1941
2020
“I have to apologize to my kids for embarrassing them, but your father and I had a real good time…………”
~ Betty Duncan 2020
Betty Duncan was born on January 28, 1941 and left our world on October 17, 2020 after a fierce battle with melanoma.
Born in Fort William to Pete and Norah Berringer, Betty grew up with 5 brothers - Bob, Barry, Brian, Bruce, and Billy. She helped Norah take care of her siblings and she loved her dance lessons and her family life. Betty had a career as a medical secretary for over 40 years with Dr. Juvshik; she was the heart and soul of his medical practice.
Betty met Avery in 1961, and shortly after, were engaged and married. Betty and Avery loved each other very much and had the most loving and kind relationship that lasted until death did them part. Their life together was adventurous and full of wonderful experiences, starting with their first home on James Street and meeting their lifelong friends Glen and Lucille Johnston. Curling on Thursday nights and card games on Saturday nights was something they enjoyed with their dear friends Lynne and Dale Lindsey.
Betty and Avery traipsed their 3 children, Teri, Jennifer, and David, around with them everywhere. Betty would have the trailer packed for family trips all over North America. Camping with the Lindseys was the summer highlight. Travelling included trips to Florida gaining Betty the wonderful friendships of Fred and Carol Walz.
Because family was a priority, there were many trips to celebrate all the life events of our Winnipeg clan…lots of laughs and visits with George and Louella, Linda, Sandra and Dennis, Heather, and all of the kids.
Betty and Avery moved their camping love to One Island Lake and made many new friends - Jill and Jay Woilford, Sue and John Lopez, Jenny and Aaro Tuuttila, Murray Solomon and Karen Kerr, Grant and Joanne Gibson, Alex and Sally Dampier, Anne and Al Schan, and many more. Betty loved her life at One Island Lake!
Betty loved her children more than anything; however, she also loved a good practical joke. Anyone who knew her can attest to her great sense of humor and her joke equipment and props.
Betty is survived by her daughter Teri O'Dell and son-in-law Chris O'Dell, grandson Ryan O'Dell and his wife Erica, daughter Jennifer Neill and son-in-law Robert Neill, grandson Micheal McInnis and his fiancée Stevie Shackleton (and soon to arrive great grandson), grandson Cameron McInnis and girlfriend Missy Hendricks, granddaughter Ashley Neill, grandson Connor Neill and his girlfriend Miera, granddaughter Hope Duncan, and daughter-in-law Fiona Duncan.
In lieu of a funeral, cards, flowers, or food, Betty aka Nana, wished donations be made to the Thunder Bay Police K-9 Unit CST. Lucek c/o CST. Josh Berube. If anyone decides to honour Betty in this manner, donations can be made via e-transfer at [email protected] or in person at Royal Bank of Canada on Arthur Street in Thunder Bay.
To further explain Nana's memorial preferences, most know her pride in her family ties to first responders and of course her love of Live PD and Cops television shows. Nana would like to pay tribute and respect to the hard working local first responders by continuing the policing legacy of the Duncan Family.
Betty's other great love was her Joey, who was rescued from Northern Ontario via Northern Critters In Need and again if friends so desire donations can be made to this charitable organization via email at [email protected] c/o Pam Flory 807-934-6247.
Betty's family thanks Dr. Bezanson, Dr. Simpson, Dr. Graham, Dr. Probizanski, and Dr. Twillicker. We would also like to thank the wonderful nurses in emergency and 1A oncology and 3A surgical units, especially Nurse Evelyn (who cared for Betty like she was her own Mom), Nurse Colin, Nurse Mitchell, Nurse Justin and Nurse Brad.
The family will be holding a private service, per COVID protocols, in the next week.
We had wonderful life with our parents, Avery and Betty, and we will miss them terribly as they were the best of people.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Northwest Funeral Alternative.
10 Entries
Patty Lindsey
October 23, 2020
Hi Teri, Jen and family,
I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. We have had so many good times together in the past. What memory should I share? I simply liked being around Betty and Avery - they were always fun and your mom always had good treats! Right now I'm thinking of a photo where I am about 3 years old and your dad comes to the front door dressed as Santa Claus! Remember all those spaghetti dinners on Christmas Eve and party hats made of newspaper? Our families have had so many very special times together and I'm so grateful for the memories! What exciting news for your family with a new baby coming soon. God bless you through this season and always. Love, Patty xoxo
Lorna and Arnott Whitney
October 22, 2020
We were so sorry to hear of Bettys passing. Many fun trips on the houseboat with them at Lac Seul. Lots of fun and laughs whenever we Got together. We think of them often and treasure our times together.
Anne and Al Schan
October 22, 2020
Sending our deepest condolences Teri, Jen and Families. Betty and Avery were great neighbors. Our kids, the One Island Lake camp kids, we were all fortunate to have this fun loving couple as our neighbor. Betty and Avery never complained about our kids lazy days of summer fun, and late night antics! The sound of Betty’s laugh coming up over the hill will always be remembered!❤ Anne and Al
Anne and Al Schan
October 22, 2020
Our deepest condolences Teri, Jen and Family.
Betty and Avery were great neighbors! Our kids, all of the One Island Lake camp kids, we were all fortunate to have this fun loving couple as our neighbor. They never complained about the kids lazy days of summer fun, and late night antics. The sound of Betty’s laugh coming up over the hill will be something we will always remember!❤ Anne and Al
Anne
October 22, 2020
Dear Terri, Jennifer, all family members, I am so sorry to find out about your loss. It has been a very long time but I have so many good memories that I still share with others. No words can take away the pain but she will be an angel watching over you. XXXOOO
Brenda Wright
October 21, 2020
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Betty. I knew her from Franklin School days.
I also knew Avery’s sister Helena,
She was my stepfathers sister in law
My thought and prayers are with the family
She was my stepfathers sister-in-law.
Carol Roch
October 21, 2020
Betty and I were friends in our youth. We lived on Norah Street. She was a fun loving and caring person. My friend Donna Capon (nee Siegfried) and I, along with Betty's Aunt June were bridesmaids at her wedding. I've lived in London since 1979 but have often thought of Avery and Betty and their family, and the Linsdsays over the years with great fondness. May you all find comfort and peace in happy memories and loving family and friends. With sincere sympathy Carol Roch (nee Manning).
Carol Roch
October 21, 2020
Betty and I were friends in our youth. We lived on Norah Street. She was a fun loving and caring person. My friend Donna Capon (nee Siegfried) and I, along with Betty's Aunt June were bridesmaids at her wedding. I've lived in London since 1979 but have often thought of Avery and Betty and their family, and the Linsdsays over the years with great fondness. May you all find comfort and peace in happy memories and loving family and friends. With sincere sympathy Carol Roch (nee Manning).
Lorraine
October 21, 2020
Dear Teri, Jenn and Families:
We are very sorry to hear of Betty’s
passing.
We have many fond memories of family gatherings at One Island Lake,
filled with much laughter, pontoon boat rides and great food.
We will never forget Betty’s smile and laugh.
Our condolences to the Berringer families.
Adeline, Lorraine, Kathy and Families
Debbie Whitney Dubeau
October 21, 2020
We were so sorry to hear of Bettys passing. She was a great person to be around and so much fun. Always a big smile and a good laugh. You could tell by looking at Betty and Avery together the deep love they had for each other. Our deepest condolences to the Duncan and Berringer families. Another angel has earned her wings ❤ Cheers to you Betty, you were a great wife, mother grandmother and friend!
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