Obituary of Betty Ann Henshall

HENSHALL, Betty Ann (nee Thomas)

March 23, 1937 – January 1, 2019

Passed away surrounded by her family and friends in Markham. Loving mother of Lisa and devoted Nana of Bethany Ann. Survived by her sister Bernice. Beloved aunt to Mark (Rachelle) and Karen (Ian). Will be missed by Lisa’s aunt Dorothy (Ron), and cousins Stephanie and Laird.  A visitation will be held at Dixon-Garland Funeral Home, 166 Main St. N. (Markham Rd.), Markham on Sunday, January 6, 2019 from 3-5pm and 7-9pm. A Funeral Service will take place in the Chapel on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

She was the 2^nd child Born to Leslie and Elizabeth Thomas. Even though her sister and her were born 18 months apart, throughout her life, they were like twins.  If something was wrong with the other, they always knew and would call each other to find out what was wrong. When they were younger, Betty would always protect her sister from anyone who was not nice to her. Betty loved her sister and wished she had lived closer.

She retired after 34 years working for Suncor, and enjoyed every minute that she worked their, even month end. She made many friends, and enjoyed her co-workers immensely. She often said that her co-workers were the company’s best asset. After retirement she was not able to just sit at home, so she became a member of the Suncor’s Retiree’s Board, Board of Directors, and was on it till she passed. She was very active in her church until recent years. 

Betty is a former member/ leader in Girl Guides of Canada. She was known to many as Nana Owl. She enjoyed her time helping in the brownie and Girl Guide units; especially spending time cooking for everyone at the Girl Guide Camps. She was a member of Trefoil for many years, and missed going on the yearly outings. 

Betty enjoyed going weekly to the Markham Senior’s Center BINGO on Wednesday nights. She enjoyed spending the time with her daughter (Care Giver) and was very proud of Lisa when she called BINGO for the seniors.  She enjoyed going to outings at the theater and casino with the senior’s center. 

Betty said her daughter and grand daughter were the light of her life.  She thought the world of both Lisa and Bethany Ann, and lived her life showing her love for them, knowing that it was reciprocated. When her daughter and granddaughter moved 10 blocks further away from her, she sold her home, and bought a place next door to them, because they were moving too far away from her.