Betty Ann Widdrington

May 20, 2017

Home Obituaries Betty Ann Widdrington

Betty Ann passed away in London, Ontario on Saturday, May 20th, 2017 surrounded by love and with characteristic grace. She was in her 87th year. Betty Ann was born in Toronto, Ontario to the late George and Ann Lawrence. She attended Lawrence Park Collegiate and the University of Toronto. She began her working career at Morgan’s (later the Hudson Bay Company) as a model and fashion buyer. In 1951, Betty Ann met the love of her life, Peter N. T. Widdrington, when he picked her up in the S.S. Bigwin to ferry her over to the island for a summer job. She knew from that day on that he was the one for her, and that this chance meeting would shape the rest of her life. They were married in 1956 and celebrated 49 years together before Peter’s passing in 2005. Theirs was a time of great adventure, laughter and love. Betty Ann and Peter settled in London, Ontario after first living in Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver and San Francisco. She was deeply involved with her community and her friends and was devoted to many causes including Big Sisters of London where she sat on the Board of Directors. She was known for her annual Big Sisters Night at the Racetrack. Betty Ann was an elegant, kind and gentle lady whose home and family meant everything to her. She was interested in everyone and everything that crossed her path. She was a quick-witted and charming hostess who could make anyone feel at ease and she brilliantly cultivated friendships across the globe. Betty Ann described her own life as “amazing”. It was filled with laughter, joy, great conversation, beautiful gardens, art and music in abundance. Betty Ann is survived by daughters Lucinda and Stacy, son-in-law Bill Belgue; grandsons Peter and Patrick Widdrington and Jack Belgue; brother Alex Lawrence (Kathleen); brother-in-law Michael Widdrington; nieces Susan Roughgarden (Jeff), and Cheryl Widdrington (Bill); nephews George Lawrence, Stephen Lawrence (Kathy), Charlie Lawrence (Jenna), Stephen Widdrington and Michael Widdrington Jr. (Lara). She is also survived by Tiggy the Cat. Mum’s final journey was a long one but she had the most caring assistance along the way. We are so deeply grateful to Charlene Eckel and Heinz Prikopa whose friendship and support kept the whole ship afloat. We also thank the most outstanding team of dedicated caregivers, without whom we could never have fulfilled mum’s wishes to remain in her home: Claudine Jamer, Lovimin Farola, Janet Bangcoyo and Ann Aguilar. We also thank Dr. Ferner and the Palliative Care Unit from CCAC. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 1st, 2017 at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London. Interment to follow at Woodland Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Betty Ann, are asked to consider the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London Area, 543 Ridout Street North, London, ON N6A 2P8, Ph: 519-438-7065.

We send Betty Ann off with tremendous love and gratitude for a life well lived.

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(Donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London)

~ Mrs. Ross Norgrove

(Donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London)

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(Donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London)

~ Deb Prothero

(Donated to My Sisters' Place)

~ Lillian Fleming

(Donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London)

~ Alex and Kathleen

(Donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London)

~ G. Klett

(Donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London)

~ The Runions Family

(Donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London)

~ Irene Vardanis

(Donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London)

~ Carol Lome

(Donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London)

~ James & Janet Caskey

Thank you to Betty Ann for the many years of memories and shared stories. You and your family have meant more to us than we can tell. Carl will be very surprised to see you and I am sure you him. May God Bless your family with all the love and support they deserve. "Thanks for the memories...." Love...Jo Anne and family

~ Jo Anne De Wilde

(Donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London)

~ Carol and Ted Aziz

(Donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London)

~ James and Janet Caskey

I'm sorry Betty Ann that I didn't know you. I'm glad you lived every moment and revealed your living and loving to all who knew you. I've stumbled on the words of some who shared your life and love looking for my childhood friend Charlene, glad she was one you held with highest regards. If I'm ever blessed to cross the path she is on I will owe it to you my dear friend if we only meet in the endearments others use I say thank you your legend lives on.

~ Souljurney Testolini

My dearest, and one of a kind, sister,Betty Ann is tending to her victory garden....just as we did as kids. She was a victory in herself by how gracious, kind and loving she was to her husband, Pete, and lovely daughters and precious grandchildren. We will love and miss you forever.

~ George Lawrence

May Betty Ann rest in peace now, reunited with Peter, a beloved husband. For all of us of the extended family over in Europe, she was the grandest of a Canadian Grande Dame and the most wonderful. Our love to Cindy and Stacy and all of their families, and friends who knew and loved both Betty Ann and Peter Widdrington. God bless them and you all.

~ Charles Hill

So sad to hear of Betty Ann's passing. We think of the family often her at the Hall of Fame. Hope everyone is staying strong in this trying time. Scott Crawford

~ Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

My family and I were very saddened to learn of the recent passing of Betty Ann Widdrington. At the same time, I would like to pay a tribute to Betty Ann who had a very full life with many adventures including her unique presence at the side of Peter who I knew well from our joint endeavors at Labatt. Similarly, the same sentiments in respect of our joint efforts contributing to the success and joy associating to a number of years with our Toronto Blue Jays. Betty Ann was a great lady who lived life to the fullest and who also engendered warm and appreciative thoughts. I will be making a contribution in memory of Betty Ann to the Jane Eyton Tribute Fund - the two of them were great friends and I thought somehow a joint gift is very appropriate. Sincerely, Trevor Eyton

~ J. Trevor Eyton

On behalf of my wife Paula, and children Alanna, Jax and Mia, we are sad with all of you for your loss.. But we also are genuinely glad that Betty was here for 87 years, and we are relieved that she is now in a place where there is no more suffering. We are ecstatic that she came to know her grandchildren and love them, and that they will remember her fondly. We know your hearts are heavy, and we pray that the memories of joy and the legacy she and Peter left in you will help ease your pain. I came to know Betty when Peter was deservingly inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, and her pride, as well as her class and dignity were evident throughout the process. After Peter's passing, she kindly stayed in touch, to the level where she insisted that we have lunch once or twice a year, usually, and luckily, when Cindy and Stacy were in town. I distinctly remember Betty asking so many questions about the Hall of Fame and updates on my children that I had to make a concerted effort to squeeze in questions about how she was doing, her family, and I had all day any day to hear Peter stories. She was exceptionally caring and giving, and I always felt special to get to know your family as I have. Most unfortunately, although I know you of all people will understand, I will be in Vancouver and unable to attend Betty's funeral, as my youngest daughter Mia has a tryout with Team Canada, and my son Jaxon, now a student-athlete at UBC, is remaining out there for the summer, so I will be gone that whole week. You remain in our thoughts and prayers.

~ Tom Valcke

Dear Cindy and Stacey, I have so many wonderful memories of lively and warm times spent with Betty Ann and Peter ,a tradition that Betty Ann carried on for so long as she was able to host her friends. Betty Ann was a warm,compassionate and gracious lady ,who was so proud of her daughters and then so loving of her grandchildren.Her example of how best to live one's life.is her lasting legacy to you and to your children. My heartfelt condolences, Cliff

~ Clifford Lax

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