The world became a bleaker place on September 21st, 2022, with the passing of Elizabeth Ann Roe (Betty Ann). Over the span of her 71 years, she touched many people with her large heart, but the loss is felt most sharply by her family, who she loved unconditionally.
Born in 1950 in Ottawa, Elizabeth was the daughter of Beverley and William, beloved younger sister of Bill (Norma), Jack (Donna), Chris (Peggy) and the older sister of Laird (Sandra) and was aunt and great aunt to many. Betty Ann was sister-in-law to David Balfour (Danielle), Virginia and Ian (Shelley). She also had a special relationship with her one-time mother-in-law Elsie Balfour.
Betty Ann grew up in Ottawa and she excelled at sports, winning awards in high school, then going on to become the MVP for both basketball and volleyball at Carleton University. She graduated with a geography degree and went on to have a long and successful career in the Government of Canada.
Her greatest source of pride was her daughter, Jennifer, and son, Andrew, for whom she would move heaven and earth, who she had with her university sweetheart Robert Balfour. Betty Ann created a lovely home that was regularly filled with Jennifer and Andrew’s friends, acting as a second mom to many. Betty Ann could not have been a more loving mother and Jennifer and Andrew adored her.
Her happy place was at the family’s cottage on Blue Sea Lake, where she would read, garden, and enjoy the beauty of the island and its surroundings. She relished the fact that so many of her beloved family owned neighbouring cottages and she would revel in being able to see everyone from the spring until the fall. She could always be found with her succession of Cocker Spaniels (Buddy and Rory). The perennial gardens on Bide-a-wee flowered every year.
A Celebration of Betty Ann’s life will be held at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa, ON) on Wednesday, October 5th, 2022, from 5-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or just be kind to someone and make sure to tell those closest to you that you love them. Life is short and precious and can depart without warning. The thing Betty Ann did best was to let those she loved know how special they were to her.
Digital Guestbook
Stephanie Delorme
Yana
I will miss our little talks, words of wisdom you gave me and laughs we shared on my visits. Condolences to BettyAnn’s family.
Robert Balfour
I will miss BA for the remainder of my life. She was a wonderful Mom and friend!
Lynn and Bruce Fisher
So sorry to hear the news of Betty Ann's passing. We are neighbours and only knew Betty Ann for the last few years. But in that short time she made a big impression as warm, welcoming person. We enjoyed our chats with her and Rory whenever we would meet.
Condolences to her family....she will be missed.
Gisele &Dave Robertson
Betty Ann's was a quiet next door neighbour who loved Buddy and Rory very much .
Her passing was quite a surprise, Our sincere condolences to Betty Anne's family.
Sue (Lavalley) Gamble
I was very saddened to hear of Betty Ann’s passing. We were great friends ..enjoying our summers together at Blue Sea Lake! We also did some snowmobiling together for a few times in winters! Memories I will always cherish! We played a lot of sports together at Ridgemont Highschool in Ottawa ..volleyball and basketball and tennis at the Ottawa Tennis Club. Our times together at Carleton University were special too!! But the cottage times were great ..especially learning how to water ski!! and Winter trips … snowmobiling … lot’s of great times and memories!!
Melissa Young
So sorry for the loss of your dear mother. Our thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. You made her proud!
Isabel Hinther
So sad to hear of Betty Ann’s death. I remember her well from Ridgemont and Carelton. After reading this beautiful obituary, it’s clear she went on to have a happy and successful life, which is all we can wish for. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Cyril Butler
Betty Ann was an important part of family life on Blue Sea Lake. For the past 25+ years, whenever we went up to stay with Kim and Ben, Betty Ann was always there. She was smart, funny, and always kind.
I've played hundreds of gigs, but never had a more appreciative audience than Betty Ann beside the campfire.
We will miss her a lot.
Cyril and Heather
Sandra and Gord Pranschke
Our condolences to the Roe family....we missed seeing Betty Ann this past year as she always came over to the Big Island to walk Rory and kindly let Gatsby join them on their daily walk. We enjoyed knowing Betty Ann who was always friendly, outgoing and willing to share her books.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Betty Ann. I know how special she was to those who loved her. Her loss will be deeply felt and her memory will be cherished. Thinking of her family and loved ones at this difficult time.