Marion Elizabeth (Betty) Laver (nee Beresford) passed away peacefully at the age of 90 years, in Huntsville Ontario on December 8th 2021, with her children by her side.
Elizabeth is predeceased by Bruce, her high school sweetheart and husband of 66 years. She is also predeceased by her parents John and Marion Beresford (nee McCrory), her siblings Jean, Sheila, Jack and Wilson and her daughter-in-law Chris Laver.
She is survived by her three beloved children; Rob of Huntsville, Stewart (Liz) of Canmore, Alberta and Wendy of Huntsville as well has her four grandchildren Kelly Self (Doug) of Boise, Idaho, Jack Laver of Canmore, William Laver of Montreal, Andrew Laver of Canmore and her great-granddaughter Caroline Self.
Born on November 6th, 1931 in Richmond Hill Ontario, Elizabeth grew up surrounded by gardens and an appreciation for all things beautiful.
Family, friends and having fun were always priorities for Elizabeth. High School brought Bruce into her life and together, they built strong and life-long friendships everywhere they went.
Elizabeth graduated from nursing school at the Toronto General Hospital and had a short career there while Bruce finished his Engineering Degree at the University of Toronto. As soon as Bruce graduated they were married and soon settled in Rosemere, Quebec with all three of her children born in Montreal over the next few years.
In 1962 the young family moved to Toronto and settled in Don Mills. Great and lifelong friends for the whole family were made on Overbank Crescent. Most weekends and holidays were spent at the family cottage on Lake of Bays.
In 1972 the family moved to Huntsville, Ontario and their dream home at Echo Bay on Fairy Lake, where they lived until very recently.
For many years Elizabeth was the manager of The Bookcase; a local bookstore on the main street of Huntsville. She was an avid reader and this was something that she truly enjoyed.
The property on Echo Bay was filled with beautiful gardens that were Elizabeth’s passion. She was also a very talented and active artist, she was involved with local painting groups and she participated in local art shows where her work proved to be quite popular.
Elizabeth and Bruce had an abundance of strong friendships that they made throughout their lives together. They always made an effort to stay in touch and enjoyed a very active social life, Bruce was always her trusted wing-man. The ladies from the “coffee klatch” in Huntsville met regularly and that kept her up to date on the local news; she always enjoyed a good round of tennis, even well into her later years. She was a good friend to many people.
Certainly the most important thing in Elizabeth’s life was her family. To us, she was completely devoted. She always wanted a report and would light up hearing stories about her children, her grandchildren and of course her great-granddaughter.
Throughout their lives, Elizabeth and Bruce took care of each other. The strength of their love for each other has been an inspiration to us all.
Elizabeth was beautiful both inside and out.
Sincere thanks to Dr. Lindsay MacMillan, Dr. Kirkpatrick and Dr. McDermott for their compassionate care and to her daily caregivers that kept her laughing, Janice and Jessica.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation. (huntsvillehospitalfoundation.ca)
Cremation has taken place and a small family celebration has occurred.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Marion Elizabeth Laver Betty 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Huntsville, Province: Ontario