It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Betty Ann LaBerge (neé Labelle). She died peacefully May 19, 2022 at Kirkland Lake District Hospital surrounded by her loved ones. Betty Ann was a loving wife to her late husband, Terry LaBerge for 60 years, beloved mother to Terri Lively (Don Lively) and Douglas LaBerge (Karen LaBerge), cherished grandmother to Brittany Giles (Richard Greenly), Kaitlin St. Pierre (Ryan St. Pierre), Karlee Sawyer (Adam Sawyer), Landin LaBerge, and great-grandmother to Thomas Greenly and Hanna St. Pierre. Betty Ann was excited to welcome three more great-grandchildren this summer. Betty Ann will be loved and missed by her sisters, Laura Lindsay (Ken Lindsay) and Diane Douglas (Neil Douglas), and is predeceased by her parents, Charles and Alvina Labelle (neé Swanson). She will be deeply missed by her family, countless friends (especially her cherished friends, Rena Reisewitz and Ann Hammond with whom she shares many wonderful memories) and by her beloved community of Kirkland Lake.
There was truly no one like Betty Ann. She had an unforgettable presence and a contagious laugh that filled the room. She knew how to have a great time — she loved singing to good music, eating good food, and would never turn down a treat, especially if it was a butter tart or strawberry ice cream cone. She would bring laughter and joy to every situation. Betty Ann was not a rule-follower and chose the road less travelled. She never took life too seriously and tried to see the good in every person and situation. Her love knew no bounds and her heart was big. Betty Ann was loyal to family and friends, caring deeply for others even if they had not spoken in years. She had a special place in her heart for the underdog and would do anything it took to make everyone in the room feel loved and seen.
Betty Ann met her sweetheart, Terry, when she was just a teenager at Round Lake. She always felt it was love at first sight. They were married in 1962 and built a beautiful life together. She would often say, “Terry is the best husband in the world”. As different as two people could be, they were a magnetic pair that adored each other through the years. Terry would set out for his hunting and fishing trips and Betty Ann on her trips to the Casino and shopping with girlfriends. She loved these trips away but was most excited to come home to Terry. She has missed him dearly since his passing in January, 2021. At the end of her life she often expressed she was ready to be reunited with her love again.
Betty Ann was consistently committed to her community. She loved Kirkland Lake and was incredibly proud of where she came from. She was a founding member of Friends of the Rock and part of many other volunteer and fundraising committees. If Betty Ann saw a need, she would figure out a way to meet it. She was proud of her career and the connections she made in her time at Beneficial. She was adored and admired by her colleagues and clients alike. As much as she loved Kirkland Lake, her favourite place on earth was Mount Rose at her beloved Camp. Betty Ann and Terry were both in their element there. She relished in the peace and comfort that being at Camp brought, along with visits with friends, boat rides, snowmobile and 4-wheeler rides, fish fries, and corn roasts. She was her happiest and most content being at Camp with Terry.
Betty Ann held many roles throughout her life and wore many hats (including being a Red Hat Lady herself). She was a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, and friend. One of the most precious roles she held was being called “Nana”. Her grandkids brought her joy but she brought them even more. She brought the best treats in town and games to every family get together (we will never play 7-11 without thinking of her). Some of the most cherished memories will be drives up to Camp with Nana singing her heart out, chewing her Juicy Fruit gum, and offering quarters to her grandkids for spotting wildlife.
The loss of Betty Ann will be felt by so many. Her love and legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We love you and miss you more than words can say. We will think of you every time we hear one of your favourite songs, The Rose, and the seeds of love you have left for us here…
“When the night has been too lonely, and the road has been too long, and you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong, just remember in the winter far beneath the bitter snows, lies the seed that with the sun’s love in the spring becomes the rose”.
I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. I had many interactions with her during my time at town hall. Her presence lit up any room she entered and yes her laugh was undeniably contagious. Sending you and your family deepest condolences.
Dave and I are sendings out condolences to the whole family thoughts and prayer are coming your way our heart are saddened for you.
Sorry to hear of your loss .
BettyAnn was an amazing woman. I've known her for almost 20 years. So sorry for your loss. She will be missed by us all
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dear mother. She always had a smile and a laugh. Condolences to you and your families.
I'm so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful woman and I loved our chats. She will be missed by myself and my coworkers. Our thoughts are with you and your families.
