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It is with sadness and gratitude for a long life well lived that we mark the death of Margaret Elizabeth (Betty) Bellaire who passed away in her 104th year, on Boxing Day, December 26, 2024. Betty was born in Amherstburg, Ontario on June 7, 1921 and lived there until she was 7. The family moved to Windsor and went through some hard times in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Betty lost her mother to illness while still a child and lost her older sister when she was a teen. Later, while working at Sommerville Packaging in Windsor, she met Raymond Bellaire. She and Ray married in 1942 and had their son, Bruce, in 1949. Although she only had the one child, her house was always full of kids. Together, Betty and Ray opened their home to the neighbourhood children who loved her baking and warm heart.
Betty and Ray moved to Mississauga in the 1960’s for Ray’s work. After Ray retired, he started volunteering at the local elementary school, Munden Park. Betty soon joined him and for almost 20 years, the pair spent time at the school 3 days a week, teaching children crafts, playing games, and generally providing a grandparent experience. Betty was also very fond of her own grandchildren. She was always happy to look after and entertain them. Her four grandchildren have many happy memories of times spent with Betty and Ray.
Ray died in 2000 and Betty remained in their apartment in Mississauga until 2015 when her lack of sight made it impossible for her to live on her own. At that time she moved into the Cobourg Retirement Residence to be close to Bruce and his family. She spent 8 happy years in her new home, even though her walking excursions through the town were curtailed by a stroke. When that facility closed, she moved to the Tower of Port Hope Retirement Residence, where she remained until it became necessary to move to Long Term Care. She spent the last months of her life at Extendicare Cobourg. She passed peacefully on December 26, 2024, with family members at her side.
Granny, as she was known to the family, is survived by her son Bruce and his spouse Beth along with their four children…Jackie, Brett, Keli, and Brendan. She is also survived by her 8 great grandchildren: Jaxon, Adelle, Maria, Dezso, Zoe, Isabela, Sasha, and Noah.
The family would like to thank the staff of Cobourg Retirement Residence, Tower of Port Hope, and Extendicare Cobourg for the care that they provided in Betty’s last years.
In lieu of flowers, we suggest a donation to the Cobourg Public Library. After she became unable to read, Betty turned to novels on cd. She listened to nearly 800 cd books borrowed from the Cobourg library.
Theresa and I would like to send our condolences to the family, may she rest in peace.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Cobourg Public Library
Bruce, Beth and Family: I’m sorry for your loss, but W hat a life she must have led to get to 104.
Beth, Bruce and family Thinking of you at this very difficult time. May memories ease the tough times and bring a smile to you. Karen
Miss Betty was a grand lady and will be missed. I really enjoyed our talks and time spent at Cobourg Retirement residence.
Dear Bellaire family, I am very sorry to hear of your Mother, Mother-In-Law and Granny passing. She sounded like a compassionate, kind and caring woman. Almost 104 years, an incredible amount of memories made I'm sure. Hold on to those memories to help you hold on to her. Sincerely, Mary Anne
Bruce, Beth and family So sorry to hear of your family’s loss especially during the holidays but how wonderful that you had so many years to make beautiful memories together.
My condolences Bruce and your family.
Sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace.
Bruce, Beth and family; My condolences on the death of your mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Sincerely Pat Lyon
Bruce & Beth, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bruce, Beth and family. Sending you my condolences on the loss of Betty. She was a lovely lady that I had the pleasure to get to know and spend time with.
Bruce, Beth and family- Please accept my condolences. I am certain your mother's legacy lives on in you Bruce, and yours and Beth's children and grandchildren.
Bruce, Beth and Family - we are so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. Such a wonderful, well lived life she had. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bruce, Beth, and Family: So sorry to hear about the loss of this wonderful soul. Your Mom’s life was full and well-lived.
Bruce, Beth and family. So sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. What an incredible life well lived. Thinking of you all.
Bruce, Beth and family - sincere condolences on the loss of your mom. A wonderful life, well lived.
Bruce, Beth and Family, Our deepest condolences on the passing of your Mother, Betty. What an interesting life she lived. Reading was obviously very important for Betty even into her later years. You have many wonderful memories to cherish. Catherine and Ian White
Bruce, Beth and family, Wow - in her 104th year! Amazing life but still sad to see her go and our condolences extend to you and your children and grandchildren at this time.
Our sincere condolences.
Condolences to Betty’s family She was the nicest lady to chat with I remember her listening to her books on tape and going for her walks Godspeed Betty Jayne Psw from Cobourg Retirement
Bruce - Sending my condolences to you and your family on the loss of your Mom.
Beth &Bruce Thinking of you at this time. Your mom certainly did have a long and full life. She will be missed. Monica
Bruce, Beth and family...we are thinking of you all at this time. Betty did have a full and rich life with your family and your loving children, who will fondly remember special times they spent with their grandparents. I can only imagine the role that Ray and Betty must have fulfilled at the school in Toronto in those almost 20 years. You and your family have been incredible pillars of support and love for Betty's in her latter years especially when she had various health issues to work through. Our thoughts are with all of you
Condolences to Bruce and the Bellaire family
Dear Bruce and Beth and Family, we are sorry for your loss of your dear Mom who left you with much to celebrate. She is with her Lord now as promised on the final part if her journey of faith. George and Alma
Sorry for your loss.
Bruce and Beth! So sorry to hear about your Mom(Granny) passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Sylvia and Ray
Bruce and Beth, Sorry for your loss. Although we never knew your mom, sounds like she had a life well-lived. You were fortunate to have had her presence for so many years. Rae and Ella
Bruce and Beth, Our condolences on the passing of your mom.
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your mum, Bruce. She seemed to live a life well lived and you will have many fond memories of her.
Condolences to you Bruce and Beth and the family I am sure your Mum will be sorely missed.
Bruce and Beth. We are sending you our sincere condolences on the death of your Mom. It is never a "good" time for the loss of your mom, but it is particularly hard this time of year. Keep your memories close to your heart and she will be with you forever. Take care and we will see you on the ice. Anita and Terry Shannon
Bruce and family. I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She sounds like a wonderful lady. I hope special memories of your Mom will comfort you during this difficult time.