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Betty Fox Obituary
Betty Fox, who was in her early 70s, died Friday morning, her family said in a notice posted on the Terry Fox Foundation website.
Terry Fox was a young bone cancer survivor with an artificial leg who set out in 1980 on his "Marathon of Hope" to raise money and awareness about the disease. He suffered a recurrence of the disease and halted the run in Ontario after covering nearly 5,400 kilometers (3,355 miles) in 143 days.
He died in 1981 at age 22 after becoming the youngest person to be awarded the Order of Canada at that time and is considered a national hero.
Betty Fox kept her son's cancer-fighting legacy alive by organizing runs, raising funds and helping launch the research institute and foundation that promotes Terry Fox Runs across the globe.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
102 Entries
Pam Holmgren
January 14, 2020
May their souls rest in peace and repose in God bosom.
Velma Sheehan
October 13, 2011
So sad that a wonderful lady passed. She worked so hard in her son's memory. So glad that the Terry Fox Run continues. I would still like to know if Betty was an Aitken and if she may be related to my family.
September 30, 2011
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
May GOD continue to guide your family by means of His holy spirit to give you strength and comfort during this time of sorrow.
D. Clark
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The Warkentins
July 4, 2011
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We send our condolences and are thinking of you.
T B
June 30, 2011
It gives me comfort that you are now reunited with your son again. However it is a loss for us that you went back to Heaven. God bless your legacy
Lailonna
June 28, 2011
RIP Ms. Fox. You and your son Terry were inspirations to us all to keep dreaming of a cure one day!!
Lailonna
Bob & Carolee Gates
June 27, 2011
Darrell, Bonnie, Alexandra and Connor our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother/grandmother. Our hearts go out to the entire Fox family.
June 27, 2011
We too often neglect to express our appreciation to those that contribute, in no small measure, to making this world that we live in so worthwhile and meaningful. These words then will convey our most heartfelt sympathy to the Fox family. May you always walk in the shadow of Gods love Betty. Sincerely, Dolores, Barry Jackson and Marcel Robert.
Danny Abraham
June 26, 2011
I met Betty about one year after Terry passed,she was a very gracious lady.I will miss her.
Go with God ,Betty.
June 26, 2011
In my wallet, I carry a loonie that has Terry's image on it. I won't spend it. It serves as a reminder to me how the world was changed by one person's determination and passion. Terry was an amazing person and so it goes without doubt that he was raised by amazing people. My deepest condolences to the Fox family. Please know that both Betty and Terry have inspired millions of people over the years and that this legacy will continue for a long, long time.
Marguerite Lund
June 25, 2011
To All the Fox Family Our Prayers Are with you .We have many good memories with your family The Creighton Family
John Zwicker and Family
June 25, 2011
Betty inspired and encouraged her son who inspired not only our nation, but the world. We thank her for this and offer both our condolences to her family and our prayers for the repose of her soul.
Diane Carrier
June 25, 2011
The memory,love,respect and appreciation for both Betty and Terry will always live in me as a Canadian. My sincerest sympathy to her family,friends and indeed,the world, for her loss. One GREAT lady has been lost. May you,Betty, find comfort and peace in the arms of Terry and the angels as you R.I.P and may all of us find some comfort in knowing you are there.
June 25, 2011
we are very sad to see such a great woman that did a lot for all of us canadians, pass away, several yrs ago as we were driving down from alberta to eastern canada we saw terry fox on his run we pulled our car over and stopped and wished him well on his journey across canada, it was one of the most exciting things as a family have seen, ny thoughts and prays go out to the fox family ,please contiune on with the wonderful things betty was doing. ty from calgary alberta
Delores Mattie
June 24, 2011
I would lke to send condolences to the Fox Family.I am sad to hear of her passing.
Patricia Anderson
June 24, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Michelle Powers
June 24, 2011
My deepest condolences to the Fox family. Betty was a very strong woman who contributed so much of herself in the name of her son, Terry. Truly an inspiring woman.
Pamela Panek
June 23, 2011
Dear Rolly and family,
I am deeply sorry for you loss of your amazing, kind, generous, inspiring Betty! We were neighbors on Lynwood Street in the 1980's, I always remember Betty as always smiling and having such a sunny disposition despite all the hardships. You as well Rolly! I wanted to thank you for the time when I was 13 and had an accident on the street, your family dog had found me unconscious in the forest which saved my life. Never had the chance to speak with you as I had moved shortly after that. I want to Thank you very much to you and your dog for giving me a second chance at life. Your a hero, like Terry and Betty too! God Bless-
Joni
June 23, 2011
She was a great lady.My prayers and thoughts are with you all.Iam very greatful for what her and her son terry did for our country.We need more people like them. Thank you so much.
