Obituary for Betty Lynn
Betty Lynn passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan 31, 2023 in Waterloo at The Village of University Gates Long Term Care Home, two days short of her 100th Birthday.
Born in Woodstock, Ontario Betty was the eldest daughter of the late John and Hew Shee Lynn. Betty was predeceased by her siblings Henry, Mary, Margaret (George), Norman (Moon Tong), Verna (Edward), and Mabel (Dick). Beloved aunt of Priscilla (Wayne), Elizabeth, Jennifer, Philbert (Sarah), Robert (Jeannel), Roland (Chin), Ian (Karen), Daniel (late Jeanne), late Frances (Roc), Graydon (June), and Migalo (late Jenny). Betty was also a cherished grand-aunt and a beloved great grand-aunt of many more nieces and nephews.
A quiet hero, Betty devoted her life to her family, and she always said that a party is not a party without children. As the matriarch of her family, Betty was a third parent to her nieces & nephews, babysitting, vacationing, attending school events and always cooking. Her wonderful homemade sai fan, congee, and chicken soup were the culinary highlights of many family gatherings.
At eight years old, Betty was stranded in war-torn China for sixteen years, becoming the sole breadwinner and protector for herself and her younger sisters Margaret and Verna. Returning in 1947, the sisters, now young women, re-integrated into Canadian life learning to speak English again.
Greatly respected, Betty mentored Chinese-speaking immigrants, training them to work at the John Forsyth Shirt Factory where she herself worked for over 30 years. For her new friends, Betty translated at doctors’ appointments, provided emotional support at parent-teacher visits, helped them open bank accounts, and above all taught them the importance of saving money. Betty was a living example of hard work, perseverance and achievement – fifteen years after repatriation to Canada, Betty bought her own house in Kitchener and it was her prized possession.
We are grateful for those who comforted Betty as if she was their own family. A special thanks to Dr. Didyk and our team of caregivers who supported AB during her final journey.
Aunt Betty will be missed by those who loved her.
Betty's family will receive relatives and friends at
Graham Giddy Funeral Home, 617 King Street N., Waterloo, 519-888-7700.
Visitation: Thursday, Feb 9 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Friday, Feb 10 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Celebration of Life: Friday, Feb 10 at 1:00 pm
Interment: Saturday, Feb 11 at 11:00 am The Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto
Donations to Alzheimer Society of Canada and flowers are welcome
Born in Woodstock, Ontario Betty was the eldest daughter of the late John and Hew Shee Lynn. Betty was predeceased by her siblings Henry, Mary, Margaret (George), Norman (Moon Tong), Verna (Edward), and Mabel (Dick). Beloved aunt of Priscilla (Wayne), Elizabeth, Jennifer, Philbert (Sarah), Robert (Jeannel), Roland (Chin), Ian (Karen), Daniel (late Jeanne), late Frances (Roc), Graydon (June), and Migalo (late Jenny). Betty was also a cherished grand-aunt and a beloved great grand-aunt of many more nieces and nephews.
A quiet hero, Betty devoted her life to her family, and she always said that a party is not a party without children. As the matriarch of her family, Betty was a third parent to her nieces & nephews, babysitting, vacationing, attending school events and always cooking. Her wonderful homemade sai fan, congee, and chicken soup were the culinary highlights of many family gatherings.
At eight years old, Betty was stranded in war-torn China for sixteen years, becoming the sole breadwinner and protector for herself and her younger sisters Margaret and Verna. Returning in 1947, the sisters, now young women, re-integrated into Canadian life learning to speak English again.
Greatly respected, Betty mentored Chinese-speaking immigrants, training them to work at the John Forsyth Shirt Factory where she herself worked for over 30 years. For her new friends, Betty translated at doctors’ appointments, provided emotional support at parent-teacher visits, helped them open bank accounts, and above all taught them the importance of saving money. Betty was a living example of hard work, perseverance and achievement – fifteen years after repatriation to Canada, Betty bought her own house in Kitchener and it was her prized possession.
We are grateful for those who comforted Betty as if she was their own family. A special thanks to Dr. Didyk and our team of caregivers who supported AB during her final journey.
Aunt Betty will be missed by those who loved her.
Betty's family will receive relatives and friends at
Graham Giddy Funeral Home, 617 King Street N., Waterloo, 519-888-7700.
Visitation: Thursday, Feb 9 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Friday, Feb 10 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Celebration of Life: Friday, Feb 10 at 1:00 pm
Interment: Saturday, Feb 11 at 11:00 am The Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto
Donations to Alzheimer Society of Canada and flowers are welcome