Elizabeth Mae (Betty) Huisman (Nee Edwards),
Lifelong resident of Schomberg, Betty Huisman passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 at IOOF Seniors Home in Barrie in her 92nd year.
The daughter of the late George and Effie Edwards of Schomberg, she was predeceased by her husband Hans in 1997. Also predeceased by her brother Murray Edwards. Loving mother of Dean (Sabine) Huisman of Vienna Austria, and Joanne (Douglas) Washburn of Midhurst, Ontario.
She will be missed by her dear sister-in-law Joan Edwards, her nephews David Edwards, Paul (Debbie) Edwards, and her nieces Janie Boult (Dave Mattice), and Jenniger (Jaap) DeJong of the Netherlands. She will be fondly remembered by her eight great-nieces and nephews.
Betty grew up and went to school in Schomberg. After graduating from high school, she worked in the bank on Main Street. She and Hans lived on Main St. while Betty provided daycare in her home for local families. Betty went on to work at the IGA (now Foodland) in Schomberg until her retirement. Betty would eventually move into the Kitchen Breedon Manor on Main St. beside the Library, where she lived happily for over 20 years.
Betty was a devoted member of the Schomberg United Church, acting as treasurer for many years. She loved to sing and was a member of the church choir, as well as a member of the local United Church Women (UCW). She enjoyed these activities greatly. Betty was also involved with the Schomberg Agricultural Society Spring Fair.
The family would like to thank the PSWs and staff of Kitchen Breedon Manor who assisted her as she aged and her health declined.
Special thanks and gratitude to all the wonderful staff of the IOOF Seniors Home for their compassionate care of our mother during her stay at the home.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Betty’s life will be held on Friday, November 24th, at 11:00 am in the lower level of St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church (116 Church St., Schomberg, ON). A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada in Betty’s memory.
Service
Memorial Service
St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church - Lower Level Hall
116 Church St., Schomberg, ON
Friday November 24, 2023
11am
SJ Graham says
Joanne, Dean and family, just heard this week that Betty had passed. She was a cherished friend of my mom (Greta) and shared many cups of tea and loved the Blue Jays. Best babysitter for we Graham girls.
RIP.
Sandy Graham.
Joanne Washburn says
Sandy – Thank you for your condolences. My mom has many fond memories of you as a young girl, as well as your entire family. She often told stories of spending time with all of you – she cherished these memories.
Pamela Close says
I only just found out about Betty’s passing .
My deepest sympathies. Betty was an amazing woman, with a beautiful soul
Will always be fondly remembered by the Close family.
Joanne Washburn says
Pamela – Thank you for sending your condolence message. I didn’t know how to reach you to let you know that mom had passed away.
She cared for your entire family very much and spoke of the three Graham sisters often.
Joanne Washburn says
Pamela – Thank you for sending your sympathies. I didn’t know how to reach you to let you know that mom had passed away.
She cared for your entire family very much and spoke of the three Graham sisters often.
Sandra Rodrigues says
Dean and Joanne – sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a lovely, gentle lady, and the last time I saw her would have been at Mary Hammett’s 100th birthday. Your mom worked with my mom(Doris Leonard (De Winter) at the CIBC in Schomberg, and mom showed me the photo of them and the rest of the Bank staff many times. My mom also passed away recently, on October 17th. I remember you both as children. Please accept my condolences. Sincerely, Sandra (DeWinter)Rodrigues
Joanne Washburn says
My mom has an old CIBC bank staff photo that she loved to show people. I wonder if it is the same one? She had many fond memories of working in the bank and working with her colleagues there.
I’m sorry for the recent loss of your mother.
Thank you for reaching out to send your message of condolence.
Patsy Booth says
Sincere condolences to the family, my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you so much for the condolences. I truly appreciate the warm words of comfort
Susan Kitchen says
My sincere condolences Joanne & Doug
Hugs
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you Susan. My mom was grateful for the help you provided to her over the years. You were always someone we could count on for support.
Lorna Simpson (Dove) says
My condolences to Betty’s Family at this sad time . Have known Betty for many years was loved by all. She taught Sunday School, CGIT, Choir .