Eilean O'Brien
June 23, 2011
Our loss is heavens gain, my sincere condolences to the Fox family.
You have all been such an inspiration to the rest of us. God Bless
Holli Asher
June 23, 2011
To Rolly, Fred, Darrell and Judith
I am sorry...so very sorry for your loss.
Your Mom, lost a son. She, with all of you, left a legacy. Terry was so loved, all over the world..a young, sweet man, wanting to make a difference..and he did.
His name is in every household..we loved him. Betty took up the challenge, not alone..with all of you..she was the force behind the cause..she could not have done it without you, her family.
She is with her boy now..she has waited such a long time..they have their "soft place"..to talk, and feel the joy of being...their souls to-gether, at peace.
ohh it has been a long wait for a mom.
May your heart find peace in your loss, and joy in knowing she is with him..she and Terry will be there for all of you.
God Bless,
sincerely,
"a mom too"
margaret harke
June 22, 2011
my condolences to the Fox Family....Betty, you were a great inspiration to all people....god bless and rest in peace
Lucy Zucchi
June 22, 2011
Ours sincere condolances to the Family!
Betty was a great Lady!We thank her,
for her Love,and courage.
She is with her dear Son now.
She will be miss!
June 22, 2011
To The Fox Family
So many people have known you over the years. First with Terry and his remarkable work and a tender age and full of pain. We loved him and lost him, without knowing the sweet boy.
Then we met his mom, dad and siblings.
What an honor to have you in our lives.
God Bless you all and RIP Betty.
Marc Wigle
June 22, 2011
What a great woman she was. In a small way I feel very connected to Terry as we shared a birthday, although he was one year older. May Berry rest in peace... I'm sure that she's been welcomed to heaven by Terry already and they're organizing a Marathon of Hope up there.
Mark Gabriel
June 22, 2011
Betty Fox wrote to me once, thanking me for participating in the Terry Fox run. She was a great person and i'm sorry she could not stick around longer. I sure wish I'd met her. I'm thankful for her wonderful contributions. My condolences go out to the Fox family.
Linda S.
June 22, 2011
What a beautiful legacy. Thank you for everything you have done for Cancer. As a survivor, I am eternally grateful. My condolences to the whole family. Rest in Peace, you have worked so hard.
K. de Jong
June 22, 2011
My sincere condolances to the Fox Family! Betty was an ever present light and strength in our community. I met Betty on a few occassions, such a joy to talk with her! We have three family members that went to Terry Fox High School and my friend was once her neighbour. You are our Hero Betty! What a joy it must be to be reunited with your Hero Terry! Both of your legacies will live on.
Karen Saitowitz
June 22, 2011
Two great Canadians....gone, but not forgotten!...condolences to all of the Fox Family.
Rick
June 22, 2011
Betty, we shall all feel your loss as poignantly as we did Terry's.
You have left a legacy of good works that will be carried on by all of us.
God Rest.
A Smith
June 22, 2011
Betty Fox was an inspiration to all. She gave of herself tirelessly in the persuit of her sons dream "to help eradicate cancer for all". We celebrate Betty Fox's life rather than mourn her death. She stood for so much. Condolences to her family who will miss her as they do Terry. United once again.
Bill Wheeler
June 22, 2011
Rolly, Judy, Freddy & Darrell:
My deepest sympathy to all of you on the loss of Betty. Like Terry, she became bigger than life in her own efforts to carry on Terry's dream.
We, as Canadians, will never realize how much we owe both of them.
Bill Wheeler (old next door neighbour)
Ken and Irene Harper
June 22, 2011
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Fox Family. Betty you have been an inspiration to us all. You are finally united with your son Terry, God Bless you both.
Janine Dollman
June 22, 2011
Your mother was as much as an inspiration as your brother. Know they are together and watching over you all. Prayers and hugs to you.
