyd and Ilay Howe and many more that should be mentioned. Laurie and I still maintain a great friendship with Dan and Deb Piper. Pete’s career found him eventually moving the family to Sault Ste. Marie in 1967. Best friends in Sault Ste. Marie over the years would include Merv and Gloria Dillabough, Rod and Pat Hamilton, Ollie and Hilda Richardson and the Carol Court gang, you know who you all are.

A general description of Pete and Betty as the three children were growing up would include practical jokes, non-traditional pets (like crows, ducks, frogs, snakes and anything else that couldn’t get away), engineering miracles, a family cottage on Lake Nipissing and long trips in hot small cars all over the country.

Betty met Don Andrews in the early 1980s, they married in 1984. Don joined us along with his three daughters Maureen, Doreen, and Kathleen. Our mom started doing all the things we never thought she would do. Fishing, snowmobiling, 4 wheeling actually it was an Argo, they got into woodworking, and furniture refinishing. Her green thumb got a renewal on life. Sadly we lost Don in 2012. As I said that day, you are a winner buddy, now you can rest, remember you would say “take care of this Lady” I said “you can count on it”.

Betty moved into Collegiate Heights shortly after that where she remained until the time of her passing. Samantha her cat joined her, Samantha died shortly after they moved in and not long after that Sammy moved in. They both hated me! Lindsay, yes you can have another puppy but no cats. Oh Collegiate Heights!! Lots of friends and acquaintances. Margaret Field and mom were inseparable until Margaret relocated to southern Ontario. Last year my mum and dad, Marie and Dave became residents. Everyone in there is and was special. NOW….let me tell you about the girls. Dorothy, Evelyn, Betty S. and Betty A., you were a blast. You had so much in common and seemed to know how each other felt. You rallied around each other, supported each other

and really did feel like part of the family to Laurie and I. We cannot wait to see the three of you in person and give you the warmest hugs you can imagine.

I hope mom would say “lets save the best for last”. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. With me standing here today I guess I get to choose where to start. I married Betty’s oldest, Laurie. I guess that makes me the closest in age to Betty. . Gary and Donnie you can laugh your asses off at that one. I am the father of her oldest grandchild Lindsay. My beautiful daughter, our special angel. You were that to Grandma too. Laurie truly is Betty. Words like honest, caring, calm, and dedicated would be they way to describe both of them. That stubbornness and taste for fine things is an added bonus. Mom loved nothing more than to sit and visit with us enjoying her glass of brandy and we had our scotch. She always made sure she had some on hand. Stories

were told of days gone by. She had a way of making fun of me and I was a willing recipient. Her favourite story was about me turning her kitchen table into a Chinese Checker Board as I drilled through the flower boxes I was making her. The Sault Star was thicker in those days and I thought it would stop the drill bit. It didn’t! A few years later that Checker Board was taking up to much room in the kitchen so I wacked a piece of it off with my circular saw as I was cutting her new bench for the deck. One of the last things Betty was concerned about was her precious Rav 4, she asked Laurie and I what

she should do about it, we said “don’t worry mom we will take care of it” you should have seen the looks at the collision station when we reported that we hit each other. Gary possesses all the qualities that a father and mother could want, hard working, honesty, solid values and a vision for success. Since the passing of Pete, Gary helped mom with her investments and always had her in a position of not having to worry. He is married to his beautiful wife Marie Lynn. They have two lovely children Michael and Emily. One beautiful granddaughter Emma. During these last few years Gary was totally dedicated to mom. He literally spent every Saturday morning with her, taking her out when she was able and basically providing everything she asked for. He had her

apartment completely renovated to her liking. They spent every Christmas Eve attending mass and eating pizza. I loved your mom, Gary. Thanks for sharing.

