Elizabeth (Bette) Jane Pauli (nee Dillon) passed away peacefully at Sunrise of Erin Mills, on December 19th, 2020. Born on February 25th, 1928 in Elmira, Ontario, she was in her 93rd year.

Bette, as she loved to be called, had a great zest for life and was a life-long artist, writer, journalist, painter, photographer (frequent exhibitions), publicist, volunteer and gardener (featured on Mississauga Garden Tour). She won many awards for all her volunteer contributions & achievements, including various Civic Awards and the prestigious Laurie Pallet Patron of the Arts award. She orchestrated the World Premier Exhibition of artist David Chan. Bette was a member of the Catholic Women’s League, Cloverleaf Garden Club (past President), Mississauga Sumi-e Society (founding President), Mississauga Arts Council (Director), Mississauga Writer’s Workshop (founding Director), Visual Arts Mississauga (Director), Trillium Hospital Community Advisory Panel and Probus. One of Bette’s proudest accomplishments was her involvement in the Mississauga Friendship Association (founding Director) where she was instrumental in the twinning of the Cities of Mississauga, Ontario and Kariya, Japan. She mastered the art of the Japanese Tea Ceremony which required her to learn to speak Japanese. She had fun speaking many languages with people she met during her travels around the world.

During Bette’s lifetime, her family settled in many provinces throughout Canada. Bette & Bill raised 6 wonderful children and were extremely proud of their 8 grandchildren. Bette was young at heart, full of spontaneity and was the life of the party. She was famous for her “Bette” jokes and made everyone feel special. Bette took pride in all that she did and was a role model to many.

Cherished wife of William (Bill) Pauli (predeceased); Beloved mother of Susan Pauli (Tom Saunders), Michael Pauli, Ken Pauli (Heather), Caroline Ruddell (Tom), David Pauli (Marie), Kathy Banks (Dave); Loving grandmother to Pat, Stephanie, Michaela, Victoria, William (Kayla), Caitlin, Daniel, Michael; Survived by her dear sister, Elaine Forler and her in-laws, Grace McGregor (Grant), Joanne Dillon, Cecile Dillon, along with many nieces and nephews; Predeceased by her parents, Alma and Gerald Dillon, along with her sisters and brothers, Ruth O’Driscoll (Frank), Neil Dillon, Bernice Meyer (Harold), Tom Dillon, Michael Dillon, Connie McDonough (Terry) and brother-in-law Claude Forler; Predeceased by Ernie Gerow (second husband) and survived by his children Patti Stevenson (Ian), Danny Gerow (Lynda), Mickey Gerow (Alice), Lori Kapush (Kerry) and their families. She will be dearly missed by her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and her many friends.

Many thanks to the wonderful staff at Sunrise, Nurse Next Door and Acclaim Health for their compassion and their nurturing, loving care of our dear Mother.

Funeral will be held at Turner & Porter "Neweduk" Chapel on Saturday, December 26th, and due to Covid restrictions will be limited to invited guests only. The service will be live streamed at the following link for those who wish to watch, and will also be recorded for later viewing.

https://youtu.be/iC70Xn_UquM

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Vincent de Paul or to local charities helping people challenged by Covid.

Memorial service will take place when we are able to meet again in person.

Order of Service:

INTRODUCTION
Father Tim Hanley, St. Ignatius Loyola

EULOGY
Given by Kathy Banks

HYMN
Amazing Grace
Performed by Nan Forler (Bette's niece) and husband Kevin Coates

FUNERAL SERVICE
Father Tim Hanley, St. Ignatius Loyola

HYMN
Be not Afraid
Performed by Nan Forler (Bette's niece) and husband Kevin Coates

PERSONAL TRIBUTE TO MOM
Given by Caroline Ruddell

HYMN
Silent Night
Performed by Nan Forler (Bette's niece) and husband Kevin Coates