Remembering Elizabeth Joan Pengelly

PENGELLY (nee Rawlinson), Elizabeth Joan  1931-2021 

Betty, of Victoria Road, Ontario, died on June 29 after a long decline.  She leaves her partner, Nathalie Rockhill; her children John, Clare and partner Roman, Linda Millington, and Laurence Kavanagh and wife Jackie; and her lifelong friend and husband, William Pengelly.  Also mourning her are nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Betty was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, grew up in Regina, graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, and lived in England and Quebec before settling in Toronto in 1961 with her growing family.  She taught piano for many years at St. Michael’s Choir School, was a piano examiner for Western Conservatory of Music, and retired from private teaching in 2018. Betty included us all in a better world, where everyone is welcome and appreciated for who they are, without prejudice or judgment, where kindness and thoughtfulness and community are a way of life—and where laughter is frequent. She was loved and admired by countless friends, extended family, and piano students (who became friends), whose lives were enriched by her interest, support, great teaching skills, and sense of fun.  She never stopped planning for good things.  “We all need something to look forward to,” she would say, as she organized the next birthday party, the next visit with friends, the next treat for someone facing mortal illness, the next trip. All life was precious to her.   Donations to the Toronto Wildlife Centre, 60 Carl Hill Rd., Unit 4, Toronto ON M3K 2C1, or other organizations protecting animals, children, or the environment would be fitting memorials.  And a kind word to someone who needs it will carry her spirit on. A celebration of life will be held when all can gather safely. Arrangements entrusted to Doolittle Chapel of Carson Funeral Homes, 54 Coldwater St. E., Orillia (705) 326-3595.

 Online Messages of Condolence are welcome at www.CarsonFuneralHomes.com