Betty passed away peacefully at Blue Water Rest Home, Zurich on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in her 86th year. Beloved wife of the late Paul Cronyn (2020). Dear mother of Kate and Jim Steeper, John Stilson, the late Dave Stilson (2022), and the late Greg Stilson (2022). Proud grandma of Kristen, Amanda (Mike), Brett (Brooke), Sherry (Justin), Melissa (Dan), Mike (Lisa), Kristin, and Karrigan. Betty will be fondly remembered by her great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Her presence, laugh and kind heart will be missed at the MacDonald reunion. Cherished sister of Rod (Jeanie), Sandy (Bill), Jim (Laura), and Ted.
Betty will always be remembered for her love of family and her gardens; she took great pride in caring for both.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Sunday afternoon from 1 – 4 PM.
A private family funeral service will be held. Interment Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery.
Donations to Blue Water Rest Home, Exeter Villa – Activation Fund, or South Huron Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the amazing caregivers at Blue Water Rest Home.
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).
Judy Morgan
We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of a treasured family member. May all of your cherished memories bring you comfort at this sad time.
Terry and Judy Morgan
William Woodburn
Dear Kate and. Jim and to all of her relatives, We are very sorry to hear of Betty’s death.She had such a beautiful smile and enjoyed life ! I visited with her often @ the Villa. She and Paul will be together again ! May your many good memories help you during this difficult time. Sincerely , Carolyn and Bill Woodburn
Alex and Bertha Fernandes
Our deepest condolences to the Betty’s family. We got to know her when she was a resident at Exeter Villa. My husband and I give Holy communion on Sundays at the villa. The last time I met Betty was when at South Huron Hospital. Rest in peace dear Betty. Eternal Rest Grant unto you. You were an amazing lady.
Mary Ann Shaieb
We are so sorry to learn of Betty’s passing. Married to our cousin Paul she brought laughter and happiness to their extended Michigan family.
We enjoyed seeing pictures of her beautiful gardens. My mother often said “ You are nearer to Gods’s heart in the garden than any place else on earth”
May she rest in peace.
Mary Ann and Tony Shaieb
Brittany Van Nes
Betty, I will always have you and your spice in my heart. I was truly priveledged to laugh together with you at the Exeter Villa. I will always think of you when I bring Ollie to visit at EV, and I know Ollie will always be looking for you and the treats you always “snuck” her. Thank you for being so amazing
Blue Water Rest Home
Sending condolences on behalf of the Residents, Staff and Board at Blue Water Rest Home. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
George Dauncey
To all of Betty’s family
Sorry to hear of her passing. Our thoughts are will you all at this difficult time
George Dauncey and family
Marg Prout
I send my condolences to all Betty’s family. My last visit with Betty was in SHH, we had a great conversation and much laughter. For many years we attended the Circle K dance hall at Lakeside. At that time Joe Overholt and The Standbys played most weekends, and of course
we just had to go to those dances, often ending with a game of cards with Frank and Dorrie. Betty’s landscaping and flower beds were just beautiful and admired by many. RIP Betty!
Brenda Palsa
To the Cronyn family- I had the pleasure of caring for Betty whenever she was a patient – we had the best conversations- she was always frank but humorous – this lady was a gem- I am sure her and Paul are together again- she missed him so- my condolences
Leona and Dave Morrissey
Our sincere condolences to all the family. May you cherish the good memories at this difficult time.
Jeannine Vanneste
I was sad to hear about Betty’s passing, I am glad a nice visit with her at the villa a while back. Sending to condolences to the entire families.
Bill & Darlene Hooper
Our sincere condolences to Betty’s entire family.
Cherish all of your wonderful memories.
Thinking of you all.
Randy Mathers
My sincere condolences to the whole family. Betty will be missed at family gatherings. She was always smiling.
Ali Reymer
My thoughts go out to Betty’s entire family. She was the most kind, modest, and beautiful soul I’d ever met. I will miss spending time on the patio soaking up the sun or baking with her. She loved taste testing the baked goods and giving out life advice.
Karen (Casey) James
John and Kate .. so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom …… no words can express the grief that you are feeling. HUGS
Cathy Baynham
My condolences to Betty’s family.
Cecile Muller
Dear Kate and Jim, John and all of Bettys loved ones,
We send our sincere condolences on the loss of your mother.
Betty was a friendly, caring lady with beautiful, well landscaped gardens.
She also helped gardening at her church in Mount Carmel in her younger days.
Cherish the many wonderful memories!
May she rest in peace
God Bless
John and Cecile Muller
Vicki Hayter
Dear John and Family – I send my thoughts and prayers to you and your family as you honour and remember such a vital Mother, Grandma and devoted friend – who had such a great zest for life.
Mary M Pavkeje
Always a laugh Always a happy smile Rest in peace Betty Sincere sympathy to her family
Kelsey and Brad Hess
Mike and Lisa,
I feel like I knew Betty from how often and fondly you spoke of her. I know she will be sadly missed.
Our deepest condolences,
Doug and Dianne Regier
Kate and family
What a great lady She will be so missed. Love to you all
John & Mary Walls
To Betty’s family;
Betty had what is referred to as the “green thumb.” The landscape around the property was always amazing. Thinking of everyone at this sad time.
