Manidoo Gekek Kwe
With love and regret, we announce the passing of Betty Ann, born on November 22, 1955, in Fort Frances, Ontario. Betty Ann passed away peacefully in the early hours of December 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of strength, and devotion.
Betty Ann was a proud East-Ender, with a spirited energy and a love for the outdoors. She spent much of her childhood on the outdoor rinks and with her grandparents, Peter and Margaret (Sinclair) Calder, in the north arm of Rainy Lake, working at camps and spending time with Topsy, the pony. These early years shaped her love for the land, water, and family traditions that would remain central to her life.
Betty Ann was united in marriage to Nichol Mainville on May 5, 1978. Together they welcomed children and grandchildren, building a beautiful life. In the summers and winters, Betty and Nick spent countless hours on the lake, creating memories with family and friends. Nick’s passing in February 2007 left a lasting void, but Betty continued to honour his memory and the love they shared through the years.
As a mother, Betty Ann raised her children with joy surrounding them with cousins, aunts, and uncles. She instilled in them a strong sense of family, tradition, and love, and her lessons will live on in them for generations to come. Her greatest joy in life was becoming a grandmother, and she embraced the role with the same commitment and devotion that defined her entire life. Betty Ann adored her grandchildren, and they, in turn, adored her—cherishing every moment they spent together.
Betty held various jobs throughout her life. She opened her home for babysitting and always remembered the children she cared for fondly. She worked at the Gas Bar and formed many lasting friendships with her employers and coworkers. Later in life she became a home care worker and cared for elderly folks while helping them with light duties around their homes.
She is survived by her children Angela, Jessica (AJ Strey), and Perry Lougheed; grandchildren Emma, Anna, Clara, Cecilia, Natalie, and Olivia; her brothers Ray, Fred (Lori), Tom (Ruth), Darrell, and Bob (Tammy); her brothers-in-law Elmer and Tony Mainville; and her sisters-in-law Anita (Norman) Copenace, Gloria Manitowabi, and Donna Mainville. Betty leaves behind many nieces and nephews, cousins, and her Aunt Nancy.
She is predeceased by her beloved husband Nick Sr. and cherished son Nick Jr.; by her parents Wallace and Marvel (Minnie) Crowe; her sister Donna (Sass) and Donna’s husband Wayne Lee; her sister-in-law Wendy (Cawston) Crowe; parents-in-law Elmer and Bessie Mainville; her sister-in-law Teresa Mainville; and her brothers-in-law Maurice and Ritchie Mainville.
Betty’s pallbearers will be nephews Greg and Braeden Beazley, Justin and Alex Booth, Frankie Redford, and James Mainville.
A private interment will take place at the Couchiching First Nation Cemetery. A celebration with catered food and refreshments will take place at the Couchiching First Nation Recreation Centre at 2:00 p.m. on December 18, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
