Bette "Betty" Thomas

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Bette é¢a‚A"Bettyé¢a‚ Lillier Thomas, at home on October 8, 2009, surrounded by the love of her family. Born February 21, 1928, Bette's youthful spirit belied her years, even throughout her long and courageous battle with cancer. Beloved wife of 52 years of Daniel Roy Thomas, and proud, loving mom of her é¢a‚A"girlsé¢a‚, daughters Ann Elizabeth Thomas and Carol-Lynn (Dean) Chambers. Predeceased by her parents Reginald W. and Lillier May (Clarke) Byrns. She was the warm, affectionate centrepiece of her family and dear friends, and she cherished these many life friendships to the very end. Bette was known for her endless energy, ably balancing home and work life since starting her career at Polymer Corporation in the 1940s. Many know her from her work at the Sarnia Observer, Sears Canada, and North End Appliance. Ironically, as a young woman in the 1950's, she worked in the Collip Medical Research Laboratory at the University of Western Ontario, supporting research into the very disease that claimed her life. She was always there for her family, friends, and those in need. She volunteered in her community throughout her life, including President of the Children's Ward Auxiliary at Sarnia General Hospital. She fought for the causes she believed in, and even in the late stages of her disease, she reached out to others with compassion by volunteering at the Cancer Clinic and baked her famous cookies for the é¢a‚A"Look Good, Feel Betteré¢a‚ program. She was one of Sarnia's hidden gems. We will always remember her lovable sense of humour and warm heart. Bette found joy in every day - a cuddle with her dog, a beautiful flower or a newly ripe tomato from her garden, her labour of love. Her energetic spirit will continue to inspire and guide all that knew and loved her. We will cherish her memory and miss her always. A special thanks to the many staff and caregivers who showed great compassion, care and professionalism during her long illness. The family will receive friends at the DJ ROBB FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION CENTRE on Wednesday, October 14 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm and on Thursday, October 15 from 10-11 am. Funeral service on Thursday, October 15 at 11:00 am at DJ ROBB FUNERAL HOME, followed by a reception in celebration of her life at The Sarnia Golf and Curling Club from 12:00-3:30 pm. Private family interment to follow at a later date at Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Bluewater Health Foundation, Thameswood Lodge (London), Sarnia Humane Society, or charity of choice. Memories and messages of condolence may be sent to the family through djrobbfh@ebtech.net

Visitation

• Date and Time: - on Tuesday, February 29, 2000

Funeral Details

• Date and Time: Tuesday, February 29, 2000 at 12:00 AM