Steve and Fran McCann
Sincere sympathy Kate,Jim and family.Betty always had the biggest smile.
June E Morenz
To Betty’s Family: We were fortunate enough to share the same room at South Huron Hospital for about 3 weeks this past winter. We got along famously, as we were always teasing each other. She had a wonderful sense of humour. She will be missed by all who knew her. My condolences to everyone.
Diane Kaak
Dear Family
Our sympathy in the loss of your loved one
Diane and Joe Kaak
Fred and Aileen Knip
Kate & Jim and John and family
Our condolences to the loss of your mom, and Grandma. Your mom was always so fun loving and fun to be around with. Hugs and keep your memories near.❤️
Bob and Pat Hodgins
Dear Kate and John
We are deeply saddened to hear of your mom passing. We have great memories of good times with Paul and Betty. I think of her every spring when I plant the canna lily bulbs she shared with me so many years ago.
Linda and Jim Ferguson
Kate, Jim and Betty’s family:
Our paths don’t cross often but we send our sincere sympathies on the loss of your mother.
We’ve long enjoyed the delightful glimpse of your mom’s gardens, landscaping and water features as we drove past her home on hwy # 4.
Kindest regards.
Cathy Fuller
Kate, Jim and family. I am so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. I have many fond memories of her and Paul. Thinking of you all
Joyce Hodgins
So sorry to here of your Mom’s passing, my condolences to all her family
Gary and Linda Isaac
Sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. Our sincere sympathy to all the family.
Willie and Linda O'Rourke
We are saddened to hear of Betty passing. We will remember her for her friendliness and good nature! Had some good times in the good old days out dancing with friends at Lakeside. May you find comfort in the memories that live on.
With Sympathy!
Jeanette Hodgins
Kate, Jim and all the family. My sincere sympathy on the passing of your Mom, May her memories fill your hearts.
Brenda and Fred Smith
Kate John and family
So sorry for your loss
Hugs to all always keep the good times close to your hearts
Milt & Barb Dietrich
To All of Betty’s Family,
We are saddened to hear of Betty passing……happy we had a few visits since she moved from her lovely place in the country. Milt and I reminisce from time to time of all the fun we had over the years with her and Paul. Sure to miss them both. May you find consolation in the many memories of fun times together.
Our sincere condolences. 🩷
Brenda and Kevin Regier
Sorry to hear about Betty. Always had a smile on her face and so kind. Our sincerest condolences for you and your families at this time.
Ray & Judy Mills
Our deepest sympathy to Betty’s family. Betty was a light hearted, fun loving individual who shared her enjoyment of life with those around her. I always enjoyed having a chat with her whenever we met and enjoyed seeing her immaculate gardens. I am glad we had the privilege fo knowing Betty. God Bless.
Tracy Harrison
Kate, Jim and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing.
Hold your memories close and enjoy with love and fondness
Kindly
Tracy
Kim & Bob Case
Our sincere condolences Kate, Jim and families
So hard to say goodbye to a parent as I know you spent a lot of time with her.
I’m sure she is planting new gardens in Heaven!
Evelyn Vincent
Kate & Jim and all of Betty’s loved ones
Sincere sympathy. Betty was such a loved lady and I always enjoyed our visits.
May the good memories help bring peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Betty & Jim DeBlock
Sandy, Bill & family,
Our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time to all the family. Always remember Betty and her beautiful flower gardens.
Lionel
She was technically my second cousin but Aunt Betty was my favourite Aunt. A beautiful, kind person and the embodiment of all best traits humans have to offer. You will be missed but always loved and celebrated. Xo
Linda Upcott nee Hodgins
Sorry to hear this news. I have known Betty for years when I was young. Her and Paul hung around with my Uncle Terry and Aunt Jean. They also knew my Mom and Dad, Bill and Betty Hodgins. I remember many get togethers. Take care
Sam and Julie Regier
Dear Betty’s family. My mom and dad, Doreen and Frank had so much fun with Betty and Paul. Many dances were the center of the fun they had. We’ll tell mom tomorrow. Mom will be very sad. The two of them kept up their friendship from their own assistant living homes. Personally myself I witnessed some of their antics. Betty sure could keep the party alive. A big loss but a life well lived.
Pat O'Rourke
Kate,
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Allan and Patty Case
Our sincere condolences to the family. Betty did love her gardens with Paul beside her. We were honored to be able to have our wedding photos taken there, 36 years ago. Cherish the many wonderful memories.
Phyllis Mathers
So sorry to hear of Betty passing. We were happy to have the same grandchildren.
Kendra & Gord Craig
So sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. She always had the biggest smile on her face whenever I saw her. May you all remember her fondly.
Martin & Theresa Larkin
Our sincere condolences to Betty’s family.
Jane and Gary MacLean
Dear Kate, Jim and John and family.
We are saddened to hear of Betty’s passing .
Many happy memories of Betty and Paul in my younger years , hanging out with Kate on the Sunshine Line.
Our deepest sympathies.
Bill &Joanne Hodge
Deepest sympathy to the entire family.She was a fun loving Aunt and friend.We will miss her.