Great friend for many years growing up in Schomberg . She will be missed . R I P
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you for your kind words. They are much appreciated.
Elaine Maynard-Lloyd says
Joanne, Dean and Family, The Edward’s family
My Deepest Sympathy and Condolences, your Mother will be remembered with fondness and I will always think of her when I think of the church and the town, She was an integral part of life in Schomberg, from working at the bank, providing childcare, working at Foodland and being a welcoming neighbour to many.
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you so much for the condolences. I truly appreciate the warm words of comfort.
Margaret Gould says
I would like to send my condolences to Betty Huisman’s family.
I remember Betty being the soloist at our wedding (George and Margaret Gould) on July 8th 1961. She did a beutiful job. We appreciated her singing talent.
Sending my sympathy,
Margaret Gould
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you for sharing this memory – my mom sang at a few weddings. She loved to sing and listen to music and celebrate the special occasions in life.
Jacqueline (Conlan), Tony, and Leighton Costanzo says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Huisman family and friends that Betty left behind. Be grateful for all the beautiful memories she left you with…And let her love for you heal your soul.
I remember one day, almost 20 years after I was crowned Miss Schomberg, Betty stopped me and said, “I remember you. You were Miss Schomberg Fair!” To even think all those many years later, that someone still remembered me and my various contributions to the town of Schomberg was quite astonishing. We shared a brief but rewarding chat, engaged in our shared memories of the Schomberg Agricultural Society and Schomberg’s Annual Spring Fair.
After our pleasant encounter, I departed with a definite skip in my step feeling 20 years younger, having relived a special time during my youth in Schomberg with a very lovely lady.
With deepest condolences,
Jacqueline and family
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you for sharing your memories of my mom. She enjoyed her time volunteering with the Schomberg Agricultural Society. She also took a keen interest in all the goings on in the village. I’m not surprised she remembered you. She had a great memory for faces and names.
I appreciate your lovely comments.
Ailene Mabee says
My deepest condolences to the family I knew Betty since back in our teenage years. A lovely friendly person and always smiling. Ailene Mabee
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you for your sympathy and kindness
Paul and Mary Kavanagh says
Condolences to the entire family and friends of Betty. Remember her well at the IGA. Always pleasant. A lovely woman. May she rest in peace!
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you for your message of condolence. It is much appreciated.
Doug & Lorna Graham says
Sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. She lived to a great age and was always very kind and thoughtful. I will always remember her as my sunday school teacher and what a lovely person she was. Our condolences to the family.
Joanne Washburn says
Yes – she lived a very long and full life. Thank you for your kind words. They are much appreciated.
Garry & Noreen Lister says
We are so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. Betty was my (Garry’s) Sunday School teacher (grades 7 & 8 I think) and we loved her.
I remember the Sunday School Christmas concerts in the basement of Schomberg United Church. When Bill Hollingshead (Sr) would come down the stairs as Santa Clause he’d have a belt of jingling bells over his shoulder and would be shouting “HO HO HO !!!”. Eventually he’d start handing out presents from under the tree to the kids & teachers. When he’d get to Betty’s present he’d make her sit on his knee to get her present, in spite of her laughing embarrassed protests, and give her a kiss on the cheek. This always sent the kids into hysterics! Those were such good times.
Betty was always there to greet us at the UCW suppers in the Hall at Schomberg Fair.
Betty was so kind, and always smiling, and loved by all who knew her. She was a loving class act. A Schomberg treasure.
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you so much for sharing these memories of my mom. The three most important things in mom’s life were her family and friends, the Schomberg United Church, and the Village of Schomberg. She treasured all of these things.
Linda Baker says
So sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. My condolences to the family as you journey thru’ this time. Betty’s smile and compassion, shown to all around her, will be remembered. We connected in her love of many genres of music. May Betty’s favourite tunes lighten your hearts.
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you. Mom loved to sing, play piano and listen to hymns throughout her entire life. She never lost her ability to enjoy music.
Todd Marchant says
To Dean, Joanne and all of Betty’s extended family,
Our most sincere condolences go out to you all.
Todd, Marilou and Don Marchant
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you for your message of condolence. It is much appreciated.
