A most extraordinary woman just died, peacefully, on July 16, 2024 at the age of 94. Betty June Willson is survived by her brother John Thompson (Anne), her two children, Cathy and Peter (Joanne), and her grandchildren Evanne, Zackary, Calder, and Lauren. Betty was predeceased by her husband Peter 20 years earlier and her sister, Donna.

Betty graduated from the University of Toronto’s family studies program as a teacher. She met her husband Peter on the tennis courts in Calgary Alberta where they both grew up. Initially with Peter’s career, they lived in Quebec and London England where Peter Jr. was born. They returned to Canada in 1970 and lived for 45 years in Mississauga surrounded by a close group of friends in the Applewood Hills area.

Betty taught high school in the Peel Board of Education. She was one of those teachers that did much more than teach. She was supportive of her students, held fashion shows, taught French cooking and became politically involved in the teaching administration. Betty was an excellent and avid tennis player and a nearly lifelong member of the Boulevard Club in Toronto. She was the first woman President of the Toronto Kiwanis Club and the Kiwanis Lieutenant Governor of Eastern Canada and the Caribbean. Kiwanis is a global organization of member-volunteers dedicated to the eradication of iodine deficiency, maternal and neonatal tetanus, and closer to home, significant local initiatives for youth and people with disabilities. Betty was a people person and loved to be busy. She could do more in a day than most of us in a week, with grace and good humour. Betty was devoted to her children and grandchildren. Her family has wonderful memories of good times together, travel, camper vans, celebrations, and the gathering of friends of all ages.

Betty had the soul of an adventurer. With her husband and, following his untimely death, with her friends she cruised the world. In her late seventies and eighties, she was riding elephants in Thailand and Cambodia, tuk tuks in Puerto Princessa in the Philippines, enjoying tea at the London Ritz, swimming in the Great Barrier Reef, snorkeling with sharks and sting rays in Morea, riding camels in Egypt, and kayaking in the South Pacific. Nothing fazed her!

Betty will be remembered for her patience and her kindness to everyone. People of all ages and backgrounds were naturally drawn to her because she was simply so nice - to everyone, at all times. She was a master of decency, honesty, and self-control and her kindness and caring were freely given to all blessed to know and love her.

Betty was struck down with dementia in her final years but still knew us and cared for us deeply. The family is very grateful to Sondra, our Mom’s helper, in these last years. Betty will be sorely missed.

A memorial will be held at the Boulevard Club (1491 Lakeshore Blvd. W.) in Toronto on Sunday, August 18, 2024, between 2-4 p.m. If attending, please RSVP to peterjohnwillson@gmail.com.
Donations are welcome to the Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club, www.bgctk.com.