Beatrice "Betty" Janet Rigby

Beatrice Janet “Betty” Rigby (nee Brims) – Surrounded by her family, Betty passed away on January 31, 2023 at Vision Nursing Home, Sarnia, at the age of 95. Beloved wife of Fred (2019) for 71 years. Loving mother to sons Brian (Robin), Bruce (Terry) and David (June). Adored grandmother of Mattie (Randy), Warren (Brittany), Carolyn and Sean. Dear sister of Don. Admired aunt of Pat (late Paul), Robin, William (Karen), Suzie (Bill), Sean (Caroline), Bill, Doug (Maureen) and Ken (Lori). Also survived by several cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great nephews. Predeceased by her parents William and Margaret (Sadler) Brims, brother Bill Brims, sister-in-law Shirley (Manson) Brims and nephew Randy Rigby.   

Born October 13, 1927 in Sarnia, Betty grew up in the city, attending Johnson Memorial and Sarnia Collegiate. During her brief office career at Imperial Oil and Electric Auto-Lite (Pt. Edward), Betty met Fred Rigby, and they married at St. John’s Anglican in June 1948. After moving to their new home in the High Park neigbourhood in 1951, they began raising a family in 1953.

Betty’s family, friends and faith were most important to her. As wife, mother and grandmother, her love and affection were unwavering. Throughout her life, she nurtured and maintained close relationships with extended family, international relatives, her neighbours and childhood friends. She was a faithful member of High Park United Church for over 65 years, devoting her service to the Choir, the UCW and other activities until its closing in 2018. She continued her faith journey at Laurel Lea - St. Matthews.   

Her commitment to the community led Betty to serve for many years with the Municipal Volunteers Program (MVP), the Senior Volunteers in Public Service (Senior VIP), the Volunteers Coordinators Association and the Canada Cancer Society. For more than 40 years Betty served on the Marshall Gowland Manor Auxiliary, receiving the Ontario Volunteer Service Award in 2008.

Betty was an avid reader, enjoyed a good bike ride in her younger days and walked everywhere in the neighbourhood. Often, she and Fred could be seen supporting each other on a “quick” trip to the grocery store. Betty remained in her home until she and Fred took up residence at Fiddick’s in Petrolia in 2019.  After Fred’s passing later that year, she remained at Fiddick’s during the height of the pandemic, even surviving a bout of Covid-19. Betty transferred to Vision Nursing home in December 2022 to be closer to family and friends. Always considering others before herself, Betty will be loved and remembered for her generosity, devotion and a long life, well lived.

The family would like to thank Fiddick’s Nursing Home, particularly the staff of Barclay Lane, for their care of Betty during her residence there. To Dr. Kareemi, Nurse Michelle and the Emergency Department, thank you for your attention to Betty while in hospital. To Vision Nursing Home staff, particularly ‘Superior Crescent”, Corrine, the Vision Palliative Care Team and Dr. Maddison, our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your care, compassion and kindness, especially during Betty’s final hours. Cremation has taken place. A graveside service and interment of ashes will be held at a later date to be announced.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Sarnia & District Humane Society www.sarniahumanesociety.com or charity of choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the D. J. Robb Funeral Home & Cremation Centre (102 N. Victoria St, Sarnia, ON, N7T 5W9). Messages and memories of condolence may be sent through www.djrobb.on.ca