It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing of Betty at the Civic Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario; the dearest wife of Joe (Duke) Duquette and loving mother of Michael and Michele (Brown).
Born during the Great Depression in Geelong, Australia, the family lived on small farm in Stonehaven. Betty’s earliest memory was to cut newspaper into squares, and use a needle and yarn to make toilet paper for the outhouse. Her mother died of a stroke when she was 14, resulting in the children quitting school (Betty at Grade 8) to work on the farm. At age 21, Betty, along with two girlfriends, left Australia to see the world and started a 10-year work/travel adventure. Travelling exclusively on Steamer ships, they stopped to work in many countries and raise money for the next experience. When in Europe and working in Germany, Betty met a young Canadian soldier who would be her future husband (Duke). They married and a new lifelong adventure began. Their son Mike was born a year later, and when they rotated back to Canada, Michele was born to complete the family. Betty was a stay-at-home mom and supported the family during many postings, which occurred every three years. Betty never complained and thoroughly enjoyed seeing new places.
Duke and Betty retired in Orleans, Ontario in 1995, and continued travelling throughout Canada. Betty was a two-time breast cancer survivor, having mastectomies in each case. While this prohibited some travel, they spent quality time with short trips and picnics, which Betty loved. Betty made friends easily, and always maintained contact with them and all her extended family in Australia, whom she dearly loved. Betty was wonderful person, always thinking of other’s welfare before own; she will be sadly missed.
Betty is survived by her husband Joe (Duke), son Michael (Nina), daughter Michele (Ben) and she was a dear grandmother to Jordan, Tristan and Zach. She will now join all her siblings; Joyce, Ian and Nancy. Betty is so missed and will not be forgotten. From Duke, “Goodbye my love, you’ll always be in my heart and mind until we meet again.”
Many thanks to the Doctors, nurses and attending staff at the Civic Hospital for their kind and gentle treatment of Betty. The funeral for Betty will be private and for family only, as per Betty’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations to be can be made to the Breast Cancer Society of Canada, https://bcsc.ca
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Digital Guestbook
Markus Anastasiades
Jordan Brown
Grammy, it has been hard for me to figure out what to write because I can't put into words just how much I am going to miss you. I have many fond memories of visiting with you throughout my childhood from building little bird nests with you out of playdough to you giving me change for candy or treats. I swear I am never going to forget all the times you would measure how much I've grown by pulling me in for a big hug, even when I got taller than you. I am going to miss hearing about your travel stories, I wish I had written them down because I always looked up to you in how you decided to travel the world and take in as much of it as you could. Whenever I mentioned you to my friends I always talked about how awesome it was that you've been all over the world, and I've always admired that about you. I wish I had made more time to sit and talk with you to hear more about your trips and memories, but I am lucky to have mom able to share these stories with me whenever I ask. I think I speak on behalf of everyone that there is an empty place in our family now, but I will always carry you in my heart.
Love Jordan xoxo
Nancy & Gary Walkling
On behalf of the Walkling family we wish to extend our condolences on the passing of Betty to Joe and family. Betty was a great neighbor and we always enjoyed her stories and wit.
Nola Anderson
Nola, Bruce, Darren, Jodie and families from Victoria and Queensland, Australia, send our thoughts and prayers to Duke, Mike and Michelle and families, on the passing of our dear Aunty Betty. She will never be forgotten and be in our hearts as a loving Aunty to us all. R.I.P. Aunty Betty
Rhonda Sharp
Dear Duke, Mike and Michele and families. It is with great sadness that we have to farewell dear Aunty Betty. Our loving thoughts go out to you all. Many years of corresponding by hand written letters and cards will be greatly missed. She did an awesome job keeping in touch with all the family. Duke took up the honours in the latter years with Aunty Betty telling him what to say. Thanks to email. She wasn't going to be beaten. We were all very lucky to make a visit to Ottawa over the years which will be memorable. R.I.P Aunty Betty. Love from Rhonda and Frank Sharp, Donna Kennedy , Queensland Australia and Ashley and Annika Sharp, Helsinki Finland. and families.
Sylvie Duford Paul Hamelin
Deepest sympathies to Joe. Betty was a wonderful neighbour to our family and especially our kids, Caroline & Marie-Andree. She always had a little something kind to say, and little surprises for the kids. We loved her "aussie" accent and her lovely smile.
Brian & Cheryl Woodman & Family
Deepest sympathy to Duke & Family on the passing of dear Auntie Betty, we are thankful for having a lifetime of correspondence via her lovely letters that made us forget the separation of distance and feel so close to all of you, all our love the Woodys
David and Lucille Boadway
Our sincere condolences to the Duquette family. We first met Betty in PMQ's at Rockcliffe during the 70's. Our daughter Angela played with Michele.
Both myself and Duke retired in Ottawa in 1995. Even though we lived miles apart, Lucille and
Betty often talked on the phone.
Memories of love and friendship are treasures that we will carry with us always.
You are our true friends.
On behalf of the Saanich Police Benevolent Society, our heartfelt condolences to the Duquette family for your loss. We know how important family is in supporting their loved ones who venture into a career in policing, and the wonderfully written bio above certainly shows that Betty was that loving, caring and supportive mother. From all of us, warmest wishes.