It is with gratitude for her life with us and heartbreaking sorrow for her absence that we share the passing of Betty (Sowerby) Fisher on Friday, December 29, 2023. Born in 1931 to Robert and Daisy (Johnston) Sowerby. Raised on a farm in Goderich Township with her brother Bruce, Betty moved to Goderich in 1956 when she married Gerald Fisher of Colborne Township. Left to mourn her passing are her grateful daughters, Cindy Fisher (Con Melady) and Nancy Simpson (Napier). Predeceased by her beloved Gerald (1996), her brother and sister-in-law Bruce and Florence Sowerby, her brothers and sisters in law, Arnold and Donna (Fisher) Young and Benjamin Graham; also predeceased by nephew John Graham and niece Judy (Graham) Stemp. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Vivian (Fisher) Graham and several Johnston/Little/Dougherty/Sowerby cousins. She treasured her Sowerby, Young and Graham nieces and nephews and their children. She was dear to the Melady and Simpson families, former co-workers and many friends and neighbours.
Betty started her working career as a stenographer at Purity Flour, then an administrative position at Huron County Family & Childrens Services, followed by retirement from the Huron County Planning and Development Department. She was a kind and determined woman who enjoyed helping others, remembering birthdays, sending well wishes in cards and being a good neighbour. A 50+ year member of Order of the Eastern Star (District #5); baptized, confirmed and married in St. George’s Anglican Church and then a loyal member of Knox Presbyterian Church since 1956. She was a proud ‘Big Betty Bowler‘ with her Little Bowl bowling league for many decades of Monday nights.
Private interment in Colborne Township Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday January 19th, 2024, at 11 am, Knox Presbyterian Church, 9 Victoria St. N (at East St.) Goderich . In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Alexandra Marine & General Hospital Foundation, Maitland Trail Association, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health, or the charity of your choice.
Shared by Ruth Melady
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
CHRIS DOBSON
A twinkle in her eye, a beautiful smile, a welcoming heart. That is how I will always remember her.
C Dobson
Ruth Melady
Dear Cindy and Conrad, Nancy and Napier;
We offer our sympathies on the loss of your wonderful mom, Betty. She was such a treasure in so many ways to so many people. The Melady family was blessed when Conrad met and partnered with Betty and Gerald’s daughter Cindy. Over the many years of that relationship, we have had Betty’s company at family gatherings where we enjoyed her maple fudge and her company as well as her competitive edge at the euchre table. She is missed by many.
Our condolences to all of Betty’s loved ones, especially Cindy, Conrad and Nancy and Napier.
Ruth, Rudy and Teresa
Mike & Lori Pullen
Dear Cindy, Con, Nancy and Napier,
It was with great sadness to learn of Betty’s passing. She was such a kind, gentle and caring person, and one very special lady. I will always cherish the years and memories of working with Betty at the County and our many chats. The Department’s potlucks were always a treat with Betty’s special dishes! I was so glad to have been able to see and say a quick hello to you and Betty at the Huron Song Chorus concert before Christmas. Please accept our deepest condolences. Mike & Lori Pullen
Nancy Stewart
Sending our warmest condolences. Betty was a lovely lady and always was a pleasure to visit or chat with. As you deal with this big loss in your lives hopefully the many memories will keep her with you forever..
Love and hugs
Nancy ( Sowerby ) & Joe 💞💞💞
Catherine Hutchins
Dear Cindy and Nancy, we are so sorry for your loss.
Your mother was a vey special lady and a very dear friend.
She will be missed!
Love from Joy, Mark and Catherine, Glen and Kismet Hutchins
Ying Zhang
Dear Betty I was lucky to spend a summer at your home with you. You introduced the whole Fisher family to me, and made me feel as a family member. That made me, a Chinese felt at home in Canada. I can’t say more thanks to you. I can only keep all those memory deep inside. We spent time at your backyard to plant the flowers, we spent the weekend at a cottage with other family members, we saw the play, we cooked, we did all those things together. We were good companies. Also, you were my tutor. You helped me to prepared my fist presentation at the county meeting, you comforted me when I felt nervous. You explained the Canadian culture to me when we watched TV. Betty, I missed you. Luckily, I kept a few hand-write letters from you, I will read the letters when I miss you. I am sure people will have their own ways to remember you. Betty, you will always be with us. Love will always be with Fisher family. Ying Zhang
Janice and Mike Hlodan (Sowerby)
So sad to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a lovely lady. Always warm and welcoming. Our deepest condolences. Keep your memories close.
Mike and Jan Hlodan
Chris & Carolyn Carter
Cindy and Nancy,
Please accept our sincere condolences. Betty was such a wonderful lady. Always enjoyed chatting with her. Cherish your memories. She will missed by many!