Joe and Mary Ellen Keenan says
Our sympathy to Betty’s family. She was so kind and always had a cheerful hello. Sincerely, Joe & Mary Ellen Keenan
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you for your kinds words. They bring comfort.
Joanne, Pete Duggan and family says
So sorry to hear about Betty’s passing, she was such a lovely lady. Her smile will never be forgotten ❤️. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you for your message of condolence. It is appreciated.
Don Dippo says
Our deepest condolences to the Huisman and Washburn families. We feel fortunate to have known Betty over the years. She enriched our lives in so many ways. Betty came to us as an in-house babysitter but quickly became more like a member of our family. We shared birthdays and holidays and Blue Jays games with Betty that often included signature treats — her soaked raisin muffins or jars of home-made bacon and cheese spread. We will miss her warmth, her generosity, her patience, her smile, and that mischievous twinkle in her eyes so well captured in the memorial photo.
Don, Erika, Emily, Zachary, Benjamin and Martha Dippo
Joanne Washburn says
Your family truly treated my mom as an extended member of your family over the years. It will never be forgotten.
Cheryl Prentice says
Betty was such a lovely lady. Sending love and hugs to the family
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you for your message of sympathy. It is appreciated.
Patti and Mary Agnew says
We are sad to hear that Betty has passed away. We have many happy memories of good times shared with Betty during church events. Betty was always ready to help during bake sales, board meetings, U.C.W meetings, and events such as turkey suppers, fashion shows, and of course, choir.
Betty was an active participant in our community and Schomberg United church. We will miss her. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family at this time.
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you so much. I remember your family being such a big part of the Schomberg United Church, and your dad singing a solo on Christmas Eve every year. Mom’s church family was her second family and she loved every part of it.
Bonnie O’Hara says
Sending love & prayers to Betty’s family. She was so kind & lovely. Thought of her often.
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you for your message of condolence. It is much appreciated.
Kevin Holmes says
I’m so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. She was a fine lady. I enjoyed working with her at the Schomberg Agricultural Society. Another Schomberg resident that will be deeply missed.
Kevin Holmes.
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you for your kind words.
James Rice says
She was a wonderful lady and a great friend to our mother. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you. Your mother was a dear friend to my mom as well.
Charmaine Wall says
To Betty’s friends & family,
Betty was a bright light in my life. She never failed to share a laugh or two whenever I saw her. Ever-present at the fair dinners, UCW bazaars, ringing folks out at the IGA, and always willing to take my money at the door of a fund raiser. She was a beacon at the Kitchen-Breedon Manor, and I for one, will miss her greatly. Thank you, Betty, for always remembering who I was and sharing a laugh or two. xo
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you for sharing you memories of my mom. She always participated in activities to help out in the community whenever she could.
Sandra Robertson Creighton says
Joanne and Dean and families
Betty touched so many people with her kindness and gracious heart over so many years. When my Mother, Betty’s cousin, passed away, Betty took me shopping, included me in activities, events and was always such a support to our family over years. Betty has left a lot of loving memories.
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you for your lovely message. Mom’s family meant the world to her.
David and Maureen Archibald and family says
Betty was always a kind lovely lady when she worked at Foodland.
Will always remember that lady.
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you for your message of condolence. It is much appreciated.
Robert (Bob) and Linda Boak says
Linda and Bob Boak
We would like to send our condolences to the Family. Betty was a dear friend plus a neighbor. She also sang at our wedding 52 years ago. She will be missed.
Linda and Bob Boak
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you for your message. Mom loved to sing and music and choir were a big part of her life.
Judy Lipsett says
Joanne Dean and Families, our condolences to you all on the passing of your mom she was a very kind and lovely lady , may she rest in peace now .Cal and Judy Lipsett and Family
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you for your condolence message. It is much appreciated.
Holly hutton says
My deepest condolences to the family im so sorry to hear this news she was a lovely lady I remember her from when she worked at the schomberg foodland
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you for your message of condolence. It is much appreciated.
Heather and Brian Delahunt says
Joanne, Dean and families
Saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. Betty was a lovely, caring person. She will be missed, she is now at peace in the hands of the angels.
Joanne Washburn says
Thank you for your kind words – they bring comfort.