It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing of Betty at the Civic Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario; the dearest wife of Joe (Duke) Duquette and loving mother of Michael and Michele (Brown).
Born during the Great Depression in Geelong, Australia, the family lived on small farm in Stonehaven. Betty’s earliest memory was to cut newspaper into squares, and use a needle and yarn to make toilet paper for the outhouse. Her mother died of a stroke when she was 14, resulting in the children quitting school (Betty at Grade 8) to work on the farm. At age 21, Betty, along with two girlfriends, left Australia to see the world and started a 10-year work/travel adventure. Travelling exclusively on Steamer ships, they stopped to work in many countries and raise money for the next experience. When in Europe and working in Germany, Betty met a young Canadian soldier who would be her future husband (Duke). They married and a new lifelong adventure began. Their son Mike was born a year later, and when they rotated back to Canada, Michele was born to complete the family. Betty was a stay-at-home mom and supported the family during many postings, which occurred every three years. Betty never complained and thoroughly enjoyed seeing new places.
Duke and Betty retired in Orleans, Ontario in 1995, and continued travelling throughout Canada. Betty was a two-time breast cancer survivor, having mastectomies in each case. While this prohibited some travel, they spent quality time with short trips and picnics, which Betty loved. Betty made friends easily, and always maintained contact with them and all her extended family in Australia, whom she dearly loved. Betty was wonderful person, always thinking of other’s welfare before own; she will be sadly missed.
Betty is survived by her husband Joe (Duke), son Michael (Nina), daughter Michele (Ben) and she was a dear grandmother to Jordan, Tristan and Zach. She will now join all her siblings; Joyce, Ian and Nancy. Betty is so missed and will not be forgotten. From Duke, “Goodbye my love, you’ll always be in my heart and mind until we meet again.”
Many thanks to the Doctors, nurses and attending staff at the Civic Hospital for their kind and gentle treatment of Betty. The funeral for Betty will be private and for family only, as per Betty’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations to be can be made to the Breast Cancer Society of Canada, https://bcsc.ca
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Digital Guestbook
Karyn Ovens
Tristan
My deepest condoleances to her closest ones, especially my Dad, Grandpa and Aunt. I will remember those times when visiting Orleans. Smile and joy is how I can describe it. Always joyful of hearing about school and work ; Common conversation for some, but it really made her happy to know that I was fulfilled with how my life was going and knowing she was proud of that always made my day. She will be greatly missed XoX
Craig Ford
To Mr Duquette and family, my heart felt condolences go out to all of you. Although I have not had the pleasure to meet you, I feel as if I have. Mike speaks of all of you with great pride and respect.
Mr Duquette, you and Mrs Duquette have raised an amazing son and man, he represents your family name well and wears it with great honour.
Cheryl Woodman
My deepest condolences to Uncle Duke, my cousins Mike and Michele and their families.
I grew up waiting for Aunty Betty’s postcards from her adventures traveling the world. She became a role model instilling my own desire to travel when I was older.
Of course, we never saw much of her but I remember clearly when, as a family, they came for a visit to Australia (minus Uncle Duke). He missed her so much he surprised us all by flying over! I immediately was impressed with him. I enjoyed playing with Michele, aged 5, although I was some years older.
When I began my travels I just had to make sure Canada was included where I spent a wonderful two weeks with them.
Her only brother, my Dad Ian, suffered his final illness in 2007 but I knew he was holding on until he could see his beloved sister and Uncle Duke. He left us on April 22, 2007 with Aunty Betty and Uncle Duke able to attend the funeral.
Aunty Betty was my favorite aunt: beautiful, fun, caring, adventurous etc. A truly amazing lady.
Thank you Aunty Betty for what you gave me: support when I wanted ‘boys toys’ at a time it wasn’t the done thing, courage and a belief that I was her ‘beautiful niece’ filling a shy young girl, then woman, with confidence.
Forever in my heart until we meet again.
Karyn Ovens
My dear auntie Betty , we will never forget you I loved all your letters and cards from beautiful Canada and hearing all your news. All our love to Duke , Mike , Michelle and Families Rest peacefully Aunty Betty with all your Aussie family lot’s of love Karyn and Chris and family xxx
Dave Smith
Duke, it's been years since I last saw you two, but I want to offer my sincere sympathy on your loss of Betty. She was a lovely woman, who always made me comfortable when visiting you two. Take care old friend, my thoughts are with you. "Smithy"
Jen Roberts.
Aunt Betty was an amazing woman. She had a real adventurous soul. I’m going to miss her fiercely.
Murray and Peggy (Duquette) Delmege
I cannot believe that Betty is gone. She was such a loving and caring person, with a good sense of humour and able to cope with any problem. A "people person". She connected very easily with all people. She was without a doubt the lifetime soulmate for Joe. Remember Joe that her spirit will always be with you. Mike and Michael -- Your mother loved you ever so dearly, and was so proud of you both, and her grandchildren. Betty will indeed be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Tom Taylor
I am very saddened to hear that dear Betty has passed away. Betty was a very special lady who we first met when I was serving in Germany with Duke in the early 1960’s. It was fun to hear Betty and Barb chatting with one Aussie and one German accent. That friendship endured for nearly 60 years. My sincere condolences to Duke, Michael and Michelle. I share your loss.
George Thompson
Duke, sorry to hear of your loss old buddy, Betty was a
one-of-a-kind lady, and will be sorely missed. All the best to you Duke, Take care; George
My dear auntie Betty we will miss you so much especially your lovely letters and cards . Our love and sympathy is with Duke Mike and Michelle and families now at peace with all your Aussie family lots of love Karyn and Chris and family xxx