Freure, Elizabeth "Betty" Joyce (née Peura),

Betty passed quietly on May 29, 2019, at Innisfree House, Kitchener, surrounded by the love of her family and close friends at the age of 81. Betty is mourned by her son Russell, her daughter Liisa (Chris Brawn), and her three grandchildren; Sarah, Wilson and Abigail Brawn. She was predeceased by her parents Lempi (née Piirainen) and Arne Peura and her brother Edward (1929, age 9 months). She will also be dearly missed by her many good friends, her Uncle Veikko and extended family in Maine, and her cat, Ruby.

Betty was born in Sudbury and grew up proudly Finnish in nearby Copper Cliff. She was involved in a wide variety of activities and sports. In particular, she loved figure skating, at one point becoming the Northern Ontario Pairs Champion along with her lifelong sister-friend Kaarina Tulisalo. Following university (Waterloo College/Western), Betty taught for the Waterloo Region District School Board starting at Waterloo Collegiate Institute and spending most of her time at Elmira District Secondary School where she won many awards for punctuality. When she wasn't teaching, her house was always a hive of activity with kids and grown-ups (and cats) treating it like a second home, where they were welcomed with good cheer and a dry wit. Along the way Betty also developed a love of the mystic, having her fortune read, learning to read people's tarot cards and following astrology closely, being the good Pisces that she was! She always was a Bohemian, before, during and after it was in fashion, doing things her own way. Those who knew her were often impressed and occasionally uneasy, but things were always lively at the Freure house.

Betty was humble, but the ripples that she left will continue to be felt far and wide for many years to come. She was sometimes unorthodox and often irreverent, but her easy going, fun-loving nature and her sense of humour endeared her to all who met her. Even at the end, she faced her final days with courage, strength and sisu. Betty's family will receive relatives and friends from 7-9 p.m on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St., Kitchener, (519) 749-8467. Funeral Service in the chapel on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at 4 p.m. Reception to follow. Betty will be cremated and then interred at Park Lawn Cemetery in Sudbury. As expressions of sympathy donations to Innisfree House would be appreciated (cards available at the funeral home). Visit www.henrywalser.com to view Betty's memorial.