OBITUARY: BETTY FLAHERTY, GRAVENHURST, AUGUST 1, 2021
Violet Elizabeth (Betty) Flaherty
In sorrow we announce the passing of Violet Elizabeth “Betty” Flaherty (nee Smith) (formerly Nelson) at Castle Peak Retirement Residence in Bracebridge on August 1, 2021.
She was 87.
Betty was the beloved wife and best friend of Gerry and she felt blessed for the love, friendship, and support of her extended family.
The couple recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on June 26.
Betty will be lovingly remembered by her sons: Rick (Sue), Tom (Brenda) Nelson and her stepchildren Scott Flaherty and Jan (Mike) Donovan. And by her grandchildren Jessica (Ricky), Melanie, Jamie (Eric), Michael (Anna); and by her great-grandchildren Ravina, Rian, Marcus, Mikayla, Lachlin and Lucy who will also sorely miss their grandmother.
Betty also leaves her siblings Jack (Pearl) Smith, Gwen (Sam D) Cochrane and Bill (Cathy Hansen) who also mourn their loss.
Betty was born July 20, 1936, and raised in Hamilton and had a busy career as office manager/accountant at Hamilton Lumber, Peter Lush & Associates, as well as owning a lighting store.
She joined Gerry at the Gerald Flaherty Agency Ltd. in Hamilton before they retired to live on the shores of Lake Muskoka in Gravenhurst.
Betty fell in Love with Muskoka and enjoyed her involvement in her church, The Probus Club and The Muskoka Concert Association.
These activities, as well as bridge and golf brought her many new friends and hours of enjoyment.
She was particularly proud of the Paul Harris Fellowship award that was presented to her by the Gravenhurst Rotary Club.
As the family historian Betty also enjoyed researching her ancestors and those of the Flaherty family.
The family will receive friends at Trinity United Church on Saturday, September 18, 2021, from 11 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. with Rev. Carol-Ann Chapman, Rev. Maggie Keats and Rev. Johanne Hills officiating.
Following the service, the family invites you to join them for refreshments and share memories.
Cremation has taken place and in lieu of flowers a donation to Kids with Cancer or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Messages of condolence may be shared through www.reynoldsfuneral.com
