HEMMINGS, Elisabeth “Betty”

Hemmings; Elisabeth ‘Betty’ Peacefully at home on August 12, 2024. Beloved wife of over 50 years to William (Bill) and stepmother of Jeffrey (Fleur) Hemmings and Amy Hemmings. Treasured sister of Mary Hilda ‘Dai’ (the late Matthew) Gaasenbeek and Anne (Tom) McNairn and sister-in-law of Barbara (the late Jack) Butterfield. Much loved and greatly missed by her many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Steve and Mary Smella and brothers Frank (the late Esther) Smella and Steve Smella.
Born in Spiritwood, Saskatchewan on April 11, 1933 to Steve and Mary Smella, Betty was the second youngest of 5 children. The family eventually moved to Lethbridge, Alberta and Betty spent her teen years attending school there. Betty and her sister, Anne, came to Ontario in 1955 to attend the wedding of their elder sister, Dai. The sisters were delighted to be reunited and Betty and Anne decided to stay in Ontario following the wedding. Betty began her illustrious retail career at Milli Fashion for Women in Hamilton and then moved to Toronto where she was a national award winning salesperson with Town Shoes. Betty was the ultimate charming and knowledgeable salesperson and she loved meeting new people so her success in sales was no surprise to those that knew her.
Betty was a beautiful woman who was always well dressed and glamourous. At family gatherings Betty was the life of the party and she was usually the first to be on the dance floor. Betty and Bill met through mutual friends and they were married on her birthday in 1974.
In 1978, Betty and Bill opened Betty Hemmings Leather Goods on Bloor St. in Toronto. Alongside Bill, Betty’s passion, vivacious personality and hard work made their leather goods store a very successful business. Running the business meant many trips to Europe to source their leather products. Betty’s favourite destination was Italy where she savoured the food, culture and shopping. Weekends they enjoyed time at their hobby farm in Flesherton where Betty was devoted to nurturing her organic vegetable garden. Betty was interested in health and wellness and the delicious meals she lovingly prepared were always incorporating as many of her home grown vegetables as possible.
In retirement, time was spent at their peaceful farm in Grey County with winter breaks in Sarasota, Florida.
Betty fought a determined and valiant battle with cancer over the past 4 years and she will be deeply and forever missed.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life and interment will take place at Parklawn Cemetery in Etobicoke at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or Brightshores Health System Owen Sound, Oncology Unit would be greatly appreciated.
Online Condolences and tributes available at www.fawcettfuneralhome.ca