Bigelow, “Betty” Elizabeth Louise (nee Sohm)
1932-2024
1932-2024
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother on Saturday December 28th, 2024 at the North Bay Regional Health Centre at the age of 92, surrounded by her three loving daughters. We have been so blessed to have had such a caring, loving soul as our mother for so many wonderful years.
Betty leaves behind daughters, Debbie Caranci (Rick), Trudy Birch (David), and Treena Leclair-Beaulieu (Marcel). She was the proud grandmother of Dan Leclair (Ashley), Jason Birch (Megan), Mark Leclair (Shannon), and Kristian Beaulieu (Josh); and great-grandmother of Thomas, Abigail, Carter, Sadie, Annie, Owen, Ayda & Odin and step-great grandson Foster Avery. Betty also leaves behind her four remaining siblings, June Mannella (Bruno), Ernie Sohm (Gail), Lillian McKee (Harry), and Ray Sohm (Laurie Hull), and was a much loved aunt to her many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her loving husband Ellard, her parents Bill & Amy Sohm, and siblings Ilene Aikens & Gloria (Toots) Cassellman, and her sons-in-law Rick Caranci and Maurice Leclair and step-grandson Stephen Avery (Caranci).
Mom was born and raised in South River, moved North, then settled in Englehart for all of her married life. After retiring she relocated to North Bay in “2001” where she spent the remaining 23 years of her life closer to her daughters and their families. To everyone who knew her, family was everything. She made many long-term friendships and touched the hearts of many along the way, leaving a kind, loving lasting impression. In the early years in North Bay, mom loved driving her car, doing her walks at the waterfront, knitting her dish cloths and being with the grandkids and great grandkids. She so enjoyed her Tuesdays with her friends at the Health Bistro and looked forward to her daily visits with her “special” PSW family.
Mom lived a full life surrounded by the love of her family and especially enjoyed our gatherings, and her “special birthday” trips with her 3 girls. Mom loved unconditionally with the kindest, gentle heart and we will miss her dearly. Mom, you will be in our hearts forever and never be forgotten with our precious memories of our lives with you. Rest now mom, in God’s loving arms, in the comfort and heavenly peace you so deserve.
Special thanks for the wonderful and kind care from Dr. Ben Reitzel and the B-3 & Emerg hospital staff. As per mom’s wishes there will be no visitation or service. Cremation will take place, and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice will be gratefully acknowledged by her family. Online condolences may be left at www.martynfh.com.
