It is with sadness that we announce that Elizabeth (Betty) DeLong, peacefully died in her sleep, at Extendicare in Cobourg, at the age of 90. Betty always said that she didn’t like the phrase of someone “passing”. She always wanted it referred to “surpassing her shelf-life expectancy”.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Rex, and her parents, Mary Archer and Wrenslow Joice. She was also predeceased by her brothers, William (Bill), Lawrence (Larry), Donald (Don), and Terrance (Terry), as well as her son, David.
She is lovingly and fondly remembered by her children, Barry (Donna), Nancy, Carol (Doug), and Michael (Marni). She was the proud grandmother (Beppie) to 7 grandchildren, Kyle, Adam, Devin, Brittnie, MacKenzie, Bradley and Ryan, and 4 great-grandchildren, Peyton, Everett, Cooper and June. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marie (Betty) Joice.
Betty had a long and proud career as a nurse at the two Port Hope hospitals. She became the Head Nurse of Emergency, Obstetrics, and eventually, the Hospital Head Nurse, where she served proudly until her retirement. There are many folks around the Port Hope area who were either delivered by, or had children delivered by Betty.
She will be missed by all the many people she volunteered with over the years. She was an active member of the Horticultural Society, Probus, the various committees of the Port Hope United Church, the committee fighting the closure of the Port Hope hospital, the Cancer Society, the Port Hope Capitol Theatre, Fall Fair and the Boy Scouts / Girl Guides.
As a result of her volunteer efforts, betty was extremely proud of three honors / awards she received.
• Port Hope Citizen of the Year
• Port Hope United Church Faith & Fellowship Award
• An honorary, lifetime membership in the Port Hope Horticultural Society
Betty had many talents in sewing, quilting and creative cooking. However, one of her true passions was gardening. Her backyard was fabulous as she had a knack of always having something blooming the entire growing season. So fabulous, that more than one wedding party used her floral creativity for their pictures. After retiring, Betty took courses where she was especially proud of becoming a Master Gardener and sharing her knowledge with others. This passion took her on gardening tours around North America, Europe and Cuba.
Another of her passions was anything sports related. In particular, Toronto-based teams: The Blue Jays, The Argos and The Maple Leafs. On some Sundays, she could be found in the basement with two televisions and a radio keeping track of three different events at once. She always enjoyed spirited sporting conversations with her brother, Bill.
A private family burial will be held at a later date.
Donations:
Both Betty and Rex were cancer survivors. Betty was also a long-time supporter of the Cancer Society. We therefore ask that any donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.