Betty Wetelainen
October 11, 1931 – October 9, 2020
In Loving Memory of Betty Julia Wetelainen, age 88, who passed away on October 09, 2020. Betty was predeceased by her loving husband of 70 years Frank. Betty is survived by her four children Frank Jr (Elaine), Richard (Bonnie), Kathy and Drake. Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great- great-grandchildren.
Born to Max and Julia Naumann, Betty grew up in Dinorwic and developed a great passion for music. At a young age her father got her a Gibson Jumbo 45 guitar. An identical one was ordered for her friend Edeline and together they sang and entertained in countless halls and events in the area. They soon ended up to be sisters-in-law and were lifetime friends.
Betty and Frank worked their own retail business together for 48 years. She was the manager, bookkeeper and family custodian all at the same time. Raising four young children and working over eight hours a day was standard. Betty was tireless in supporting community activities. She started the original fundraising effort to purchase professional fireworks for Wabigoon. Her efforts inspired other volunteers to step up and grow that fireworks show to the absolute best in the area that rivaled any show in Canada of which she was extremely proud.
Prior to 911, Betty started up a local phone alert system to dispatch the Wabigoon Fire Team to calls. The first emergency call went to the store and from there she would initiate a phone fanout to all responders. Betty would never leave the store without a backup for that system.
She was a key member in the group who developed and printed the Wabigoon History Book “Rock Fur Forest Lakes”. That book is cherished by everyone in Wabigoon and area as it contains an entire generation or more of Wabigoon History and Families.
Betty managed the Greyhound Bus depot at the store in Wabigoon and was recognized by Greyhound with a long service plaque and offered a lifetime pass on Greyhound for her efforts.
In retirement Betty enjoyed gardening, especially her flowers that she continued to plant and care for herself even up to her passing. She loved her retirement home and view of the lake overlooking Wabigoon. She will be sadly missed by family and anyone touched by her.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life service will be planned for Spring.
Donations may be made to the Wabigoon Cemetery through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
Condolences may be posted at www.dcfh.ca