Patti I mean this in the most respectful way. You are the cross between the older two. When mom was alone for those years, she had you. We thought your adventures for lack of a better description, were taking years off her life turns out you were adding them on. This guy named Donnie is one the best. Being the marketing type that I am I drop his name every chance I get. I have instant acceptance. I do not know who does not like and appreciate him, however I haven’t been to all the places in the world that he has but I would go to battle for him. Patti and Donnie have two fantastic children Joey and Jamie-lyn. They have 4 grandchildren and one on the way. Patti you did so much for mom. As mentioned earlier Patti was instrumental in finding out the whole history of Betty’s

family. Not only did she just find out and drop it, but she kept the ball rolling. What a marvelous beautiful thing you did for her and we thank you. Whenever Betty needed anything she could count on Patti especially if it had to do with computers, phones, tv’s, she was also an excellent errand runner. I loved your mom Patti. Thanks for sharing.

There is a song “Thank God For Kids” if you ever get a chance take a listen. Lindsay, Michael, Emily, Joey and Jamie-Lyn. From arts and crafts, singing, card making, hockey, frogs and lizards, stock cars, snow mobiles, family gatherings, and nursing. Grandma got a taste of them all. You had her full support and you amused her to no end. She loved you all dearly and evenly and was always hoping for the best for all of you. Emma, Ryder x 2, Lee and Roo, Leela-Lyn, Petey and the luckiest baby in Calgary arriving this fall coming into this family. Please get old but not too fast, so we can start telling you about Grandma Betty. She had left us now knowing that her job was done as she demonstrated to your parents and grandparents what this whole family thing should look like.

God’s home team just got a lot stronger. The two luckiest men in the world Peter and Donald are about to be together with Betty again. Doris, Bill, Tom, Jim and Eleanor your sister is on her way. I’ve said this before but Betty cannot wait to see Donnie’s mom Carol, his dad Senior, and Marie Lynn’s dad Bill, to see who can brag the most about their children I wish we could be there for that one.

I will end with part of a poem that our dear family friend Arnold Turner wrote:

REMEMBER ME

To the living, I am physically gone,

To the happy, I am at peace,

And to the faithful, I have never left.

I cannot speak or be seen, but I can listen

So as you stand upon a shore gazing across a beautiful lake,

Or as you look upon a flower garden and admire its simplicity,

REMEMBER ME

When you see a mother, who has raised three great kids,

When you see a woman, who has loved two great men,

When you enjoy any of the special things in life that I would have loved,

Remember me in your heart, your thoughts and memories of the times we loved, the

times we cried, the way we laughed;

For if you think of me , I will never have gone.

Letter from Lindsay

Sadly Lindsay, Grandma Betty’s oldest grandchild passed away on July 1st 2020 just weeks after her. Lindsay and mom had a special bond. Grandma fully understood, supported and loved her from the bottom of her heart. Lindsay felt the same about her Grandma. We have included some quotes that we found among the numerous letters she wrote to Grandma.

“I love you so much, you have always seemed to understand me and accept me for who I am. I can’t thank you enough for just being you and for always being there for me. Not everyone can call their Grandma their best friend. You have given me so much, you are such a beautiful woman and I hope I can be like you. You will always be in my heart.”

“I just want you to know how much I appreciate you, how much I love you and how much I wish for other people to experience the kind of love, compassion, safety and friendship I have experienced with you.”

“I hope that one day my grandchildren will adore me as much as I adore you, because of you I will never let my grandchildren feel that I don’t love them”

“You have showed me more than you can know, and words could never do justice to what I feel inside for you and this family. Thank you and I love you more than you will ever know.”

This small sampling of Lindsay’s words were just the tip of the iceberg as it related to the important role that Betty played for her. As parents we can attest to the fact that Mom and Grandpa Don while we had him stood by us through good and bad. We know that Lindsay and Mom rest together with each other. What a marvellous feeling!

Love from Laurie and Brian

ANDREWS,[Potvin] Betty Jean - It is with broken hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful mother surrounded with the love of her family, at the Sault Area Hospital on Monday, May 25, 2020 in her 86th year.