Brad Mosier
June 22, 2011
betty,you were a true believer,may god take you into his arms,we will miss you!!!B.Mosier{Surrey,B.C.}
Suzanne
June 22, 2011
You are and were the true essence of what a Mother should be. God challenged you and your resolve was and always will be remarkable. Thank you Betty for all that you have given and for all that you have done. May you rest now, your work is done. Thank you so much.
Sheila Rbelato
June 22, 2011
Dawn and I would like to send you our sincerest sympathies for your loss. Betty was a wonderful and giving person. Sadly, we didn't have the pleasure of meeting her. Thank-you to the Fox family for being so open and sharing for, not only sharing Terry with us but your fabulous wife,mother and all that she was for your family. There is another Foz star in the sky, shining brightly for all to see. Betty will be dearly missed by all.
Cheryl Hanet
June 22, 2011
My sincere sympathy is extended to the Fox Family. A Mother and Son reunite.
God Bless.
Rick Adams
June 22, 2011
My deepest condolences to the Fox family. Betty was a great inspiration to all and may she rest in peace with Terry whose legend lives on in all of us.
Patty Quiding
June 22, 2011
My deepest condolences to the Fox family. She was an amazing lady. She can now reunite with Terry..
Mary Santos
June 22, 2011
To the Fox Family - all of Canada shares your sorrow and grief. May God bless you and help you to find peace in the days ahead.
Lori Wilson
June 22, 2011
What an amazing woman you were and raised an amazing young man in Terry. Together again.
Gail P
June 22, 2011
My sincere condolences to the Fox family on the passing of a great Lady. She was truly and inspiration to many. May she rest in peace now united with her courageous son Terry.
Phyllis Spurrell
June 22, 2011
My deepest condolences to the family. Thanks to this
wonderful family, my cancer may have been stopped in
its tracks with help for research with all of the donations that were raised. Ihope and wish that Betty's and Terry's legacy will continue.
God bless
Maureen Reilly
June 21, 2011
My granddaughter died of bone cancer at age 6 recently. You and your son's journey is an inspiration to those who are diagnosed with a terrible disease that is not well known and not well researched.
Janet
June 21, 2011
What a inspiration Betty amd Terry were.
Our loss is heaven's gain.
May Betty's family be comforted at this sad time.
Janet P.
Douglas Stewart
June 21, 2011
Now watching Terry running marathons in Heaven...Rest peacefully...
Ruth D
June 21, 2011
My heart goes out to the family. I'm so sorry for your lose. Losing a loved one in death is not easy. I hope that you can find comfort in John 25:8.
June 21, 2011
You have made
Sincere condolences"Thank You Betty".
Murray Cunningham(Maple Ridge,B.C.)
Dale Cote
June 20, 2011
Condolences to the Fox family. Betty was an inspiration to all who have lost young family members. Watch over us Betty and trust that you have now passed the torch onto another generation.
KENNETH ROBAR
June 20, 2011
THANK YOU BETTY FOR ALL YOU DID YOU AND TERRY WILL ALWAYS BE IN THE HARTS OF CANADA AND AROUND THE WORLD
Marg McGill
June 20, 2011
So sorry to hear about Betty. I will always remember Terry. I was living in Toronto at the time of the Marathon of Hope. Such an inspiration to all and he really touched my heart. M. McGill
KENNETH ROBAR
June 20, 2011
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DID YOU HAVE BEEN A BIG PART OF WHAT YOUR SON DID YOU WILL BE MISS YOU HAD A HART OF GOLD FOR PEOPLE ALL OVER CANADA A BIG THANK YOU GO OUT TO ALL YOUR FAMILY MY HART GO OUT TO THEM AT THIS TIME
Cheryl Bean
June 20, 2011
Betty, what an honor you passed our way. You and your son proved there is good out there. I still remember Terry's courageous run and his steel determination. Sadly he left us far too soon but the torch has been passed. Prayers for your many friends and family!
Linda De Bardi
June 20, 2011
Betty Fox was a true inspiration to everyone who knew her. My deepest sympathy to all her family.
Tracey
June 20, 2011
I am sad at the passing of Canada's #1 Mom. She and her family are so inspirational. Rest in peace with your son.
Linda Williams
June 20, 2011
Condolences to Betty's family and friends at this very sad time. Know that Canadians are proud of all that she and Terry accomplished. They are true heroes who will not be forgotten.
