It is with profound sadness that the family shares the news of the death of Elizabeth (Betty) Ann MacLeod (Surtees) on Saturday Feb 18 2017.
Betty was the devoted and beloved wife of Roderick (Rick) for 48 years, the nurturing, caring mother of Heather (Steven Clarke) from Brockville and Christopher and Rob of North Bay. She was also a kind and cherished grandmother to Teaghen and Cassidy Clarke and Hailey MacLeod, a warm welcoming aunt to 9 nieces and a nephew and sister-in-law to Margaret Surtees of North Bay and Robert MacLeod of Temiscaming QC.
Betty was predeceased by her parents Robert M and Luella Surtees, her brother Robert J (Margaret) and an infant son Andrew.
Betty was always motivated by a great selfless love of family. She was always supportive of family and friends. She was always welcoming and generous in both her private and professional life. Trips to the cottage and to many different travel destinations with Rick and family and friends were exciting adventures.
As a young adult Betty worked as a lifeguard and she carried this idea of “ever the lifeguard” throughout her life as she watched out for you.
Betty’s professional life was spent as an elementary school classroom teacher for the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic School Board in both regular and special needs classrooms. Her curiosity and love for learning, her kindness and gentleness were evident in her classrooms and with her students and colleagues. Betty found a new vocation after retirement in her work with the Learning Assistance Centre (LAC) with the Catholic Board. She showed strength of character, loyalty and pride for these students as she strove to meet their challenges.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation.
A funeral mass will be held on Thursday Feb 23, 2017 at 10am at the Pro Cathedral of the Assumption Church in North Bay.
Betty’s family wishes to extend grateful thanks to Dr. Cano at the Northeast Cancer Centre (Sudbury), Dr. Jinnah at the Near North Medical Clinic, Anne Mondoux and the staff from CCAC and the VON for the exceptional care and compassion Betty received. Online condolences can be made at www.hillsidefuneral.ca. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cancer Society.