Obituary of Betty May Jenner

JENNER: Betty May - It is with love and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Betty May Jenner (nee Bradley) on May 19th, two weeks after her 96th birthday (or damn near a hundred as she’d say), surrounded by her family. She is predeceased by her husband, Frankenmuth and Florida travel partner, retired Chatham Constable Murray Jenner in (2005).

Betty was born in Jeanette’s creek in 1929, the youngest of 7 siblings, Francis, James, Ernest, Roy, Earl, and Margaret Williston. As the last surviving sibling of Warrant Officer Class II Roy Bradley, Betty held a special memory for Roy, and would want to mark the contrast of her fully lived 96 years with the sacrifice the young 24 year old made when he was killed in World War II. She is thankful for all those that contribute to Remembrance day, especially her 4 nieces that helped to recognize her late brother with a commemorative banner in downtown Chatham.

Betty lived a life of compassion, curiosity, and love.

She was a dedicated OR and ER nurse at St Joseph's Hospital for 40 years. The compassion she showed for her patients was matched by compassion in the rest of her life, for her family, friends, and pets.

In her retirement she embraced curiosity - taking up knitting, line-dancing, clogging, tap dancing, drumming, tennis, golf, and traveling often. She was a frequenter of girls trips to Cancun, went to countless plays and musicals, and was always up for the next adventure. Her life in retirement was so full a childrens’ book “Where’s Gramma Betty” was published documenting the real life story of her love of family and propensity for trying new things.

Betty poured love into her family. Daughters Dawn McGregor (Bob) and Betty Amelia (Mickey) express their love at a volume matched only by the depth of Betty’s kindness. Grandkids Stephanie Piercey (Todd), Brock McGregor (Whitney), Charlotte Amelia (Brandon Waghorn),  and Joe Amelia (Tara Haskell) were the stars of Grandma’s show. She was the family cheerleader at sports fields, recitals, theatres, golf courses, and arenas. In her packed retirement she always made time for not just the big events, but the quieter times together sharing her passions. She had a special place for all her in-laws, making them feel welcome, treating them as family, and even starring in homemade action-thriller films when the need arose.  Her life was made even fuller by the presence of seven great-grandchildren, Joshua, Jonathan, Violet, and Rose McGregor, Henry and Emmett Piercey, and Alice Amelia.

Betty’s life was full. Her parents Ernest and Charlotte provided a happy childhood, with many memories she shared of a different time. Growing up with very little, she loved to cruise thrift stores for bargains. She had great taste, and compiled a beautiful wardrobe, never afraid to add some sparkle to her day. Along with her strong sense of family she approached life with remarkable independence, finding joy in all of life’s phases. She often expressed how appreciative she was of the staff at St Andrew's, a place she embraced as her home these last years. After a lifetime of providing care and compassion to others, Betty received the same care and compassion at the end of her life from the wonderful, dedicated St. Andrew's team.

Betty was a woman of faith, and found community as part of the Presbyterian church. As per her wishes, there will be a small private family gathering. She would not want anyone to make a fuss, rather to mark her extraordinary life, fill your day with compassion, curiosity, and love, as Betty did. To honour Betty, be kind to animals, wear something that sparkles, and try something new.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home

459 St. Clair Street, Chatham

519-351-2040