Obituary of Elizabeth Howson

MARY ELIZABETH (BETTY) PEARL HOWSON (née Willcocks) Passed away peacefully at Ross Memorial Hospital, Lindsay, Ontario after a brief illness, prior to which she enjoyed a week and a half at her beloved cottage on Balsam Lake. She was predeceased in 1993 by the love of her life, John Beverley Howson, with whom she enjoyed an active life focused on family, friends and travels (particularly with close friends Penny and David Tillett). Betty was well loved by her seven children, Elizabeth (Greg Marlatt), Cathy McLachlan (Jamie), Susan (David Weatherston), Jay (Claudette Hewson), Sally (Andy Murihead), Barbara, and Nancy. She was "Nanny" to seven grandchildren and actively involved in their lives - Trevor Marlatt, Mary and John McLachlan, Alison and Michael Weatherston, Kai Ellis and Georgia Polomski. She believed in taking an active role in her community and church. A proud Wellesley nurse, she volunteered at Wellesley and later St. Michael's Hospital emergency for over 35 years. Her service was recognized with the Ontario Volunteer Service Award in 2008. Like her husband, she worked energetically in support of the Rotary Club of Toronto as a member of the Inner Wheel. She was a member of Christ Church Deer Park all her life, involved in all facets of the church life including running the annual rummage sales for many years, serving as the president of the St. Andrews Group (formerly ACW) and latterly as a volunteer receptionist. In addition, she was an avid sportswoman, curling into her late 70's, playing tennis and bicycling until she was 90. Special thanks to Doctors McNabb, Chandra and the staff of the surgical ward at Ross Memorial for their support. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, August 22nd for visitation. A service will be held in CHRIST CHURCH DEER PARK, 1570 Yonge Street in Toronto, on Tuesday, August 23rd at 11:00 a.m. Betty was a strong believer in giving back to the community; in lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Rotary Club of Toronto Charitable Foundation or a charity of your choice. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.