Helen Elizabeth “Betty” (Rowcliffe) passed away peacefully with her husband Fred by her side, on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at Seaforth Manor Long Term Care Home in her 93rd year. Theirs was an enduring love story having celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past September. Betty is survived by her beloved husband Fred, much loved family – daughter, Helen Southgate (Brian Oldfield) of Seaforth, son, David (Joanne) of London; cherished grandchildren – Kathy Meier (Rick), Angela Douglas (Neil), Andrew Southgate, Matthew Southgate, Shannon Tilley and Derek Tilley; great-grandchildren – Aiden, Liam, Tenley, Jaden, Hailey, Charlotte & Benjamin; and brother-in-law Harry Crocker and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by their daughter, Barbara Ann in 1980; son-in-law Bill Southgate; her brothers Jack and James (Anna) and parents Oliver and Jean Rowcliffe, in-laws, Alfred and Edna Tilley, sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Ila Jory (Donald) and Winnifred Crocker and nephews Daniel Jory and Mark Crocker.
Born December 16, 1930 into a dairy farming family on Highway 4 just south of Hensall, mom was the youngest with two older brothers. As a youngster and teen, when she wasn’t baking pies and doing chores, in her spare time, she loved playing with her dog, climbing trees, roller skating, basketball and dancing. Sadly, both her parents died when she was 19, however by that time she was working as a telephone operator and had met the love of her life at a dance in Exeter. She and dad were married in 1952. By 1958, three children had been added to the family and they moved from south of Hensall to Exeter where Dad worked as an auto mechanic. Mom was an amazing homemaker-her cooking was divine and her house spotless! In 1967 the family moved to Seaforth to embark on a life changing adventure. They purchased and operated the Canadian Tire store there until they sold it in 1981 and after a brief break, they purchased the Blyth Mini Mart and operated that until 1993. Always avid lawn bowlers for decades they made many friends around southwestern Ontario. Both in work and play, they did practically everything together, so naturally when retirement arrived they were inseparable, touring around in their car, visiting friends, playing cribbage, dancing, spending time puttering in and around their home in Harpurhey until the fateful day in late 2021, when they were unable to live there unassisted. By January 2022 they were settled together in Seaforth Manor and they made the best of their new situation. Mom was witty and charming and was seldom afraid to share her opinion. This is the lady we knew and loved and we will miss her deeply.
The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Seaforth Long Term Care home for their compassion and loving care of mom especially during the past few difficult weeks. And for the extra attention to dad as he faces this new chapter in his life.
Cremation has taken place. A private family gathering will be held at Northside United Church. Interment will be at Maitlandbank Cemetery, Seaforth. Haskett Funeral Home, SEAFORTH entrusted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, One Care Home & Community Support Services – Clinton, or Northside United Church, Seaforth.
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).
Shelley McGavin
Helen, Brian and Family
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy. We will be thinking of you as you mourn your Mom.
Shelley and Brian McGavin
Barry and Brenna Vincent
Dear Helen, we are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. May she rest in eternal peace. Our sincerest condolences to the entire family.
Julie Bell and Robert McCormick
Fred, Helen, Dave and families;
I have always envied the relationships that the group, comprised of Tilleys, Bells, Goldings, and Wilbees, shared. Loving partners and great friends spent countless hours together, playing cards, dancing, hosting dinner parties, and lawn bowling. Those relationships lasted a lifetime.
Our family has lost a very dear friend but memories and stories will keep Betty in our hearts forever more.
We mourn her passing with you.
Jean Alice Rowcliffe
With my deepest heartfelt sympathy to Fred ,Helen and all the extended family at this sad time.
May Betty rest in peace.
You are loved
Jerry and Alice MacLean
Fred,….so sorry to read of Betty’s passing.
93 is a good long life,and so pleased you celebrated your 70th wedding anniversary.
Years pass, but we have many good memories with the Tilleys.
Jerry and Fred had many good years working together in Exeter.
May Betty rest in peace,and may Fred spend his hours remembering all the good times you and Betty had together.
Wayne and Denise Matzold
To Fred, Helen, Dave and families, our deepest sympathies for Betty’s passing. Another great Harpurhey neighbour has left us.
Helen McNaughton
Dear Helen. My deepest sympathy to you and Brian and to your Dad and entire family at this sad time. Of course knew them all well as Bob worked for your Mom and Dad at Canadian Tire. Seems so long ago! But I found the story of your Mom’s life and their life together very interesting as I never knew about their past other than Canadian Tire.
Thinking of you all ! 💔💔💔
Charles Campbell
Always friendly, never without a smile.Fred and Betty involved themselves to the betterment of their community
Carol Bell
Fred and Betty were instant members of our parents’ social circle as soon as they moved to town. I have so many fond memories of visits with them at our place, at theirs and on the bowling green. I send love and strength to Fred at this difficult time. Betty was always like a kindly aunt to us and will be remembered always.
Marlene & Dave de Vries
Our deepest sympathies to you all.
Ann Preszcator
Dear Fred and Family
My thoughts and prayers are
with you all at this ssd time.
Gerry and Cheryl McLaughlin
Fred, Helen , David and families:
Our deepest sympathy to everyone at this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers to all.
Betty Burns
Deepest sympathy to you Fred , Helen , Dave and extended families for the loss of Betty. May she rest in peace..
