Betty Scott

Betty Scott, of Thunder Bay, ON died peacefully at Pinewood Court on January 15, 2018. She was 89. 

Betty was born in Chapleau, ON July 17, 1928 to parents Jack and Grace Aiken. As a young child she lived with her parents for a few years in a remote mining camp during the Great Depression. Betty was raised in Thunder Bay, where she attended Fort William Collegiate. After completing secretarial training she moved to Toronto for a time before returning to Thunder Bay. She married Nat Scott in 1956 and they made their life in Atikokan, ON for 30 years before moving to Toronto in 1986. She returned to Thunder Bay in 2009 to live out her days near friends and family following Nat’s death that same year. 

Betty was a homemaker for many years, but returned to working life as a touring consultant for the Ontario Arts Council, bringing the arts to Northwestern Ontario. She also worked as a receptionist in the corporate offices of Mellon Bank and Royal Trust in Toronto.
Betty volunteered her time to many organizations and projects, including Meals on Wheels, Heart and Stroke Foundation, March of Dimes, Atikokan Entertainment Series, Atikokan Ski Club, and the museum.

Betty and Nat built a camp at Crystal Lake, where they spent their summers starting in 1960. Although they thoroughly enjoyed the city life in Toronto, the call of the lake remained strong, and they would return every summer for many years to vacation there. 

Betty enjoyed skiing, swimming, reading, cooking, knitting and sewing. She spent many hours braiding rugs on the dock while lifeguarding children. In Toronto, she and Nat enthusiastically explored the city’s restaurants, attractions and surrounding communities. They enjoyed the city’s arts scene, frequently attending live theatre, ballet and the symphony.

Those who knew her will remember Betty was outgoing, gracious, generous, strong-willed, energetic and loyal. She was very organized and enjoyed planning events, including elaborate dinner parties for family and friends. 

Betty is survived by sons Blair (Vicki) Scott of Thunder Bay, ON; Drew (Jayne) Scott of Denville, NJ; Darcy (Adrienne) Scott of Edmonton, AB; grandchildren Jason Scott of Meath Park, SK; Noel Scott of Toronto, ON; Bridget Scott of Boston, MA; Brie Scott of Bristol, RI; Ian Scott and Emma Scott of Edmonton, AB; and great-granddaughter Summer Scott of Smeaton, SK. She is also survived by her brothers- and sisters-in law Brian and Jean Scott of Collingwood, ON; Pat and Derek Chase of Ottawa, ON and numerous nephews and niece. She is preceded in death by her father Jack Aiken, mother Grace Aiken and husband Nathaniel S. Scott. 

A graveside memorial service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Thunder Bay on Friday, January 19 at 11 a.m., Archdeacon Deborah Kraft officiating. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada would be appreciated.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Glacier Ridge for their excellent service and the staff at Pinewood Court for their dedicated and compassionate care they provided to Betty, especially in her final days.