Obituary of Betty Edra Bryant

Betty Edra Bryant In her 97th year, Betty Edra Bryant passed away peacefully on June 28th at Kingston Health Sciences Centre. Daughter of the late Donald George Blacker and Mary Edra Blacker (nee Fletcher) of Galt, ON (now Cambridge). Dear sister of Donald (Shirley) Blacker. Predeceased by sisters, Donna Blacker and Shirley Sayers; brother, John Blacker; cherished husband of 68 years, John (Jake); and daughter, Cindy Reynolds (Neil McSween). Loving mother of Tim (Jan), Ted (Pat), and Tom. Betty treasured her seven grandchildren: Jessica (Craig) Earle, Erin (Robert) Partridge, Kate (Myles) Perchuk, Josh, Carolyn, Lizzy (Alain) St. Pierre, and Julia; nine great-grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces, with a special connection to niece Cheryl (Hovard-Walker). Betty will be missed by many long-time friends as well as those who only knew her briefly. Born in Guelph 21 May 1927, Betty grew up in Galt and graduated from Galt Collegiate Institute. She and high school sweetheart, Jake, were married in 1948 and moved to Kingston where Jake studied engineering at Queen’s. The 1950s took them to Nobel, ON and subsequently to McMasterville, QC. With four children, new opportunities of the 1960s drew the family to Clarkson (now Mississauga) and for over thirty years, neighbours and friends formed life-long bonds to become a unique and active social community. Betty was an exceptional role model. Not only at the centre of raising a young family, she also provided time and leadership by volunteering for sports and music organizations, was an avid curler and golfer, and was employed in multiple roles at companies and institutions in the area. Over the years, the family continued to grow with grandchildren and she and Jake retired to Kingston. As a spry 70-something, Betty continued to pursue her passions for more than twenty years. She volunteered with the Kingston Symphony and the Kingston Seniors Association and was a dedicated supporter of all things Queen’s. She continued to golf and was an active member of the Royal Kingston Curling Club where she was feted by her many curling friends as the club’s oldest active curler. As Jake’s health declined and he went into care, Betty lovingly attended his side every day. After his passing in 2017, she enjoyed the activities and companionship of friends at Richardson Wharf and, most recently, in the warm social atmosphere of Kingsdale Chateau. Betty was known for her kindness to others. We are deeply grateful for the compassion and support shown to her by others as her health waned, and especially for the outstanding care provided by the dedicated staff of Kingston Health Sciences Centre. The list of those who miss her is a long one that speaks of simple acts and warm hearts. We will celebrate her life in early fall this year, with details to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Betty’s name to the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation Comfort Fund or Hospice Kingston - Building Fund.