Elisabeth (Betty) Robertson

ELISABETH (BETTY) ROBERTSON

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Elisabeth (Betty) Robertson on December 19, 2022 at the age of 95 at Thorncliffe Assisted Living Home in Ottawa. Betty is survived by her sister Suzanne Cook, her loving children Joe, Mary (Mike), Carol and Donna (Byron), thirteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

Betty was a strong independent woman, ahead of her time. After graduating from McGill University in 1948, Betty was recruited to work for NRC. Her first work lab was located in the NRX building where Betty took measurements on iron solution eradicated using a Cobalt 60 source. In 1949 Betty married Don Robertson. She took a hiatus from her research to raise her first three children Joe, Mary and Carol. In 1957, Betty returned to work at the low background town site laboratories. She was employed by Health and Welfare to analyze samples of milk and wheat from across Canada for Strontium 90 levels caused by Russian nuclear testing. Betty’s research results can be found in a world wide manual referencing low activity environment analysis. Betty and Don's fourth child Donna was born in 1960. In 1970, Betty joined AECL to research tritium analysis at Perch Lake as well as tree ring tracing to record local history of tritium levels. These studies were followed by evaporation studies, which lead to her Master’s thesis from the University of Waterloo. 

Betty enjoyed cruising the Ottawa River and skiing the Four Season Trails. She lovingly tended her precious gardens and was an avid reader and talented textile artist. Most of all, Betty deeply loved her very large family and remained at the helm until she passed.

Adventure on our, dear Betty, Mom, Gran, Great Gran. Off off you go with love dripping from your wings.

Respecting Betty's request cremation has taken place a memorial service will be held in the Community Church, Deep River on Friday January 6th, 2023 at 11:00am, light lunch to follow at the CE Centre.

In memoriam donations to North Renfrew Family Services would be gratefully appreciated. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Valley Funeral Home, Deep River.

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