Bette Eileen Teale-Thompson

Bette Eileen (Teale) Thompson, 90 years of age, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday May 19 at Hospice Huntsville.

Joyfully reunited in heaven with her husband of 59 years, Captain John Thomas Thompson retired RCEME, her parents, and her son John Eric Lloyd Thompson.Bette was the beloved mother of Jane Weiland (Roger), Emily Vincent (Michael) and Eric Thompson (Debbie).  Proud grandmother to Shawn Weiland (Tracy), Mark Weiland (Lindsay), Jennifer Black (Ryan), Erin Vincent (Ryan), Kyle Lawson (Sarah) and Daniel Lawson (Katie). Bette will also be missed by her great grandchildren, Charlotte, Oliver, Amelia, Ellie, Cole, Reid, Caleb and baby girl Palmer expected in July.

Born in Oakville to Reuben and Rose Teale, Bette spoke fondly of her memories of growing up in a small close knit community, surrounded by a large family who always made room for one more relative, friend or even a stranger in need. She loved to share the story of how she was able to stand on the dock at the Eaton Estate and watch Billy Bishop and the first pontoon plane in the Oakville area.

After meeting John on a blind date, Bette embarked upon life as a military wife.  Along with their 3 children, Bette and John lived around the world, moving every 3 years. Bette was one of the first military wives to live in Germany in the early 1950’s.  Her children remember that no matter where in the world they relocated, Bette managed to make the move feel like an adventure making every posting feel like home.

In 1975, Bette and John retired to Parry Sound and built their house together.  Bette was an active member of the community, working to ensure the shorelines of local lakes were protected, serving on the Parry Sound Library Board and teaching Sunday school at St James Anglican Church. The family has many happy memories of time spent together at the “Deep Blue Sea” on this property.

Bette was a lifelong lover of education and teaching.  In addition to teaching Sunday school, Bette and John organized many children’s sleepovers at the church and school holiday activities.  Bette was the first teacher at a newly formed coop nursery school, in St Bruno Quebec, that included children with identified needs.  A very engaged grandmother, her grandchildren will remember her encouraging their individual interests no matter how they differed from her own.

Bette’s family wish to extend their deep gratitude to the wonderful team at Hospice Huntsville/ Algonquin Grace and to Hope Huntsville Palliative Care.

In accordance with Bette’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to Hospice Huntsville.

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