Thursday, December 5, 2024
When God created my sister Betty I believe He spent a little extra time to create someone truly special…. Someone who would shine her light and be an inspiration to others during her time here on earth.
He certainly did shower her with a great many blessings.
She possessed beauty without vanity. Intelligence. Integrity.
Determination and drive. Strength. Firm convictions. Loyalty. Good humour as well as good sense. And perhaps above all else a deep and abiding love for family.
She, without doubt, was a blessing to our parents and enjoyed a happy childhood. When the time came He led her to Catholic Central High School where she met the boy who she would ultimately marry and with him she would build a lifetime of love and happiness. Best friends forever. A true union of soulmates.
What was meant to be came to life and soon they were married and two became three. And then four. Once again, God blessed her with two beautiful little boys who have grown into the most wonderful and respected men. Now with families of their own.
The blessings continued with the arrival of precious granddaughters who brought Betty so much more joy.
She was a loving wife and mother who always went above and beyond in seeing to the health, well-being, success and happiness of her family. She worked endlessly and unselfishly to create a beautiful home for those she loved. Her house was always immaculate. Her cooking delicious and her baking…. Well, that was in a league of its own. Perhaps only comparable to her beloved mother-in-law, Kay Henry!
In fact, if Heaven is as I believe, then my guess is that my late husband, Wayne, may already be pestering her to bake one of her amazing cherry pies. Picture perfect. Melt in your mouth. Beyond delectable. Always his favourite.
She told me she passed on that recipe to her sweethearts, Alyssa and Emily. If so girls, maybe one day you will share that treasure with me!
Betty’s life of service to others was not restricted to the confines of her lovely home. She selflessly gave of herself as a volunteer in the community in many different capacities over the years. I’m sure those who encountered Betty along the way remember her kindness and generosity of spirit.
I mentioned determination earlier…. At a time when most are slowly beginning to look toward retirement, Betty set out to work toward achieving another university degree and became a certified teacher.
As a fellow teacher with four decades of experience I can assure you that although I loved and cherished every single class and moment of teaching, it is not always a career for the faint of heart. For me it was the best job in the world but it brings with it a lot of hard work, stress and long hours at times. I think James told me once about how she would be in her “cave” spending hours working on marking and planning. But once again, with determination, Betty met the challenge. We are all so proud of her.
Happily there were also many family gatherings, holidays, beach days and vacations abroad. Certainly all well deserved rewards in a busy and productive life. But I have no doubt that her favourite reward was simply time with family and the many friends she made along the way.
My sister was always not just the prettiest girl on the block but also an excellent role model for others. In time the love that she and Pat shared over the years was an inspiration not only for her children and grandchildren but for all those who knew them.
And whether she knew it or not she was an inspiration and role model for the little sister who watched her from the distance of a ten year age gap. Thank you for those early life lessons, Betty.
After having said all that I should add that God has granted me countless blessings over the years too. But one of the greatest ones was given to me just a very few days ago when I saw my dear sister for the last time. Despite her illness her beauty shone forth and I reminded her again that she was still the prettiest girl on the block. And in true Betty fashion she just humbly brushed aside any compliment. Despite the fact she had not slept properly in days, I could see that she was drawing upon some kind of inner strength to stay awake with me for my visit.
And here is where God stepped in with my special blessing. The entire time I was there I got to see her lovely smile. Better yet I heard the sound of her laughter many times as I retold a multitude of silly family stories she’s heard dozens of times before. She fully understood and responded to every one.
Forever the thoughtful hostess she even offered me something to eat before I left for the long drive home. I said all I needed to say and we hugged goodbye. I walked away taking with me a beautiful and precious memory that I’ll keep in my heart always.
As they often say in times like these, the price of great love is great loss. And we are all feeling that pain of loss right now but most especially Pat and the boys and their families.
Along with Chelsea, Emma, Gary and Claire, I extend our most heartfelt sympathy to Pat, the family, my brother Charles and all those who were also blessed to know my sister.
Thank you Betty. I hope you are joyously reunited with Mom, Dad, Joe, Kay and all our dear loved ones. Sending you my love always.
Janet Pinsonneault
December 4, 2024
