Obituary of Betty Ann Widdrington

Betty Ann passed away in London, Ontario on Saturday, May 20th, 2017 surrounded by love and with characteristic grace. She was in her 87th year. Betty Ann was born in Toronto, Ontario to the late George and Ann Lawrence. She attended Lawrence Park Collegiate and the University of Toronto. She began her working career at Morgan’s (later the Hudson Bay Company) as a model and fashion buyer. In 1951, Betty Ann met the love of her life, Peter N. T. Widdrington, when he picked her up in the S.S. Bigwin to ferry her over to the island for a summer job. She knew from that day on that he was the one for her, and that this chance meeting would shape the rest of her life. They were married in 1956 and celebrated 49 years together before Peter's passing in 2005. Theirs was a time of great adventure, laughter and love. Betty Ann and Peter settled in London, Ontario after first living in Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver and San Francisco. She was deeply involved with her community and her friends and was devoted to many causes including Big Sisters of London where she sat on the Board of Directors. She was known for her annual Big Sisters Night at the Racetrack. Betty Ann was an elegant, kind and gentle lady whose home and family meant everything to her. She was interested in everyone and everything that crossed her path. She was a quick-witted and charming hostess who could make anyone feel at ease and she brilliantly cultivated friendships across the globe. Betty Ann described her own life as "amazing". It was filled with laughter, joy, great conversation, beautiful gardens, art and music in abundance. Betty Ann is survived by daughters Lucinda and Stacy, son-in-law Bill Belgue; grandsons Peter and Patrick Widdrington and Jack Belgue; brother Alex Lawrence (Kathleen); brother-in-law Michael Widdrington; nieces Susan Roughgarden (Jeff), and Cheryl Widdrington (Bill); nephews George Lawrence, Stephen Lawrence (Kathy), Charlie Lawrence (Jenna), Stephen Widdrington and Michael Widdrington Jr. (Lara). She is also survived by Tiggy the Cat. Mum's final journey was a long one but she had the most caring assistance along the way. We are so deeply grateful to Charlene Eckel and Heinz Prikopa whose friendship and support kept the whole ship afloat. We also thank the most outstanding team of dedicated caregivers, without whom we could never have fulfilled mum's wishes to remain in her home: Claudine Jamer, Lovimin Farola, Janet Bangcoyo and Ann Aguilar. We also thank Dr. Ferner and the Palliative Care Unit from CCAC. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 1st, 2017 at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London. Interment to follow at Woodland Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Betty Ann, are asked to consider the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London Area, 543 Ridout Street North, London, ON N6A 2P8, Ph: 519-438-7065. We send Betty Ann off with tremendous love and gratitude for a life well lived.