Betty passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on November 25, 2024, at the Montfort Hospital in Ottawa. She had persevered through many years of progressive Aphasia and the onset of dementia, always maintaining her positive attitude.
Betty was the beloved mother of Erik (Tania) and Yvonne (Cam), the adoring Farmor/Mormor to Connor (Grace), Ainsley, Meghan (Emma), Kaia and Jake. She was predeceased in 2012 by Flemming, her husband of 43 years.
Elizabeth Ann Kingman was born on June 30, 1940, “in the shadow of Chimney Rock” in Bayard, Nebraska, to Dan and Nadine Kingman. That day was also her brother Dan’s first birthday. Dan and Betty were playmates, pals, and trusted confidants into adulthood. Betty became a loving and adored big sister to Nan, Kate, and Pete. As a US Army family, they moved frequently. Betty cherished her memories of growing up in Homestead FL, Valentine NE, Seoul, Korea, Albuquerque NM, and Kailua HI. She graduated from Vassar College in 1962 and continued on to the University of Nebraska where she earned an M.A. and a teaching degree.
After a short teaching career at the high school and college levels, Betty married Flemming Leicht and moved to Montreal. Betty raised the kids, taught Sunday school at Christ Lutheran Church, was a member of the school committee, and volunteered as a tutor for Laubach Literacy. As the wife of a Dane, she learned to speak Danish and fully embraced the culture. During many trips to her sister and brother-in-law’s farm in Denmark, Betty was a keen observer of the animals and their unique dynamics. She wrote short stories about the sheep and lambs, the playful pigs, and the confused rooster. She had a real “green thumb” with her houseplants – always getting her African violets and hibiscus to bloom! As a nod to her time spent in Hawaii as a teenager, Betty would often wear a hibiscus flower in her hair when going out to a party.
Betty studied the Kingman family genealogy. She assembled many extended family members to “John Kingman Heritage Days” which she organized in New Hampshire in 1996. Betty and Flemming retired in Ottawa and a former hobby (playing bridge) became a serious passion! After many years of improving their skills and attending tournaments, they both achieved Bronze Life Master status. Betty loved spending time with her grandchildren in Ottawa and Peterborough. She was a great listener and an imaginative playmate. She was proud of all their achievements. A week before her death, when she saw Erik and his three kids together in her hospital room, she looked at them and said, “Wonderful”. A fitting last word for a sweet and loving lady!
Family and friends are invited to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 Mcleod Street (at O'Connor) on Sunday, December 15, 2024, from 11:00 am until time of service in the Chapel at 1:00 pm. Reception to follow afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Aphasia Centre of Ottawa or Operation Smile Canada.
Service Details
When
December 15, 2024 11:00am - 1:00pm
Location
Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry
Address
315 McLeod Street
Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1A2
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