Obituary of Betty Peterson

In loving memory of Betty Peterson, who passed away at the Extendicare Nursing Home in Haileybury on Sunday May 17th, 2020, at the age of 99 years. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Alexander and Mabel Mackay, and by her husband Anton (Tony) Peterson. She is survived by her son Don (Kathleen); three grandchildren, Andrew Peterson, Kara Rivard (Pierre), & Alissa McDonald (Dan); and seven great grandchildren, Kassidy, Logan, Hailey, Eli , Hayden, Ethan and Taylor (born May 13, 2020). Betty was born in Timmins on July 14, 1920, during the gold boom years in northeastern Ontario. She lived there for the first few years of her life before moving to Larder Lake with her family. Most of the ensuing years were spent in Larder Lake, with exception of a brief period in the early 1930’s, when her father, while pursuing a homesteading opportunity, moved the family to the wilds of northern Manitoba, and during World War II (1942-44), when she worked for the Royal Canadian Air Force in Calgary, Alberta. Betty and Tony were married in 1947, and following Tony’s passing in 1984, she continued to live in Larder until 2012, when she moved to a senior’s home in New Liskeard. In her younger years, Betty was active in a number of community sports including skiing, tennis, badminton, curling and swimming. She was a dedicated member of the Royal Canadian Legion, and later in life became a lifetime member (Larder Lake Branch 293). She liked music (but not rock & roll) and dancing, especially the big band sound of the late 1930’s and 1940’s, and the song stylings of Sinatra, Crosby and the Andrews Sisters, among others. New Year’s Eve was her favourite party night. Betty liked to travel and sight-see, and during her life, she had the opportunity to visit most of Canada. She and Tony enjoyed many retirement winters in Brownsville, Texas. She was very proud of her Scottish heritage. Cremation has taken place and, due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, there will be no visitation or funeral service. If desired, memorial donations in Betty’s memory may be made to the Northdale Manor, or the Temiskaming Hospital Foundation. A final acknowledgement and heartfelt thank you to Dr. Davies and the staff at Extendicare in Haileybury, as well as the staff at the Northdale Manor in New Liskeard, for the care and compassion that you provided to Betty.