Died peacefully in Toronto at the age of 97 after a short illness with her children by her side. Elizabeth, Betty to family and friends, is survived by her daughter Anne (Edward), son Paul (Kate), cousins Beatrice Ann and Kathleen and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Elizabeth (Bessie) and David, brothers George, Walter, David, former husband James Leonard and many of her closest friends.

Born in Toronto, Betty attended Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School, and the University of Toronto, graduating with BA and Masters in Social Work degrees. The memories of the summers she spent at the family cottage at Brechin were among her most cherished. Betty was a career social worker retiring from the Metropolitan Separate School Board where she was a thoughtful advocate for children and a valued and respected colleague.

Betty was a devoted mother who considered her children to be her greatest accomplishment. She had a deep love for theater, opera, and literature. A keen gardener, she cultivated flourishing gardens. She always had a loyal companion animal or two by her side. Her dry sense of humour and ability to respond to the dignity in everyone made her a trusted confidante for many. “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others”. She will be forever in our hearts.

Many thanks to the staff at Lakeside Long-term Care Centre for their years of support. The family will receive friends at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre (375 Mount Pleasant Rd.) on Tuesday, April 8th 2025 from 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Funeral mass will be held at Holy Rosary Parish (354 St. Clair Ave. W) on Wednesday, April 9th at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Regis College, the Jesuit School of Theology in Canada. Condolences may be forwarded through www.etouch.ca