Obituary of Wendy Frances BETTS (nee Tidmarsh)

May 21, 1940 – Montreal, Quebec
April 23, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

Wendy Frances Betts, beloved wife of Dave Betts, passed away peacefully at home with family by her side, as she wished, on Friday, April 23, 2021 at the age of 80 years.

Wendy was born in Montreal to Dr. Clarence Johnson and Bertha Louise Tidmarsh, and attended The Study girls' school, where she was a Prefect (class of 1957). She attended Mount Allison University, and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963 at the University of New Brunswick.  Following post-secondary studies, Wendy worked as a medical technician.

Wendy married Dave Betts in Montreal in 1966.  They subsequently moved to London, ON, and then to Toronto, where their children, Donna and Gordon were born.  In 1978, the family moved to Calgary.  An avid animal lover, Wendy became involved with the Calgary Humane Society, and in the 1980s founded the organization Pet Access League Society (PALS).  The family’s Labrador Retriever, Misty, was a founding volunteer for PALS, and was the first Labrador of many that would become part of the Betts family.

Wendy made many important contributions throughout her life and touched all who knew her with her kindness, selflessness, and keen sense of humour.  In 2014, she and Dave were bestowed honorary doctor of letters degrees by the University of New Brunswick, for their commitment to supporting students pursuing engineering, science and computer science degrees through the Betts-Wilbur Memorial Scholarship.  Underscoring the importance of university education, Wendy stated during the encaenia address, “We hope that you never forget that the education you received here gave you the start to a world of opportunities and a wonderful and rewarding career.”

Besides her loving husband, Wendy is fondly remembered by her two children and their families, Donna Betts and Michael Seaman (Brendan Gray); and Gordon and Kirsten Betts (Koa and Halle); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.  Wendy was predeceased by her sister Barbara and brother-in-law John Weyman.

A Celebration of Wendy’s Life will be held on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

The family requests that contributions in Wendy’s memory be made to PALS (https://www.palspets.com/support-us/).

In living memory of Wendy Betts, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.