Joy Ross
My sincere sympathy to Fred and family on the passing of Betty, thinking of you, my prayers are with you, God Bless, 🙏. Joy Ross,
Mark&Kathy Smith
We are sorry too hear of Betty’s passing we are thinking of you Fred and Families at this sad time you are in our thoughts and prayers .With sympathy from Mark and Kathy.
Bonnie & Raube Beuerman
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Carl and Penny Meikle
Thinking of you at this sad time,Helen.
Elaine Simpson
To Fred, Helen & family and Dave & family
Our sincere condolences on Betty’s passing. She was a lovely person, always smiling and cheerful. It was a pleasure to work for Fred and Betty for almost four years. She will be missed by Fred and her family and those who knew her.
Elaine (Roberton) & Ian
Doug Hildebrand
Our sincere sympathies to Betty’s family at this sad time. Fond memories of working for Betty & Fred. Thinking of all of you. Doug & Lori
Bruce and Sharon Wilbee
Fred, Helen, Dave and Families. Our sincere condolences.
Over many years of friendship and having both of us worked
for Fred and Betty we have many great memories to cherish.
Ruth Smith
Helen and Brian
Thinking of you at this sad time.
Ruth Smith.
Anne and Lyle
So sorry to hear of Betty’s passing thoughts and prayers to all the family.
Anne and Lyle Kling Furry
Jim and Gene baynham
Thinking of you and your family at this sad time. Our deepest sympathy
Jim and Gene baynham
Our deepest sympathy
Margaret and Geoffrey Craven
Please accept my condolences on Betty’s departure. Peggy and I were so pleased to renew our acquaintance with you all in the last few years, and I hope we will stay in touch. Rest in peace, Betty.
Joan Goddard
I am so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing and would like to offer my condolences to Fred and all of the family. Rest in peace.
Joan Goddard
JoAnne Hodgins
Dear Helen,
Reading about your Mom’s passing prompted me to write to you.
I am a Nana now to a 6 and a 7 year old. I am blessed to be able to pick them up from school. As I wander the school grounds as after school care unfolds, I see the incredible connection that these young children have with each other. I am heart struck with the joy that Harper and Reef share with a multitude of friends. They laugh and run and play so happily. Little children together on a playground. There is nothing so magical.
I see from your Mom’s obituary that you moved from Exeter as we were graduating from Grade 8. That means you and I had 9 years together on that ‘playground’ and I remember you well. You were a sweet, gentle soul and thinking of you from that time brings a smile to my face.
We went our separate ways as we entered high school when you moved to Seaforth but the childhood memories remain with me to this day.
I wish you strength and love from those who surround you as you walk these next few months.
Best, JoAnne (Burke) Hodgins
Bryan Vincent
To Fred, Helen, Dave and families. So sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. Our thoughts are with all of you!
Bryan and Lynda
John Munro
We would like to wish our sincere condolences on the passing of Betty. Such a nice friendly person and great to have a chat with. To Fred and family’s our thoughts and prayers. John&Rose
Carrol Tanner
Betty and Fred were friends of my parents (Eileen and Ken Crowe).
They spent spent many happy times together lawn bowling and sharing a meal.
I remember them as a happy, loving couple.
Hold your memories in your heart.
Peter And Gloria McFalls
Fred and wonderful family. We certainly will miss having Betty around. From working with you in the 60’s, plus many years Gloria and I bowled against you. We enjoyed going for meals that Betty arranged for many bowlers at the White Carnation. She will definitely be missed.
Maria Rebuldela
My deepest condolences to the whole family. I feel saddened by the passing of Betty. May the Lord be with you all especially Fred in this most difficult time. Betty, you’re always in my heart. Rest Now In Peace.
Doug & Joy Elliott
Thinking of your Families Helen and Brian
Sending Our Love and sympathy to you and yours……
Joy & Doug Elliott
Angela Poppe
So sorry to hear of the loss of Betty. Our condolences to you all.
Rick and Ange Poppe
Jane and Len Muegge
Fred, Helen, David and families
So sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. She was kind and always had a friendly smile.
You’re in our thoughts.
Trudy and Jack Groothuis
My most heartfelt condolences to the entire family, especially Helen and Dave. Your mom was such a wonderful woman, always had a big smile for everyone.
Liza
My deepest sympathy. Betty your gone but the good things and happy moments we shared will remain forever in my heart, I miss you and love you.
Noelle Thompson
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Betty. Offering my sincerest condolences to Fred, Helen, Kathy , Ang, Andrew, Matthew and the rest of the family.
Cheryl (McClure)Johnston
My deepest condolence to Fred and the family, Betty was such a charming lady in the community and as well the Manor. She will be greatly missed.
Sue Riley
My condolences, Joanne!
Carolanne Doig
I am so sorry to hear of Helen’s passing as this will be a very sad time for Fred and all the family. Ninety three years is a good life by all accounts. I remember the Canadian Tire and the beautiful home in Harper Hay, always kept so nice. I also remember Barb and it has been a long time that mother and daughter have been apart.
My sincerest sympathy to all the friends and family.
Ken and Deb Janmaat
Helen and Dave and families
Sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Your mom was a lovely lady and both were great neighbours in Harpurhey . She will be missed
Tom and Carol Arthur
Our sincere sympathy is extended to Fred and all the Tilley Family. Our thoughts are with you.
Donna Bennett
Sending my deepest sympathy to each of you
Cheryl Talbot
my thoughts and prayers are with you Fred and family. she was a great lady and always enjoyed chatting with her at lawn bowling Pot lucks. REST IN PEACE BETTY.