Obituary of Betty Ann Armstrong
After a long fought battle, Betty (nee Shannon) Armstrong passed away at 90 years of age on December 1, 2022. Beloved wife of George Armstrong. Loving mother of Brian (Clare), Betty Ann, Fred (Wendy) and Lorne (Michelle). Warm-hearted Nanny to Luc, Kalley, Zac, Adam, Madeline, Jessie, Jasmine and Ashley.
Betty grew up in the small northern town of Capreol, just outside of Sudbury. She met her life-long sweetheart George at a dance in Skead when he saw a beautiful brown-haired girl dancing with one of his friends. Later in life, he always bragged about how he stole Betty right out of his friend’s arms. Betty and George danced that first night together, and were inseparable since. They wed in 1954 and spent 67 beautiful years together. Betty loved watching George play hockey with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was fond of sitting next to her good friends, the other players wives, at his games.
Betty and George raised their family in Leaside, where the kids were involved in all sorts of sports and enjoyed their time running around the neighbourhood. One time, Brian's hockey bag somehow got hooked under the back of Betty's car and, unaware, she pulled out of the driveway and drove up along Bayview to run errands. She thought all the frantic arms waving in the air were just friendly neighbours saying “hello”. Betty happily waved back until she realized there was equipment scattered everywhere along the road behind her.
George was forever grateful for all the time Betty spent tending to their family while he was on the road playing hockey, particularly when it came to discipline. Taking care of 4 kids was not easy, especially when a game of mini sticks broke out in the basement. All it took was the rattling of the kitchen drawer and the threat of the wooden spoon to put a temporary halt to the chaos downstairs.
Betty loved her 8 grandchildren dearly. They were her pride and joy, and she enjoyed spoiling them. Trips to Nanny and Grampa’s house were always warm and welcoming. Nanny always had freshly baked treats, the best movies and let the kids “steal” Grampa’s pop. No matter what you did to annoy Grampa, Nanny always responded with “bless your little heart”. She was always right by the grandkids' side when it came to making fun of George, and loved ganging up on her husband with the kids. “Oh George!” She would always say, he would respond with “Eh Betty!”.
Everybody in the Leaside community knew Betty, and loved her dearly. She enjoyed her walks up and down Bayview, helping at the church bazaars across the street from her home, and going to watch shows or shopping with her daughter Betty Ann. She was particularly talented at knitting and baking. She knitted and crocheted the most cozy socks, mittens and blankets for her grandkids and friends. Nanny’s bread was a staple at family events, which meant everyone had to keep George away from the butter dish! They were two peas in a pod.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to True Davidson Acres. Not only for their care of Betty, but their warm welcome of George who would spend every one of his evenings falling asleep next to his wife while holding her hand tight. They remained inseparable until their very last days.
Betty, Mom, Ma, Nanny… it is “bye for now” not forever. We love you. Donations may be made in Betty's memory to True Davidson Acres through
https://secure.toronto.
© 2022 Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel Limited. All Rights Reserved.
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