Chris and Carolyn Carter
Marlene Beyerlein
Cindy, Nancy & Families We are saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Betty was a lovely lady. Thinking of you during this sad time
The Beyerlein Family
John and Linda MacDonald
Cindy and Con , Nancy and Napier: So sorry to hear the news of your mom’s passing. We would have frequent chats with her when she came to visit her dad when he lived beside us. She was a lovely lady and always spoke whenever we saw her.
Our since condolences to all of you. I am sure you will have many great memories which you will keep forever.
John and Linda MacDonald
Wayne Caldwell
Dear Cindy and Con, Nancy and Napier
We were so saddened at the passing of Betty. She was a lovely, warm, caring person. I had the good fortune of working with her for many years at Huron County Planning and Development. In helping to create a family atmosphere in our office, she brought a genuine interest in all of our personal lives, our children and their activities. Her potato salad (the best) and her cookies and treats at the office were all an extension of her kind, supportive, positive personality. The fact that she never complained about my hand writing (although I’m sure it caused her to chuckle on occasion) was always appreciated 😊. She will be missed by many but also appreciated by the many lives she touched.
With sympathy and also very warm memories,
Wayne and Deborah Caldwell
Carol Williams
Dearest Betty, we had so many wonderful memories with you.
Taking care of us as children, your chocolate chip cookies, your homemade pajamas, every Christmas, to the homemade raincoats and many many more items that you always made us. We were so excited to receive your beautiful gifts. You were like our second mom and we appreciated all the wonderful times we spent with you. I miss you dearly. May you rest in peace love you, Carol.
Sherry Boyce
Cindy, upon reading today’s Signal Star, I noted that you had posted an obituary addressing the passing of your mother on December 29th.
Please accept my most sincere condolences.
Sherry
Wayne Caldwell
Dear Cindy and Con, Nancy and Napier
We were so saddened at the passing of Betty. She was a lovely, warm, caring person. I had the good fortune of working with her for many years at Huron County Planning and Development. In helping to create a family atmosphere in our office, she brought a genuine interest in all of our personal lives, our children and their activities. Her potato salad (the best) and her cookies and treats at the office were all an extension of her kind, supportive, positive personality. The fact that she never complained about my hand writing (although I’m sure it caused her to chuckle on occasion) was always appreciated 😊. She will be missed by many but also appreciated by the many lives she touched.
With sympathy and also very warm memories,
Wayne and Deborah Caldwell
Cindy Matikainen
Cindy and Nancy,
We are saddened to hear of your mother’s passing, please accept our deepest condolences to you and your family. Betty was a lovely woman and we always enjoyed seeing her. We hope your memories will provide you with some comfort.
With sympathy, Olli and Cindy
Colleen Spence
So very sorry to hear about your dear Mom’s passing. She was a kind and caring woman. ❤️
Carol Leeming
I have many happy memories of working with Betty from when I started working for the County as a student, later on at our retiree luncheons, and know that she loved her family and community deeply. She will be missed.
My sincere condolences.
Linda Wray
I am are so very sorry to learn that your dear Mom has passed away. Sending along my deepest sympathy knowing how wonderful your relationship with her was and that you will miss her greatly.
Pam Agnew
My sincerest condolences for the loss of your Mom. She was a very special lady. My thoughts are with you during this time.
Margaret Cook
Dear Cindy and Con, Nancy and Napier – your mom was exceptional. She was always supportive of her family, friends and others in the community. She genuinely cared about people, no matter their role in her life. I met her through working at the children’s aid society and and we became quick friends. She was always kind and caring, helping others out whenever the situation warranted. Betty loved bowling with the ladies on Monday nights, both for the bowling but also for the long term friendships she cherished. Her lovely smile could light up a room. Treasure your many memories of her. Rest in peace sweet lady.love
Sheila Matthews
Cindy and Nancy, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother… she always had a smile and a wave for the kids and I and we enjoyed many conversations over the years… she was always especially patient and kind with the children and would listen to them prattle on with their stories. You will be missed as our neighbours… you all have been the best there is to have! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sheila, Aaron and Norah…
Bev Whetstone
To Betty’s family. Such a sweet and kind lady. Always had a smile for everyone,
Lesley Zolob
My sincere condolences to Cindy and your family. Even recently I saw Betty attending service at Knox church. She was kind and always had a smile and a greeting. She was well loved and respected.
Kendra Matthews
Cindy and Nancy ,so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom she was a great lady and always enjoyed a great conversation with her. I will certainly miss doing her hair she was a great client .
