Searson-Anderson, Betty May

October 21, 1938 ~ June 16, 2022

Searson-Anderson, Betty May – Peacefully on Thursday, June 16, 2022, Betty May Searson-Anderson passed away in her sleep at Blue Water Health, C.E.E campus at the age of 83 years. A lifelong resident of Lambton County, Betty touched the lives of many people. Most of her teaching career was spent at Queen Elizabeth II Public School in Petrolia and Brigden Public School. Her passion was family history, and Betty remembered not just her students, but often the connection to various extended family members as well.  Betty worked tirelessly on behalf of the Federation of Women Teachers’ Association during her career and after retirement, she focused her energies on supporting the work of Christ Anglican Church, Petrolia. She held the position of treasurer for the St. James’ Cemetery and Chapel Board (Brooke Twp.) for more years than anyone can remember.  She was the institutional memory and will be sorely missed. Loving Mother of Janet (David) Whitehead and Grandma to Kathryn Whitehead (Barry Hunnakko) and Brian (Ingrid) Whitehead. Betty had one very special great-granddaughter, Rose Whitehead. Dear sister of Joan Roberts, Anne Walker, Mary Ethel Douglas and Roy (Debra) Searson. Survived by many nieces and nephews as well as her brothers and sisters-in law, Marlene (Joseph) Nauta and Wayne (Elaine) Anderson. Predeceased by her beloved husband, William Lyle “Bill” Anderson (2021), her parents John (1984) and Leah (1997) (Heaton) Searson, and her brothers-in-law Bill Roberts, Ron Walker and Ken Douglas.

Funeral Visitation
Visitation will be held at Steadman Brothers Funeral Chapel on Friday, June 17, 2022 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

Funeral Service
The funeral will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 2:00 pm at St. James’ Chapel, 7991 Churchill Line, Watford with interment to follow at the St. James’ Cemetery.

Donations
In lieu of flowers, sympathy may be expressed through donations to C.E.E. Hospital Foundation www.ceehf.ca or St. James’ Chapel and Cemetery Fund st.jamesbrooke79@gmail.com.

 

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Condolences (37)

  1. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. Betty was a close friend of my mother (Shirley Anderson) and they enjoyed many wonderful adventures. It was always a pleasure to have chats with her. Cheryl and Mark Cole

  2. Dear Janet, my sincere condolences to you and your family. May your memories provide comfort at this difficult time.

  3. We are so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. Betty has had a lasting impression on those lives she touched! RIP Betty may you be surrounded by your loving heavenly angels!

  4. To Janet, David, Katie, Brian and all of the extended Searson family:
    Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Betty. She held such a wealth of information and was
    always very helpful with any questions about St. James. Your loss will be felt immensely in all her circles of involvement.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
    Helen Bryson and Dave/Bonnie Tetreault

  5. It was a surprise not to be greeted by Betty on Sunday during the Decoration Service. It was always a pleasure to catch up and learn new and interesting family history from Betty. It was such a priviledge to have her share her knowledge with you. She was such a comfort and guide during the interment preparation for Mom. Over the years, her emails were always such a welcomed exchange. To her very close family and friends we send our sincere condolences. We hope that you find some comfort in knowing that Betty was loved and admired by many, near and far. Sincerely, Harold Searson, Trudi Searson-Czerwinski, Vance, Anthony and Amanda Czerwinski

  6. Sorry for your loss surprised as she was always a great family tree expert and seemed very Heath ,we won’t be able to attend as we are both going to Walter quick funeral odd but I’m sure they are chatting away in heaven exchanging info on quick tree.

  7. I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister, Anne and family; I’ve been reading what other people have written about Betty and it is clear that she touched many people in her life. My thoughts are with you and your family.

  8. I’m so sorry for your loss Janet and family. Your mom was a wonderful, caring lady. She was my teacher in elementary school and a colleague in my adult life. I’ve enjoyed many conversations with her at social events and at the grocery store. She will be missed.

