BETTY ELLIS

ELLIS, Betty Isobel (nee Anderson)
August 6, 1923 - January 16, 2012
Died peacefully at home in Ottawa, surrounded by loved ones. Defying conventional wisdom to the end, she lived out her last years in her own home, on her own terms. Betty grew up in Toronto, with sister Ada and brother Jimmy. She attended Bishop Strachan School and the University of Toronto. Some of her fondest memories were of long summers at her family's cottage on Lake Simcoe. In 1947 she married John Jarvis Ellis (deceased) and moved to Ottawa. She is already deeply missed by children Dorian, Mark (Suzanne), Jody (Cathy), Sara (Pat), and designated daughter Valerie Irvine. Betty was a proud Grammy to grandchildren Devon (Bobbak), Jordan (Madiha), Christina (Pierre), Caitlin, Grant, and Michael. Her latest joy was her great-grandson Cameron, aka Bunnyman. Betty had a great wit and a sly sense of humour, and enjoyed words and words games. She was an inveterate traveller and fabulous cook, who instilled the enjoyment of great food and high adventure in others. A nature lover, Betty was an avid gardener and bird watcher. She also loved beautiful objects, collecting artwork and antiques, with a special focus on Canadiana. The family gives thanks and love to the wonderful team who worked so hard to keep Betty comfortably at home until the end - Mummy's little "darling" Carol Baui, companion Helen Scott, and Marvelous Max & the good doctors of the Palliative Care Outreach Program overseen by angel Doctor Margaret Farncombe. Invaluable to Team Betty were James Rath, Jennifer, and the wonderful women of St. Elizabeth Health Care notably the two "Miss Poisons" Marie and Jessica, Margaret, Susie, Jimao, and Louise, as well as nurses Ashley and Kaila, et al. Bless you all. Thanks also to Achille Konga and his team at the Rideau Pharmacy who diligently managed Betty's medications for the better part of a decade. A Memorial Service will be held at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry 315 McLeod Street (at O'Connor) on Saturday January 21 at 4pm, followed by a reception in the McGarry Family Reception Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Betty's memory to Palliative Care Outreach Program, 1716 Woodward Dr., Ste 111, Ottawa, ON K2C 0P8.