Margaret Caldwell
Family of the late Betty Fisher – As a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, I have known Betty for many years and found her to be a delightful lady over the years. May she rest in peace. Respectfully, Margaret Caldwell
Sharon Brown
Nancy and Cindy… so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear mother. Your memories of childhood and now as adults will stay with you forever. Hold the love close to your heart. My sympathies to you Sharon Brown
Marg Hallman
So sorry to hear you have lost your lovely Mom. Cherish all the memories and happy times. Thinking of you, Marg and Jim.
Jennifer Ball
Dear Cindy & Con, Nancy & Napier – I have just heard the news of your mom’s passing and am filled with a mix of such sadness for so beautiful a soul and such immense gratitude and joy for the privilege of having gotten to know her for the time I did.
As a new planner in Huron County many years back, I would stay with Betty three nights a week, thus not having to rent a place while still commuting part of the week. This went on for a couple years, if I remember correctly. She was so incredibly generous and kind – always welcoming with a big smile – gentle and curious and always so positive. We enjoyed many a breakfast and dinner together sharing stories of our lives. I have always marveled at what a bright and positive soul Betty was, no matter what came her way. As I ponder her passing, I am filled with so much love and appreciation for her! I am so sorry for this immense loss to you all. May your hearts find some comfort in the stories of all the lives she touched with such grace.
Glen Naylor
Cindy and family
Sorry for your loss
Becky McIvor
So sorry to hear of your Moms passing Cindy. My Mom bowled with Betty for many years on the Monday night league. Your Mom was a very kind and thoughtful lady. I’m sure you will miss her . Keep your memories . Condolences to the rest of your family and friends. I ascend deepest sympathies from Joan Crawford as well
Leone Ryan
Cindy and Nancy. Sincere condolences on the passing of your beautiful mom Betty. Always enjoyed my chats with her when we met be it on the street, the grocery store or walking the track at the YMCA. May precious memories help you through this difficult time.
With Sympathy
Leone
Jose Gillespie
We were so saddened to hear of the loss of your incredible mom, and our wonderful neighbour! She greeted us so kindly when we first moved to the neighbourhood, bringing homemade cookies and a warm, welcoming smile. Through the years she always had time for a chat and took a sincere interest in our boys as they grew up. Halloween visits to Mrs Fisher’s house were a must because her homemade goodies were a prized treat! As the years passed and the kids moved out she still consistently remembered them and asked about their well-being. She was a treasure!
Our sincere condolences to you all! The world has lost a beautiful soul. She will be missed.
Jose & Gord Gillespie
Cecelia Denomme
Dear Betty’s family – each of you are close in my heart – 💞
Betty – so beautiful -💞 I am blest – and feel so very special to know her-
She will always be remembered – 💞
💞 Cecelia Denomme
Rita Lassaline Henderson
Nancy, Cindy & family we are so very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was always so kind and always had a smile for everyone. She taught me that a sewing machine was actually used to sew things and not just to perforate tickets for Legion draws. After moving west I always looked forward to seeing her when I was in town. She gave the best “mom” hugs around! She made a dress for me when I was about 6 years old. It was blue stripes with short sleeves and I tried to wear it every day from the day I received it. Unfortunately I soon found out I had to give it a rest as it would need a wash every now and then but to me it was the most beautiful dress I ever owned.
I’m so sorry for your loss but rejoice in knowing she is back with your dad in Heaven and now we all have one more Angel looking over us.
God Bless you through this difficult time. 🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️
Shelley McPhee
Dear Cindy and Nancy. I was so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. She was a remarkable person and I hope that you find comfort in knowing and she is reconnecting with everyone on the other side. I bet they are having a grand visit. Condolences and hugs, Shelley McPhee
Debbie and Marlowe Austin
Cindy & Nancy
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She simply was the kindest lady. Growing up down the street from you was some of my favourite memories of childhood. The apple certainly doesn’t fall far from tree. I don’t know who was luckier, you as her daughters, or your mom having you two as daughters.
Jim Hollingworth
On the few occasions that I met Betty, they were most memorable for her loving, gentle and peaceful presence. I will always remember her with a big smile!
She is a great loss to her family and to those who knew her. Sending love and healing to Cindy, Nancy and families at this time of a great loss. Jim and Barbara Hollingworth.
Joanne Hickey
Cindy & Con
Our deepest sympathy to you with Betty’s passing. It is easy to see the wonderful kind and generouse qualities she passed down to her daughter. Thinking of you.
Joanne & Cub
Claire Reynolds
Nancy, Cindy and Families,
We just wanted to let you know that we are sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Although we did not know her, we always saw her with you and she always had a smile. May she find peace now not pain……..
Our sympathies,
Mike and Claire Reynolds
Frank Cameron
Cindy I am sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Please accept my condolences for you and your family.
