Betty Doreen Martin (née Wright)

Peacefully at home, in her 93rd year, on September 8, 2026.

Betty leaves behind a deeply saddened family who remains grateful for her loving, gracious life: children David (Sylvie), Shelley and Lianne (Bob Trerice); grandsons Brian (Kait), Wesley (Anthony), Neil (Tori), Robert (Emily) and Ben (Melissa); great-grandchildren Adam, Cole and Anna; sister Jackie (John Wakeford); sister-in-law Doris (late Malcolm Harvey); many nieces, nephews and their families. Betty was pre-deceased by her wonderful parents, Ada and Cyril Wright; her beloved husband, Lloyd Martin; and her cherished older sister, Audrey Orton.

Betty was born in Galt, Ontario on November 18, 1933. The second of three daughters, Betty grew up with a love of animals, especially Boston Terriers. Early in her school years, she developed a close bond with a group of classmates that remarkably continued throughout their lives. Over time, she was drawn to the health sciences field, largely due to her experience with a broken hip during her teenage years. Upon graduation, Betty studied Laboratory Technology at the Kitchener-Waterloo Hospital where she later worked and formed many dear, lifelong friendships, especially with Ann Moore (née Doberthein) and her parents who became like a second family.

In 1955, Betty voyaged to England to visit relatives before heading to Europe on a tour. On board the ship, Betty met Lloyd Martin who had recently graduated from university and was also travelling overseas with a buddy to tour the UK and Europe. Despite heading on separate tours after they disembarked in England, God orchestrated their chance reunion outside Pompeii! And so began their love story, which saw them wed on September 8, 1956 in Galt. Betty’s passing actually coincides with what would have been their 70th wedding anniversary. Lloyd must have wanted her with him in Heaven on their special day.

Lloyd’s work took them to the southern United States and Saskatchewan, eventually settling down in Dorval, QC in the late 1950’s. Over this period, Betty worked at the Texas Children’s Hospital, the Red Cross in Regina and finally Lachine General Hospital where all three children were born. After happy childhood years in Dorval and summer vacations in Vermont, the family relocated to Manotick, Ontario in 1971. Betty became involved with the book club, bridge group and Manotick United Church, including the UCW and ‘Knotty Knotters’ quilting group. An avid painter, Betty also enjoyed attending local art shows and taking classes.

As the kids left the nest, Betty and Lloyd embarked on a number of cruises and guided tours, both in Canada and abroad. She also returned to the workforce part time at the post office in Manotick. Betty delighted in her role as Grandma and eventually Great-Grandma. After Lloyd’s passing in June 2016, Betty and daughter Shelley moved into The Villas in Riverside South where they found a close-knit, caring group of neighbours who quickly became near and dear to their hearts. Despite rheumatoid arthritis taking its toll on her over the years, she remained kind and gracious until her last breath.

Betty’s family would like to thank the team of medical professionals who helped take care of her over the years and ease her through the final months of her life; notably Adline and a compassionate team of PSWs; Drs. Westerlaken, Ivory, Dang and Fowler; wonderful staff from Ontario Health at Home, Champlain Rehab Solutions, the Community Paramedic Program and Hearing Freedom; Drs. Daoud and Malouf as well as Nurses Christine and Brook from the Ottawa South Palliative Care team.

A celebration of Betty's life will take place at Manotick United Church (5567 Manotick Main St.) on Wednesday, September 30th; visitation at 1:30, service at 2:00, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ottawa Humane Society, Arthritis Society Canada or Manotick United Church.