June 19, 2011
When I think of an outstanding citizen, family or cause one of the first names that would come to mind is any member of the Fox family. To take the tragic passing of their beautiful son/brother and carry out his vision shows the character of this family. The world is most definitely a much better place because of the Fox family. God bless you all in your journey of sorrow. Terry and Betty will never be forgotten.
Lisa A Red Deer, Alberta
R Bogdan
June 19, 2011
We shall never forget what they have given to all of us
M. TERRY
June 19, 2011
TO THE FAMILY OF BETTY FOX GOD BLESS YOU . I am so sorry about your love one passing . Her legacy and her son's legacy shall live on. RIP BETTY FOX YOU SHALL BE MISSED.
LP Beier
June 19, 2011
I went to school with Terry and had the privilege of knowing Mr. and Mrs. Fox through my father's store in Port Coquitlam. It is with sadness in my heart that I send my condolences to the family. It was a proud moment for Canada to see Mrs. Fox carrying the Olympic flag into the stadium last February. She and Terry will always be in my heart.
Marian Wilson
June 19, 2011
So sad at Betty's passing. She was an inspiration to all of us. We need to keep the wonderful work of the Fox family alive. Rest in peace with your son, Betty.
Heather Hoffmann
June 19, 2011
I am truly sad at the passing of Canada's #1 Mom .she was truly a hero along with her son Terry..we as Canadians willl carry on the "Terry Fox Run " remembering both of them as we run.
Condolences to the Fox family and those at the Terry Fox Foundation.
She will be missed by millions in Canada and around the world.
June 19, 2011
Your family makes me proud I am Canadian, My deepest condolences.
Danny
June 19, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Kelly, Elizabeth, Samantha & Ryan Saunders
June 19, 2011
Judi & Family: We are sending our deepest heartfelt sympathies to you all for the loss of your mom. She was truly a remarkable lady and will be missed so very much by everyone. There is another angel in the heavens tonight shining down upon you all with a light brigher than a million candlelights.
June 18, 2011
so sorry for your loss
S.Marguerite Taylor
June 18, 2011
Thank you for your life's journey. Prayers to you & your Family
June 18, 2011
Locked Diary
When you loose a loved one
the diary is neglected
You forgot what it contained
awhile ago
The Mystery is ,where is the key?
Perhaps in Spirits keeping
Shall we leave it there
put it all to rest
Will then our strength be whole?
Written by Erma Siteman/Addison
patricia henderson
June 18, 2011
with depest sympathy love patricia henderson from richmond quebec
newman butt
June 18, 2011
To the Fox Family...Sorry to hear of Betty's passing. My prayers are with you. I always enjoyed talking to her and Rolly when they visited St. John's Newfoundland.
[email protected]
Alice Steiner
June 18, 2011
Now you are reunited with your son in heaven. You and Terry will never be forgotten. He was a hero and an inspiration. You kept up the work he started, and helped keep his memory alive. God bless you both.
Mary Ellen Gosselin
June 18, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with your family as they were when Terry died. You both have been an inspiration for so many.Say hi to Terry for us, you are now together. God Bless.
Bob O'Connell
June 18, 2011
Be at peace. Your family's story is truly heroic.
Kathleen Broulidakis-Kenepp
June 18, 2011
For Terry and Betty: you both are gone too soon. For MANY of our wonderful fellow human beings in Canada, we love you and mourn with you. May they rest in peace. They will not be forgotten.
barry shingoose
June 18, 2011
rest in peace mrs.fox and god bless you and your family,,,you are now with your son
Benjamin Barr
June 18, 2011
I remember when she came to Bangor, Maine for the first Terry Fox Run of the year and spoke at the event. She was a gracious lady and I continue to be inspired by her son, Terry.
Laurie Russell
June 18, 2011
You turned a tragedy into victory. God Bless you Betty. Godspeed!
June 18, 2011
Sorry for your lost ..,May you draw comfort from the holy scriptures Psalms146:5,9.
June 18, 2011
if i had met mrs fox i would have said
to her " you see, it does takes just
one person to make a difference" that
person was the dear terry fox
from june
Carole Milner
June 18, 2011
Thank you Betty for being a true beauty and inspiration for all of Canada. Your hero son, Terry is waiting for you now and he is so proud of his hero Mom. I met you years ago at a family century farm gathering in our home town of Melita, Manitoba, such a gracious lady. We will miss you Betty. RIP
Gail Radke
June 18, 2011
Rest in peace Betty, we know that you are with Terry now. But you will remain in the hearts of all Canadians.
