BETTY SHANNON
May 25, 1941 - July 20, 2023
Funeral Details: An interment service will be held at the Barrie Union Cemetery on Friday, September 8, 2023, beginning at 1:00pm, followed by a celebration of life from 2:00 to 4:00pm at the Ferndale Banquet Hall, 24 Ferndale Industrial Dr., in Barrie
SHANNON, ELIZABETH (BETTY) JEAN (nee NESBITT).
A wonderfully bright and guiding light was extinguished on July 20, 2023, when Betty Shannon passed away, being reunited with her beloved husband, Bob. The matriarch of a large and loving family, Betty is “Mom” to her daughter Leisha, and son Frank (Mira), “Namma” to more than 20 treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren and “Auntie Bet” to her many nieces and nephews. Born in Penetang to parents Howard and Fran, she grew up with sisters Helen and Darlene, her late brother Bobby, and close cousins.
Betty and Bob Shannon were married in 1959 and along their shared journey made loving homes in Barrie, Toronto (Downsview), Ottawa (Lakeview), Mississauga (Lorne Park) and Oro Medonte as the innkeepers of Inn the Woods Bed & Breakfast. As a widow, Betty retired to Orillia in 2019. Her compassion has left a profound impact on hundreds of children and youth through her volunteer work at schools, leading several youth programs and events, and the renowned daycare services that she provided in Lakeview and Mississauga. She exemplified love and kindness for all and deeply cherished her many friendships.
For those who wish to memorialize Betty, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society www.cancer.ca .
Brenda Stowell-Smith
Posted on: Tuesday, August 8, 2023Fond memories of Betty & Bob when we visited on different occasions over the years. Special memories staying at the Inn the Woods B&B with all the amazing eggs benedict breakfasts and late evening chats. Most fond memory was connecting with some of our cousins in 2018 and sharing photos and family history.
You touched so many lives Betty…and you will always be remembered for your kind soul. Rest in peace cousin.
🙏❤️🙏
Carol Silverman
Posted on: Wednesday, August 9, 2023In my time spent with Betty during the time she spent with my dad Larry Silverman I truly enjoyed seeing her. We shared the same birthday and from the first time I met her I liked her. She was kind and a wonderful person and I am grateful to have met her. She loved her family and that was so nice to see. Both Doug and I thought so much of Betty and we are so sorry that she had to go through so much. She will be missed.
Bob and Linda Warburton
Posted on: Friday, August 11, 2023Our family spent many enjoyable family times with Betty, Bob and family, as we were neighbours and friends in Ottawa (Lakeview). We also visited them in Mississauga and, as well, at the Inn the Woods B&B. Great memories!
Linda and Bob Warburton
Sue Kean Varga
Posted on: Friday, August 11, 2023I have such wonderful memories while I stayed at Inn the Woods B&B. I happened across their cozy home online and would travelled there practically every weekend. They got to be family to me. Those egg Benedicts were to die for, and always had them. Special memories of Bob and I photographing birds and Betty and I walking through the woods with our sidekicks ….. Heidi, Hunter and then Bogey. Will always remember Heidi’s love for bananas. Thankfully I got the chance to travel up north again after I got married, Betty and I believed that Bob had something to do with myself finding my hubby Bill. Bill got the chance to meet Betty and he loved it there as much as I did. Sending our deepest condolences to Betty’s entire family: missing them both; but knowing she’s reunited with Bob again.
I have so many photos of them, their home and the grounds that I will cherish.
Lots of love 💕
greg hickey
Posted on: Friday, August 11, 2023Betty Shannon,
A dear friend to me and many. A lady of elegance and wisdom!
I was privileged to really know her back when I was her only border at the Bed & Breakfast.
She helped me grow to understand what real love could be… the love of nature, the love of family, and love for all of those who ever met this wonderful woman.
My interests became hers and hers became mine… What a gal.
Every morning in the valley, that I would have spent the night as a boarder, we would enjoy a cup of the best coffee anywhere… and we would laugh until we cried.
Betty would educate me on all the wildlife in the woods… especially the birds in the trees. Bluebirds especially. I would grow to recognize some of these birds on a daily bases with her guidance. Heck, we would laugh that now I could recognize a bluebird in the woods…better than my own golf ball! Our banter was special.
I will never enjoy another time with Betty at her table. But will always remember those times of true joy, with a smile, and I know she is on the other side watching over everyone of us!
Rest in Peace Betty, I will forever miss you, my friend.
Greg Hickey
Sandra Shannon Good
Posted on: Tuesday, August 15, 2023Dear Leisha and Frank I was sorry to learn of your mother’s death. Although I have only a brief memory of meeting Betty, I have many
memories of my summer stays with Uncle Frank (my father Harold Shannon’s brother) aunt Grace (and, of course, cousins Bob and Sue).
One memory is of swimming across Kempenfeldt Bay with the then Superintendent of the Barrie OPP.
Dealing with death can be difficult but it seems that Betty led a full and rich life. With kindest regards, Sandra Shannon Good
Joy McDonell
Posted on: Wednesday, August 16, 2023Fond memories of visits with Betty and Bob with my dear late husband Bill. I remember Betty as a kind, generous and peaceful soul. Condolences to all her family.
Shari Mogk-Edwards
Posted on: Monday, May 20, 2024Mark and I are very sorry to hear about Betty’s passing.
She has a very special place in our hearts.
In life, you are fortunate to meet people like Betty and her husband Bob.
Both of our girls, Brydne and Devon, attended Betty’s daycare and she had a profound impact on both girls. Betty was loving,
considerate and generous.
We also experienced In the Woods more than once!
Rest in peace, Betty. I am so lucky to have known you.