In loving memory of Mary Betty Letitia Fleurie (Blaauw, nee Laporte)who passed away peacefully at her Kirkland Lake home on December 1, 2021 at the age of 84.
Predeceased by her infant daughter Dawn, her parents Arthur and Irene Laporte (Laviolette),her siblings Darl Laporte (Madeline), and Roma Forgues (Euclid), her first husband Hendrik (Vos) Blaauw and her second husband Emery Fleurie. Survived by her siblings Robert (Bob) Laporte (Trudie), and Dianne Laporte (Larry) and, in South Africa her sister-in-law Margareta (Bokkie) Estherhuizen.
Loving mother to her children Hendrik, Narda, and Vania Blaauw.
Loving aunt to her nieces Marla, Annette, Karin, Hende-Mari, and nephews Cobus, Tony, and Danny. Loving grandmother to Alexandra, Khalil, Khenan, Kahleb, and Rose, great grandmother to Rukari, Oaklin, Ivy, and Paisley.
She will be dearly missed by lifelong childhood friend Julie Copeland of Cornwall, colleagues from having worked at Bell Canada, Air Canada (Montreal),Veterans Affairs Canada, and Extendicare (Kirkland Lake), as well as many friends from playing cards at the Legion and the Encore Club.
A strong, independent,and adventurous person, Betty loved to travel the world, having worked in Italy and France, before settling in South West Africa to start her family. She flourished at life on a sheep and cattle farm in Namibia, later moving her family to Kirkland Lake to own and operate Parkers’ Motel.
Her family cherishes the stories of her traveling through Europe by Vespa scooter, trying her hand at skiing in the Alps, and riding a camel in Egypt.
Betty was known for her love of photography, baking (especially freshly picked blueberry pie), sewing, and knitting. Lesser known was her winning marksmanship trophies in South West Africa with her German Luger pistol. There, she thrived at the physical challenges of farm life, mustering sheep, and driving heavy equipment to maintain the farm and water wells.
A naturalborn organizer, supportive parent, and loyal friend, she was active in the community with the Air Cadets, Welcome Wagon, and the Cancer Society, driving patients to Sudbury for their treatment.
Always having a rescued cat or dog at home, and a strong advocate for those who could not speak for themselves, Betty would have appreciated in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to rescue groups such as Advocates for Northern Animals.
http://klana.ca/index.php/donate-to-advocates
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.
Condolences and memories to the family will be received at narda_blaauw@ yahoo.ca or can be made online at www.TimiskamingFC.com