Condolences to All on your recent family's loss....our deepest sympathy
Maybe sincerest sympathy on the loss of your mom/nana. BettyAnn was a pure delight & always brought laughter wherever she was.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother.
Our deepest condolences to you and yours at this time of sadness.
Love and prays.
Steve and Joanne Coupland.
So very sadden to hear about your Mom, please accept our Condolences, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Billie-Jean and Merdy Armstrong offer our most sincere condolences to you and yours. May the memories of your mom always be with you.
Sincere condolences to all Betty Ann's loved ones.
I am so sorry for your loss. She will be missed by a lot of people. My thoughts are with all.
I have nothing but beautiful memories of your mom. When she lived on Fifth Street my mother and yours got into quite a bit of mischief. Your mom is truly the reason why my mother was able to adapt to her new living conditions. Used to love my conversations with your mom and always looked forward to hearing her stories.
My deepest sympathies to all of you.
We are sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Our Condolences to all.
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your mom, such a beautiful lady.
To know Betty Ann, was pure joy when around her. May she meet with Terry and become an Angel for her family. RIP Betty Ann.
My deepest sympathies, my mother always spoke highly of your mom she was a special lady, may she Rest In Peace!
My deepest sympathies, my mother always spoke highly of your mom she was a special lady, may she Rest In Peace!
So saddened to hear the news of your Mom’s passing.
So many fond memories of going to camp with my parents, Charlie and Alvina, and your Mom and Dad.
She had a heart of gold and will be missed greatly.
Deepest sympathies to all the family.
Patricia Bedyk (Larose)
We are so very sorry to learn of the passing of your Mom! Betty Ann was a Funny, kind and wonderful person. I have so many fond memories of her and Terry at Round Lake, always a great time. Our sincere condolences
Sue & Gerd
Betty Ann lived a memorable life and cherished every moment! May the wonderful memories of past times comfort you during this time of loss and sadness.
So sorry for your loss. So many memories at the cottage come flooding back. The fishing, the fish fries, the card games. Never a dull moment when your mom was around. The life of any party. My condolences.
My deepest sympathies, she was so bubbly, loved playing cards with her, always made me laugh, I will miss her and her laugh
I am so sorry for your loss. Heartfelt condolences to all. Betty Ann is reunited with Terry, the love of her life. May they both Rest In Peace.
BettyAnn sounds like she earned a special place in heaven. We will light a candle for her tonight and for all who loved her. Shining souls like this are missed so much, but leading our own lives in such a manner, makes her a dynamo matriarch that set the best example of how to be. Peace be with you.
So sorry to hear of BettyAnn's passing. I can still hear her laughter and have fond memories of her sunny disposition each time I met her in town. My sincerest of condoleances to you all.
I am so sorry to learn of your moms passing. BettyAnn was such a wonderful woman and knew how to lift every ones spirits when they were down. I just loved running into her and having our conversations. I know how much she will be missed by everyone. I am sure Terry will be waiting for her with his arms wide open at the pearly gates. RIP my friend.
Love Gloria
Sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences.
So sorry for your loss thinking of you all
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Your mother's laugh was contagious! She was a wonderful lady. My father truly enjoyed his fishing and camping trips to Mount Rose and spending time with your parents. May you find comfort in knowing they are together again. ❤️
Betty Ann was a wonderful and funny lady that I have known her for many years. She was always such a joker and always kind to my husband (Roger) and I will miss her dearly.
We are so sorry for your loss. Betty Ann was a remarkable lady and brightened any conversations we had with her own brand of humour. We will miss her.
My deepest condolences on the loss of your mom. She was a wonderful person. I remember Betty Ann from Friends of the Rock with Irene Pochopsky. At the time I was president of the KLSA and we were looking for funding for the new soccer field at Queen Elizabeth. They and Tembec covered the cost of the new field. It was always nice to talk with them. Rest In Peace Betty Ann.
I was so sad to see that BettyAnne has passed. I just loved that woman she was so funny always had me laughing and asked about my mon everytime we bumped into each other. I believe that she was very loved by everyone she always made u feel special. RIP BEAUTIFUL ANGEL
My sincere condolences at this time to the LaBerge Family.
Treasure your memories.
