At 94 years young, Betty passed away on July 5th, 2020 at V!VA Barrhaven, Nepean, Ontario. Betty was born on September 30th, 1925. She spent all of her life in the Ottawa Valley, enjoying 93 summers at the family cottage on the Big Rideau, near Rideau Ferry, a tradition she passed on to her children. On August 1st, 1953, Betty married Allan Wrenshall and their 65-year marriage was a testament to the power of love and hard work. Al passed away on August 2nd, 2018.
Al and Betty’s marriage produced three children; Nancy (Glen), Don (Sandra) and Ellen (Joe). Betty’s early career as an elementary school teacher contributed to family rituals like reading chapters of “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” during lunchtimes when the Wrenshall children came home from school for a home cooked lunch. An accomplished seamstress, matching Christmas outfits were made by Betty for all three. She was also a pretty amazing cook. Al often said it was her homemade pumpkin pie that “sealed the deal” and won his heart.
Betty will be sorely missed by her six grandchildren; Marni, Michael, (Alexandra), Emily, Alanna, Taylor and Lindsay. Betty was thrilled to meet her one great grandchild Anne almost two years ago and enjoyed every opportunity she had to see Anne. “Aunt Bett” will be missed by her nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews on both the Lloyd and the Wrenshall sides of the family. As one niece put it, Betty was a wonderful example of the capable, energetic and optimistic generation she was born to.
Betty’s story would not be complete without a word about her volunteer activities. She was always a very active member of the United Church congregations she belonged to, even as a young girl. She sang in the choir and the United Church Women (UCW) groups she belonged to were near and dear to her heart. Betty also volunteered for the Children’s Aid Society in the Ottawa area, driving children to appointments and working with at risk families needing extra help such as learning how to budget, how to cook and other basic life skills.
Right up until her last days, Betty’s strength and sense of humour were evident. She was always “Hunky dory or Super-duper” when asked. She will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the CNIB or the Arthritis Society of Canada.
Digital Guestbook
Gaye and Roger Petersen
Glen G Dennie
Betty was an amazing Mother in law, she was always kind, thoughtful and loving. She welcomed me into her family and always made me feel comfortable in her home. I will miss her dearly.
Leslie Cameron and Bob Simpson
Bob and I send out sympathies to the Wrenshall family.
It was great to see Betty when Ellen brought her out to the church craft group. She will be missed.
Jan and Bill Legere
Betty was truly loved by our family. We started bonding over a crying baby ( Kristi) and the relationship just grew from there. We were neighbours, friends and family. You will be missed by all that knew you.
Shirley Allen
Betty and Al were dear friends of my husband Rovelle's for many years, and included me in the friendship when he married me in 1974. We met frequently at our homes and cottages and in Florida, and felt very fortunate to have such kind, generous, witty and wonderful friends in our life.
Albert and Reina DeJong
Precious memories are a gift . We pray they will help you during this time of loss and through the days ahead.Our thoughts are with you! Love and hugs
Chris/Anne Tiller
We have known Betty for decades. An amazing lady, always smiling, never complaining. Although in the end she was almost completely blind, her response to an inquiry about her sight was always…oh I’m okay…up and down some days, but I am doing okay. Truly admired by all, with the support and love of her family. We will be forgiven for highlighting Ellen and Joe – Physically the nearest – who always kept her on top of their priority list.
The virus situation makes it impossible to share your grief today but to all the family – know there are many with you in spirit. Remember Al has been waiting and your sadness is his reward. God bless you all.
Blake and Judy Farmer
Nancy, Don, Ellen and Family; so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. She was quite the lady. Our deepest condolences. Blake and Jude
Debra Denny / Coveney
I send sympathy to your family, I knew your mom and my mom used to go to the UCW when your mom was there, so sorry for your loss
V!VA Barrhaven Retirement Community
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Betty was a cherished member of our community, always keen to share a story or a laugh and just simply keep it real. She will be so greatly missed.
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your Mother. Treasure your memories of a life well lived and loved.