BETTY JEAN “BJ” FINLAY
The family is saddened to announce the passing of Betty Jean “BJ” Finlay (née Sheane) at Hospice Wellington on Monday, April 29, 2024, just five days before her 87th birthday.
BJ is survived by her husband of 65 years, Dr. Ronald Colling Finlay DVM.
She often expressed her pride and love for her surviving son Shane (Laurie) of Guelph, ON; daughter Mary Beth “MB” Reimer (Sam) of Moncton, NB; daughter Elizabeth Ann “EA” Makitak Finlay of Lethbridge, AB; and son Rod Finlay (Krista) of Toronto, ON, as well as her seven grandchildren: Tara Monteiro (Helder), Ian Finlay (Emma), Dani Reimer (Vernon McDonald), Aaron Reimer, Justin Reimer (Elisha), Taylor Finlay and Alex Finlay; and two great-grandchildren: Rylee Monteiro and Elanor Reimer.
She is also survived by her sister-in-law June Shoemaker (Frank) of Gabriola Island, BC, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Betty Jean was predeceased by her parents Wilbert and Mary Sheane (Mackenzie), brothers and sisters-in-law Carle Sheane (Yvonne) and Weir Sheane (Evelyn), father- and mother-in-law Calvert and Sadie (Colling) Finlay, and brother Carl Finlay (Dale).
BJ was born and raised in Kincardine Township. She graduated from Bervie Public School (a one-room schoolhouse, where all eight grades were taught by her mother!), Kincardine District High School, and Stratford Teachers College. BJ taught in Hamilton, ON for three years.
BJ married Ron at the Bervie United Church in July 1958. They settled first in Erin, ON, where they worked together in his first veterinary practice. After a brief stint in Ancaster ON, the family moved to Orangeville, ON where they lived for many years. BJ and Ron moved to Winnipeg, MB for Ron’s work with the federal government’s Animal Diseases Research Institute, and BJ started her own business – BJ’s Mop Squad. Their final federal government career move was to the ADRI facility in Lethbridge,AB. Upon retirement, BJ and Ron built a home on Bruce Beach, near Kincardine, where they enjoyed the beautiful sunsets and enchantment of Lake Huron. After 20 years, they moved to Meneset, an adult community near Goderich, ON, and then recently to an assisted living facility in Guelph.
A big part of BJ’s life included her involvement in Lions Clubs, whose motto is “We Serve”. Between BJ and Ron, they have served through Lions for over 100 years. BJ was a District Governor for her Lions district, and was chosen by her fellow Governors as Council Chair of the Lions Multiple District A (Ontario). BJ was proud, as District Governor, to have been instrumental in having one of her clubs awarded “Best Club in the World” for the club’s accomplishments in “Building a Better Tomorrow”. Just days before her passing, BJ was awarded with the rare Lion’s Clubs International President’s Award for her many years of service and accomplishments.
BJ’s service wasn’t limited to Lions. She was also a volunteer driver for the Canadian Cancer Society, providing transportation for local cancer patients to distant hospitals for appointments and treatment.
Betty Jean was a people person, striving to bring joy into the lives of those she met. She sent personally designed and professionally printed Christmas cards to everyone in her address book, starting in 1962 right up to last year. She enjoyed meeting and becoming close friends with Lions from all over the world. During COVID, she made over 300 phone calls to the people in her address book (some of whom she hadn’t talked to in years) to brighten their days and bring a smile to their faces.
Betty Jean’s strong faith in God gave her a desire to serve, the strength to fight many medical challenges over her final years, and the peace of mind to accept the end when it came.
The family would like to send a special thank you to Dr. Graham and the extraordinary staff and volunteers at Hospice Wellington for their care and compassion, as well as to the many caregivers at Chartwell’s Royal on Gordon, Guelph General Hospital, Home Instead, and her Goderich care team.
A private memorial service was held at the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home in Kincardine, and was followed by interment at the Kincardine Cemetery.
A Celebration of BJ’s life will be held at a later date; details will be published once finalized.
As expressions of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, Hospice Wellington, or to a charity of your choice.
Portrait and memorial available online at www.daveylinklaterfuneralhome.com.