Your mom’s presence filled any room she was in. She is now at peace with your dad. We send our sincere condolences. Laurie and Richard
Please accept my most heartfelt condolences, to you, Britt, Kait and your whole, extended family on the passing of your beloved Mom and Nana. Betty Ann would be overwhelmed by this loving obituary — one that so wonderfully captures and memorializes a life well-lived. You are in my thoughts, and have my love and prayers.
We wish to send our deepest sympathies and offer our condolences to Terri,Doug,and family.
Betty Ann was one of a kind and will be sorrowly missed by all who knew her.
My deepest condolences to you and your family. She was a beautiful person! Much love and blessings.
My deepest condolences to the LaBerge family. I first met BettyAnn when I was a reporter with the Gazette back in the 90s. She was always so kind, gracious and giving of her time. Her commitment to Kirkland Lake through her many volunteer activities showed how much she cared for people and worked to make her town a better place. A truly lovely, lady. I am so very sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear of Betty Ann’s passing. She certainly was the life of the party especially with Terry and the Tarzwell crew at the cottage on Round lake! I can still hear her contagious laugh while playing euchre with Pete as her partner. Lots of laughs and card games happening right now up above!
Our deepest condolences,
Paul and Dolores Lynch
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear mother. She was such a nice person, always had a smile and a laugh. Condolences to you and your families
Sorry to hear about your mom's passing
Our sincere condolences
Sending you my deepest condolences and my biggest hugs. Although I never met her, she sure sounds like someone I would’ve loved to know. ❤️
to all the family of bettyanne my deepest sympathy she was agood person so kindhearted she was fun to talk she will be missed
I am so sorry to hear of BettyAnn’s passing. She really was a force of nature. She was my Mom’s (Hazel McBain) next door neighbour, friend and really helped my Mom out at the end of her life. My Mom could not say enough great things about her friend BettyAnn. I hope she rests easy and you are able to remember her as I do - loud, laughing and full of joy. It is how I hope I am remembered.
I learned of Betty Ann's passing today when I returned to work. The news truly saddens me, my heart hurts for your loss and everyone that she had touched. I was blessed enough to have met both Terry and Betty Ann while at Extendicare and tried to visit Betty Ann when I could after the loss of Terry. My heart is a little more empty after hearing this news. Betty Ann's eyes would always light up when she spoke of the grandkids and family. The stories she shared will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during the loss of Betty Ann. May she rest in peace and be back with the love of her life Terry.
I remember Betty Ann fondly! That beautiful smile and amazing laugh! Sincere condolences! She will certainly be missed!
So sorry for your loss of your mom.
She will be dearly missed.
Thinking of your family, during this difficult time.
Brenda
I got to know Betty Anne, and to enjoy her wonderful company when we were members of the Red Hat Society. She always had a smile for everyone, loved our get-togethers, and was the life of the party all the time. She was the epitome of our favorite song by Cyndi Lauper: “ Girls Just Wanna Hve Fun” . Sincere condolences to all.
It breaks my heart to know that I have lost my best friend, confident, partner in crime, and comedian. To Dougie and Terri, and family my deepest sympathies on the loss of you mother and nana. Your Mom made my life full of happiness, joy, laughs, and lots of great memories that I will cherish forever. From growing up together, getting married, having children, grandchildren, and fishing at the camp together we will forever share a special bond. Although you are gone, our memories live on. I know that you have joined Terri now and that the both of you are in the boat fishing, Terri fishing and you reading in your pajamas. I will forever love and cherish you and the times that we had and until we meet again my best friend. Love, kisses, and hugs. Love: Ann Hammond
My sincere sympathy in your great loss. RIP BettyAnn.
I am so sad to hear of Betty Anne's passing. Please accept my condolences.
I can still hear her singing Elvira and also her wonderful laughter.
Although I have not seen Betty Ann in many years, I have very fond memories of her growing up in Tarzwell and Kirkland Lake. My sincerest condolences to the entire family.
Our sincerest condolences on your loss.
R. I. P. Betty Ann
May your contributions and memories continue to thrive through your family and everyone Betty Ann touched. God Bless
Our sinceres condolences for your loss.
May she rest in peace. Sending prayers.
Dave Ferguson and Christiane Daoust
Sincere condolences on the loss of your mother and nana. Her smile and infectious laugh will always be remembered.
Please accept our sympathies.
