Bettyann Cunningham

Our mother Bettyann, the radiant light and beating heart of our family, died peacefully in the late afternoon sun of July 30th. She was surrounded by love as she crossed to the far side banks of Jordan to be welcomed by her beloved husband Ray and patiently waiting daughter Melanie.

Born in Ottawa in 1940 to parents Melvin and Elizabeth Bloodsworth, Bettyann later started her own family with Buck French in the west end neighbourhood of Crystal Beach. There she taught her children Sheryl (Shad), the late Melanie, David (Kelly) and Brent (Anna) to embrace life to the fullest, filling our days with adventures big and small. When she later met and married the love of her life and forever best friend, Ray Cunningham, our family happily grew to include his children Brad (Karen) and Sarah (Scott) and the entire Cunningham clan. With time, she was blessed with ten adoring grandchildren: Emmett, Justin (Christina), Jenna, Erica, Laura, Brandon, Ava, Scarlett, Jesse (Jeneva), and Thomas, and more recently the arrival of great grandsons Avi and Walker.

Throughout her life, Bettyann was the most beautiful, brave and loving soul, facing adversity with strength and forging opportunities for happiness wherever she could find them. She was a talented watercolour artist whose handmade cards for her children, grandchildren and dearest friends will be cherished forever. Her special magic was in meeting each of us where we were at, embracing the interests and activities of her children and grandchildren, and in so doing expanding her own world and ours. She and Ray built their life around love, laughter, music and family - orchestrating storybook summers and holidays, travelling far and wide to celebrate family milestones, and holding each other close as they did so. Along the way, Bettyann enjoyed the community and friendship of many special people while camping near Merrickville and at the wonderful senior’s co-operative where she lived, notably her pal and kayaking partner Denise.

Over the last two years, Bettyann received excellent care from The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre. We are particularly grateful for the support and compassion provided by the palliative care team at the General Campus in her final days.

No formal service will be held. Instead, let us each celebrate her in small ways every day, finding joy and meaning in our own lives as we hold her in our hearts.