  9. My sincere condolences to Betty’s family and all her sisters. “Those we love never die as there beautiful memories live on in our hearts FOREVER”. An old friend of the family.Dorothy Johnson

  10. There are some people from childhood days remain in your heart forever. Betty was that to me as well as being a dear cousin
    We were in the same class in high school where she was top in class as well as a great athlete. We had a great reunion everytime when we would meet
    And promised each other to see each other soon. RIP Dear Friend and Cousin

  11. We are so sorry we missed seeing Betty this year.Visiting with the Searsons was so much fun and through the years Betty has kept us in the loop. Our sincere condolences to the family. She leaves us with many happy memories and wonderful stories. She will be greatly missed.

  12. It was with sadness to hear of the passing of my cousin Betty. My deepest and most heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Betty’s family and Janet and her family. I have many fond memories beginning with the many visits out to the farm. Betty and Leah always made us feel at home. Even though that meant welcoming 8 Michigan cousins (my parents and 6 kids). She was a wonderful person and be greatly missed. Love you Betty. Robert Tite

  13. To Janet & Families :My sincere condolences. Betty was a dedicated member in regards to the history of
    St. James Cemetery Board. She was a great help to Merritt & Dave and the entire committee.to keep things in order at St. James Cemetery.. May all your precious memories help at this difficult time.

  14. My condolences. Betty was a wonderful person. We became friends through the Book Club that used to be at the Oil Springs Library. She will be missed

  15. Dear Janet, Dave and Family. Sending our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mom and grandma.

  16. Janet, David & family, Sincere sympathy on the passing of your mother & grandmother. It was always nice to have a visit with Betty. You will have lots of good memories to help you through these difficult times. Marie Sheppard

  17. Sorry to hear about Betty. Sincere sympathy to the family. Sorry we are unable to attend Betty’s service on Saturday. We cherish the memories of times together with the Searson family. Russell & Marilyn Rogers

  18. Janet, David & family – we are so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Jim & Deb Bygrove

  19. Janet David and family . We are so sorry to hear of Bettys passing . She was a lovely women .our thoughts and prayers are with all at this difficult time .

  20. Sorry to hear of the passing of a great lady ! Betty was a dedicated worker within the church and a well respected teacher at Queen Elizabeth. She will be missed by all that knew her !
    Helen Gilfoyle …….Owen Byers

  21. Janet and family,
    I was so saddened to read the news of Betty’s passing. She was such a wonderful person and truly gifted when it came to the history of our area and especially St.James cemetery. She was a guide and a light to so many people including my dad. I will always remember her for her knowledge, kindness and especially her friendship. Please accept my sincere condolences. I will miss her. Xo

  22. Rip may the angels be there too hold you up high miss you girl love christine and junior bickford

  23. So sorry for your loss, I was saddened to read your moms passing, she was my all time favourite teacher, Queen Elizabeth Petrolia

  24. Janet, David, and family,
    So sorry to read about the passing of Betty. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. May pleasant memories bring you peace.
    Michael and Cathy

  25. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of my grade six teacher Betty, what a wonderful teacher and lady

  26. Janet, David, Kathryn, & Brian
    It is with great sadness that we read your Mother has passed away. Betty taught me (Susan) at Queen E. I continued to keep in contact with her through hockey games when Justin played hockey with Brian. Then we kept up-to-date on our families while I was working at the Township of Dawn-Euphemia. She was so proud of all your accomplishments. After retiring I would see her periodically. It was always a pleasure to talk to her. Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss.
    Sincerely
    Susan & Brian Symington

  27. How sad about your Mom’s passing Janet…..she was one of my favorite teachers at Queen E and was always a pleasure to run into from time to time. Sending hugs and condolences to you, Dave, Katie and Brian and family.

  28. Janet, Dave, and family….I am sending my sincere sympathy to all of you during this time of loss. Your Mom certainly will be missed by all who loved her..both family and friends alike.

  29. To Janet and family, Hugs to you all. Alan and I just saw her the last weekend of May at emerg and she seemed very bright and knew us right off. Many wonderful memories warm your hearts in the coming days and help ease your pain. Alan and Marie Stephenson

  30. Condolences to Betty’s families.
    I have many fond memories of Betty from us being students together in public school, our teaching together , and much more.

  31. Betty was a book of knowledge and will be truly missed, I know as always supported her grandchildren in whatever they did and she was a great cheerer at baseball games. Taking care of St James was her passion she help many researchers fining their family by keeping the files up to date
    Mark & Jane Teskey