Matilda Annie Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Blair
January 17, 2020
Peacefully at home on January 17, 2020, at the age of 83. Beloved wife of Jim, devoted Mom to Garvin (Sarah), Derek and Colette (Nigel). Extraordinary Grandma to Rachel, Lizzy, Heather and Nicole. Predeceased by her son, Neville.
It’s not possible to sum up a life as big as Betty Blair’s. Born in Northern Ireland as Matilda Annie Elizabeth (Betty) McComb, she was the eldest daughter in a family of ten children. Betty was relentless in her pursuit of knowledge and new experiences. Betty and Jim shared a spirit of adventure – immigrating to Canada in 1960 and ultimately finding their home in London in 1974. She was passionate about travel, gracious with her friends and always finding the positive in a situation. While very private, Betty loved discourse, was open to everyone’s opinion and was not afraid to express her own.
Betty was smart, resourceful, beautiful, funny, curious, resilient and tough as nails. She regularly expressed her gratitude for all her friends and all her family. She will be missed thoroughly by so many people whose lives she touched.
A Celebration of Life will take place at OAKRIDGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 970 Oxford Street West, London, on Thursday, January 23, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior. Special thanks to all the medical staff that worked with Betty over the years, particularly to Dr. David McCormack (LHSC) and German Ortiz (Saint Elizabeth Health Care). In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Betty are asked to consider the London Health Sciences Foundation (>www.lhsf.ca).
“Ae fond kiss and then we sever!
Ae farewell, and then forever!
Deep in heart-wrung tears I’ll pledge thee.
Warring sighs and groans I’ll wage thee.”
– Robert Burns
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(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
Dear Derek and family , so sorry to hear of the loss of your mum , our sympathies to you all .. the gilchrist family
Jim, Garvin, Colette, Derek and Families, Please accept my sincerest sympathies. It was my privilege and pleasure to get to know Betty, just a little. I looked forward to our conversations. Betty was always interested in what I had to say and always, as you noted, had a sensible opinion to share. She was so very proud of you all. I left our sessions thinking what an example she set of a life well lived. I will miss seeing her and am sorry that you have lost her. Fondly, Elizabeth
Dear Colette - My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Please know you are in my thoughts and heart. Hugs, Charlotte
Betty was a good friend to my mom, Jeanne Farrell. I know she'll be missed by her many friends. My sympathies to your family.
Our sympathy to you Jim ad your family
Betty was such a lovely person, with an ever present smile and warm greeting to all. Our staff loved having her participate in Aquafit and her ever present gang of friends she collected at the pool. Our sincere condolences to the family Aquatic Services
Jim and family I was so sorry to hear about the passing of you beloved Betty. She was indeed a joy to be around. I am one of the many swimmers she exercised with. She will be missed. I am away at the moment but if there is anything I can do for Jim ,please don't hesitate to call Edna Valk
Jim and family. Betty truly was a beautiful lady with a lovely spirit. Thinking of all of you as you journey in these days.
Dear Jim and family. Bob and I want to express our deepest sympathies to you. May you find comfort in your memories of Betty. She will be greatly missed by the Rotary family. Bonnie and Bob Hudson
Dear Colette, My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your mom sounds like a lovely person who will be dearly missed. I'm sorry for your loss. - Jack
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Dear Jim and family, we were so sorry to hear about Betty. She was such a lovely lady, we always enjoyed seeing you both, lots of good memories of you both at Mom and Dad's. Our thoughts are with you and yours.
~ Pat & Doug MacPherson