Predeceased by her husbands Peter Potvin 1978 and Donald Andrews 2012. Beloved mother of Laurie Watkins (Brian), Gary Potvin (Marie Lynne) and Patti Wierzbicki (Donnie). Cherished Gramma in all of their own special ways, of; Lindsay Watkins, Mike Potvin, Joey Wierzbicki, Jamie-Lyn Fewchuk and Emily Potvin. Great Gramma, of Ryder Roo, Leela-Lyn, Ryder Lee, Emma and Peter. Betty predeceased by her siblings Eleanor Wilkinson, Tom Beadman, Bill Beadman, Jim Beadman and Doris Smith. Betty will also be missed by many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Betty was born in North Bay in 1934, as were her three children. Betty and Pete moved to Sault Ste. Marie in 1974 and established their very successful family business ServiceMaster, that operates to this day. She met, married and was fortunate to have Donald Andrews enter her life. Betty and Don enjoyed a marvelous life together experiencing countless new adventures. She was a gentle soul with a calmness that touched and warmed your heart. She did not have a bad word to say about anyone. In her day she was a master in the kitchen, she enjoyed her garden to no end. A Brandy at the end of the day was savored with family. Her beloved Sammy the cat will miss her terribly. “The Girls” at Collegiate Heights, Dorothy, Evelyn and Betty; she loved you so much as we all did. Lucky you four did not hook up years ago. Father Paul Conway from Our Lady Of Good Councel, we got your best sermon on Sunday as you tended to mom. Thank-you so much. To the Staff at Collegiate Heights, thank you for all you have done and for becoming part of our family. To the staff at Sault Area Hospital, The Cancer Suite for the last year and a half and to, 3C at the end of our journey, we received and thank-you for the best care, compassion and professionalism you demonstrated and provided to us.

A private family service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2020 at the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East 705-759-2522). Friends are invited to view the service online starting at 10:50 am. The service can be viewed anytime up to 90 days. Go to www.funeraweb.tv and select Betty's name to view the service. Rev. Paul Conway officiating. In lieu of food and flowers, memorial contributions (payable by cheque or online to the SAH Cancer Care Fund would be appreciated by the family. Please visit Arthur Funeral Home website obituaries to leave memories and condolences as a keepsake for the family.

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ANDREWS,[Potvin] Betty Jean - It is with broken hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful mother surrounded with the love of her family, at the Sault Area Hospital on Monday, May 25, 2020 in her 86th year.

Predeceased by her husbands Peter Potvin 1978 and Donald Andrews 2012. Beloved mother of Laurie Watkins (Brian), Gary Potvin (Marie Lynne) and Patti Wierzbicki (Donnie). Cherished Gramma in all of their own special ways, of; Lindsay Watkins, Mike Potvin, Joey Wierzbicki, Jamie-Lyn Fewchuk and Emily Potvin. Great Gramma, of Ryder Roo, Leela-Lyn, Ryder Lee, Emma and Peter. Betty predeceased by her siblings Eleanor Wilkinson, Tom Beadman, Bill Beadman, Jim Beadman and Doris Smith. Betty will also be missed by many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Betty was born in North Bay in 1934, as were her three children. Betty and Pete moved to Sault Ste. Marie in 1974 and established their very successful family business ServiceMaster, that operates to this day. She met, married and was fortunate to have Donald Andrews enter her life. Betty and Don enjoyed a marvelous life together experiencing countless new adventures. She was a gentle soul with a calmness that touched and warmed your heart. She did not have a bad word to say about anyone. In her day she was a master in the kitchen, she enjoyed her garden to no end. A Brandy at the end of the day was savored with family. Her beloved Sammy the cat will miss her terribly. “The Girls” at Collegiate Heights, Dorothy, Evelyn and Betty; she loved you so much as we all did. Lucky you four did not hook up years ago. Father Paul Conway from Our Lady Of Good Councel, we got your best sermon on Sunday as you tended to mom. Thank-you so much. To the Staff at Collegiate Heights, thank you for all you have done and for becoming part of our family. To the staff at Sault Area Hospital, The Cancer Suite for the last year and a half and to, 3C at the end of our journey, we received and thank-you for the best care, compassion and professionalism you demonstrated and provided to us.

A private family service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2020 at the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East 705-759-2522). Friends are invited to view the service online starting at 10:50 am. The service can be viewed anytime up to 90 days. Go to www.funeraweb.tv and select Betty's name to view the service. Rev. Paul Conway officiating. In lieu of food and flowers, memorial contributions (payable by cheque or online to the SAH Cancer Care Fund would be appreciated by the family. Please visit Arthur Funeral Home website obituaries to leave memories and condolences as a keepsake for the family.