God bless you.
Erin Seidemann
June 17, 2011
I have started taking part in the Terry fox run in the year of 2000 and I been still taking part in it I am sorry to hear about the passing of Betty Fox she help me understand more about cancer. Because I lost my grandma from cancer just last year I will always remember you Betty and thank you for the can letter that you send me about how will I did on the Terry Fox Run 30th years it means a lot to me.
June 17, 2011
How happy Betty must be to be with her beloved Terry. May you both rest in peace together forever.
JANET HENDRY
June 17, 2011
She helped achieve so much in her son's honour. God bless an amazing lady. Some day there will be a cure for cancer.
June 17, 2011
Rolly, Fred, Daryll, Judi;
It was an honour to meet Betty here in Ottawa. It has been a pleasure to have met all of you over the years and to share your passion and drive. Betty was a sparkplug. I always enjoyed her honesty, directness and tenacity. We have all lost an amazing, dynamic woman. Thank you for sharing her with us all.
Ann Stanton-Loucks, Ottawa
audrey deagle
June 17, 2011
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Kathy Gillis
June 17, 2011
I moved to Thunder Bay in 1979 and when Terry Fox ended his run here I remember how saddened we all were. Our daughter was born in Aug of 81 and we always told her the story of Terry Fox. We've driven past and have visited his monument MANY times and always bring visitors there to share in his story. Betty, you were a terrific mother of a wonderful boy. If I believe in anything, I know you and Terry are reunited in the great beyond. May you both rest in peace.
suzanne watkinson
June 17, 2011
today, we lost an amazing woman and advocate of cancer research in memory of terry. rest in peace betty. you
will be in the hearts of all Canadians always
Kim Veevers
June 17, 2011
Our thoughts go out to the Fox family at this sad time. Betty was able to carry on Terry's dream. I lost my brother to cancer when he was 33 and know that we are all here for a certain time and purpose. She was meant to carry on his dream for him which she did. I am proud of what the Fox family for their huge contribution to the future for Cancer patients as every little bit counts.
Even though I did not know Terry personally, I went to the same Elemetary school "Wayota School" in Winnipeg - Transcona - and have that connection to him. His dream will never die.....
Kim & Brian V, Surrey, B.C.
Merle Cormier
June 17, 2011
Canada lost a hero today, everytime I would see Betty on TV, she was Terry's mother another hero gone to soon. Betty always brought a smile to me. She was a hero to me
R Golay
June 17, 2011
To the the family of Betty Fox - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that she will be missed by many.
Sheila Smith
June 17, 2011
God bless you Betty for all your good work. You have earned your heavenly reward.
Ann Poten
June 17, 2011
We lost a great Canadian today - Betty Fox. I had the priviledge & honour of meeting her, and her strength, courage and humility brought me to tears. I don't know how any parent can survive the death of a child, much less go on to accomplish what she did with her son's achievement and in his memory. We won't ever forget Terry, but she was the force that will propel his memory into eternity. It's no wonder she raised the greatest Canadian hero of all time. Cancer took her son, and then she gave him back to the world, for the betterment of all. Terry gave his life - Betty gave everything else. The world is a smaller place today for her passing.
desiree
June 17, 2011
You will be thoroughly missed. Your family were inspirational in your fight. As Canadians, we were proud to have such a family.
Clare Walker
June 17, 2011
My deepest condolences to the Fox family.We were living in Newfoundland when we heard on the radio that Terry had had to stop his run.My son reminded me today that he had cried when the news was anounced that Terry had died (he was just a little boy at the time)Betty was an inspiration just as her son was.
LORI FARRAR
June 17, 2011
NO MATTER WHAT KIND OF CANCER, WHOEVER HAS, THEY HAVE TO KEEP ON FIGHTING, IT COULD BE TERMINAL. BUT KEEP GIVING YOUR ALL, WHEN YOU FIGHT TO LIVE. I WAS ALSO I CANCER VICTIM, I HAVE BEEN CLEAN FOR OVER 25 YEARS. THANK GOD!!!!
Dave Laird
June 17, 2011
My condolences to the entire family. I am an older citizen of the U.S. and I took my children to the Terry Fox Memorial at Thunder Bay many years ago. Both they and I have learned through Terry what makes a hero. Betty, I know the reunion is sweet.
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