Frank.
Doreen and Dave McConnell
Dear Cindy, Nancy and Family,
We’re so sorry that you lost someone you and your family loved so much. May you find strength in the coming days with all your special memories of her.
Sincerely Doreen and Dave McConnell
Michelle & David Smith
To Cindy & Con and Nancy & Napier
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Betty was a beautiful lady inside & out. I enjoyed working with her at P&D. She was such a sweet lady and our kids loved going there on Halloween for a special treat. You were lucky girls having such a gentle & kind person for a mom. I can’t imagine Betty ever raising her voice!
I also had the pleasure of working with your dad, Gerry, for a couple of years when I worked at the Town Hall. He was a great guy and together they made a beautiful couple. May they rest in peace together now.
Karen Lehnen
Cindy & Nancy please accept my condolences on the loss of your dear Mother.
Betty was always kind & friendly with her sweet smile & greetings each time we met.
In her quiet, gentle way, Betty made an impact on all the people she met.
Pat & Bob Desjardins
to all of Betty’s family
I worked with Betty one summer at the Planning Department filling in for vacations. She was such a pleasant lady and always greeted me with a warm smile and friendly hello.
While we know there is great sadness in the loss of your Mom, there is comfort too in the memories of the amazing life she lived and her contributions to the fabric of your family. Know our thoughts are with all of you.
Pat & Bob Desjardins
Senga Smith
It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of your dear mother Betty. Your mother was a kind soft dear sweet soul and I will miss her laugh and storytelling. My heart goes out to you all during this difficult time but take comfort in knowing she will now be with her beloved Gerry once again. With condolences and hugs Senga
Brenda Cane Blackwell
Dear Betty Fisher was one of the kindest people in the world. With her passing, a flame of good deeds, has gone out, and along with it, the illumination by example, of a life well lived in humble gratitude. I shall say goodbye to this life-long friend with a heavy heart. Thank you for the morning toast; the late night pizza; the use of your bicycle; the ready invite to a dinner; the greeting cards; and hand-made gifts. These are known Bettyisms, and she selflessly gave them to all of us, consistently, over a very long time. “The better the deed, the better the day”. You done good, Betty. Thank you.
May you rest in infinite grace,
With abiding love,
Brenda
Brenda Cane Blackwell
And
Robert Blackwell
And families.
Mike and Val (Park) Bendig
Nancy and Napier, Cindy and Con: Our sincere condolences on the passing of your dear mother. I knew her from bowling many years ago and she and Donna Young were on a bus trip to Cape Cod that we took in 2013. She always seemed like a kind and friendly lady. Cherish all your wonderful memories of her. Mike and Val Bendig and family.
Barbara Desjardins
Please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of your dear Mother. She has left so many beautiful memories that will bring you comfort in the days ahead I hope.
Sincerely, Barbara Desjardins
Tracie Blank
Betty was a sweet,fantastic ,loving neighbour of mine. She welcomed me to the neighbourhood 8 years ago and every day since I had the privilege of sharing her warm conversations her waves of hello and her invites for a warm cup of coffee and some sweets. My condolences go out to all her family and friends. I will truly miss your kindness and your positivity in life. R.I.P. my friend.
Judy Kelly (Bedard)
Dear Cindy and Nancy
I am so sorry to read of your Mothers passing. I knew her as a neighbor growing up on Victoria Street . I always knew her as such a kind, soft spoken lady. Whenever I ran into her when I visited my home town she would always take the time to chat.
Treasure all your wonderful memories you made with with her, they last forever.
MaryAnn and Bill Barlow
Dear Cindy,Con and family
Sorry for your loss. I remember your mom from our childhood neighborhood. She was always smiling and was a soft spoken gentle mom. I remember us girls playing dolls on your front porch. Your mom brought us cookies and lemonade.You were so fortunate to enjoy her wonderful long life. 😇
Greg Anderson
Betty was my neighbour growing up in Goderich and before me, she was my Grandma’s Neighbour. Betty was always there when I needed help or just a friendly face. She always gave out these awesome Candy Apples for Halloween. Even when I grew too old for trick r treating, Betty was still there with a Candy Apple reserved for me! Betty and Gerald were the best neighbours you could ever ask for. I can not stress that enough. They cared for our streets and helped out were every they could. Betty will be missed dearly by me and my sister.
Marlene Brall
Our condolences to the family! Great memories are treasures! Hope it helps to know others are thinking of the family at this difficult time.
Sandy Freeman
Cindy, Nancy and families – so sorry to hear the news about your Mom. Hope your memories keep you strong.
Nancy White
My condolences to Betty’s family and friends!!!