RIDDICK, Elizabeth 'Betty'

Betty died peacefully at her home on Friday, March 7, 2025 at the age of 92. She was a force of nature, fiercely independent, and her indomitable spirit was undiminished until the moment she died. She leaves behind her four children, Bill (Jennie), Kit (Ian), David (Josiane) and Andrew as well as 14 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Dave, her husband of almost 68 years, passed in January 2025.

Betty was born in Fort William, Scotland in 1932 but moved to Grantown-on-Spey for her teenage years. She worked in hotels as a cook, receptionist and office manager in Scotland and Cornwall before marrying Dave in 1957. They immigrated to Canada right away and his career took them to Prescott, Saskatoon, Peterborough, Thompson, and, of course, Sault Ste. Marie.

Betty will be remembered for being an avid reader of everything from political non-fiction to 18^th century poetry, for being an excellent card player, for doing cryptic crosswords (in pen!) and for her ability to argue for or against any topic just to keep things interesting. She enjoyed dancing as a young adult in Scotland and, with Dave, joined clubs for Square Dancing and Scottish Country Dancing in Canada. Betty was a Life Master and director in duplicate bridge alongside Dave. They were both involved in the Sault Bridge Club for many years and the majority of their friends were associated in one way or another with bridge. The kitchen at the Riddick household was always busy with people dropping in for coffee and to talk about the latest game. 

As a voracious reader and daily consumer of political news, Betty’s enthusiasm for learning continually increased throughout her long life. She transferred her curiosity and love of learning to her kids and grandkids, actively supporting their activities and pursuits.

Betty knew how to make people feel welcome and she was genuinely interested in the lives of everyone she met. That interest is why people kept in touch with her for decades, even after they had left the Sault. Betty was fiercely devoted to and proud of her four children. She was a natural storyteller and made her children’s lives seem far more interesting than they actually were! As her health declined and she needed some assistance at home, she still knew the names and ages of the children of her nurses and always seemed to learn something new from their visits. 

Betty will be greatly missed as she was the glue that bound her family together. Whether through phone calls, email or video chat, she was always excited to track what was new in the lives of her people. Just 45 minutes before she passed, she said she was looking forward to an upcoming visit from her daughter and to watching a political television program the next morning and discussing it with her son.

There were some people in her later years who made her life richer, and she loved them dearly. Sharran & Steve, Miriam, Susan, Jean & Stu, David & Suzanne, Toni, Kathy and John & Anne were all part of her extended family because of their friendship and support. Thank you to the ParaMed Palliative Care team for their in-home services.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for both Betty and Dave at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 44 Angelina Ave, in Sault Ste. Marie, ON.

If you would like to make a donation in Betty’s name, the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society is a cause near and dear to both Betty’s and Dave’s hearts for over 60 years. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.northwoodfuneral.com