As life long friends of Dr. Bette we were saddened to hear just yesterday of her passing. Bea Moran and Fran Partridge let us know. If we had heard, we would definitely have been at the service.

We had lost track of where she was so had lost track of her recently.

We met 'Bettes' as we called her, as my cousin Bob dated Faye back in late 30-40's. Bette and Al stayed our family cottage (now Nahma Lodge Marine) for early holidays. We enjoyed many family and professional milestones together.

It is sad to lose another member of our gang.

We send messages of condolence for your family's loss, and the sense of wonder that one person shared so much with those in our province. If we remember and share these stories she is never really gone - just not physically here.

With affection, Dave, Aileen and Pennyjane (Pj) Murray 
Balsam Lake, Ontario

Chris and family,
The loss of a mother is very difficult, however, I am very sure you have indelible memories of this unique woman to sustain you through your grief.

Tom
p-QB4

I wanted to send my family's prayers and condolences to all of Dr. Bette's family.Dr. Bette delivered myself my sister and my brother when all my family lived in Willowdale.My Granny was a live in nanny to Dr. Bette's children.Her name was Blanche McGuey and the kids called her Bunchie.My maiden name is Rudd.I just felt a real sadness when I read her obituary and felt I wanted to share this info.  

Marilyn Ley (Rudd)

Condolences to Steve and the family. When I was a back bencher  Dr. Bette was always  helpful. When I entered cabinet she was also available  to me on some of my issues to be resolved as an experienced cabinet member. We all have good memories of her some that will always be personal and will not be repeated here but always knowing she was a great citizen and colleague.

I was a patient of Bette's for about 25 years and have many fond memories of my visits with her. She was an ever encourager of my education and endeavours in nursing. I was always an admirer of her practice of medicine which was way ahead of many others at the time. Her later career in politics was also admirable. She leaves a legacy that would difficult to live up to. A truly amazing woman.
My condolences to her family & friends and all who knew her.

Dr. Bette was the first politician I ever volunteered for, and that set off a life-long interest in politics and advocacy. She was also a dear friend to my grandmother, Aylene Kirby and to my mother, Ellie. My first political lessons were learned at her feet, and they have served me well. She was a remarkable leader and a role model to so many of us. I send my deepest condolences to the family. 

I will always remember Aunt Bette's warm generosity with her time, her home, and her vast experience. She offered support and kindness to so many, and I feel honoured to have known her.

My sympathy and condolences to everyone missing this wonderful woman,

Elizabeth Foster

To the Pengelly family and all those who knew Dr. S., please accept our sincere condolences at the passing of this "Great Lady".  I had the distinct honour and privilege of working with her on the Learning Opportunites Task Force, being mentored by, becoming friends and part of the extended family for many years. Dr. S. would know the appropriate words to describe our grief. I, and my family will miss "Dear Heart" but cherish the time spent with her.
Bonnie Tiffin and family

It is hard to believe that Dr. Stephenson is no longer with us. I have had the privilege of knowing her for many years, first as a 
school trustee, then later when I was at the Learning Disabilities Association and, even later, when she hired me to work on the Learning Opportunities Task Force. 

Dr. Stephenson was a woman of immense vision, integrity and she was prepared to put the interests of others ahead of her own at all times. At an age when most people are retired and taking it easy, she sought new challenges for the benefit of others. I remember her saying to me more than once that "retirement is for other people, not for people like us, who want to make a difference". As I continue to work, I think of her support, guidance and dedication often. 

She will be missed, but she will never be forgotten.

My sincere condolences to the family,
Eva

I had the pleasure of tending to Dr. Bette’s garden for about a decade. Not that I really offered that service, but she wasn’t going to take no for an answer. The day or two each spring I’d spend getting the annuals and hanging baskets set up were always entertaining. Dr. Bette and Allen had a comedic banter between them. They were always fun to spend time with. 
Buffy, your mom was an amazing woman and I was fortunate to have known her. 
Ryan

Buffy, my condolences to you and your  family. Your mum’s legacy is remarkable.  She challenged assumptions, carved new pathways, supported the development of the many with whom she worked.  Through her  unwavering commitment to the importance of data as information to support a first class public education she was instrumental in raising the bar of achievement for Ontario students.  It was my great privilege and pleasure to work with her.  

Back in 1980, when I was in Gr. 8 and had a class assignment to interview an adult professional on any issue, I aimed high and thought, I wonder whether the Minister of Education would give me the time of day? Dr. Stephenson not only said yes, but was most welcoming to a nervous teen who arrived in her constituency office and tentatively posed questions about the education system. I still recall how chuffed I was to play the interview, recorded on cassette, to my teacher and class, and how wonderful Dr. Stephenson made that whole experience. 
My condolences to her family. 

Steve and Family—We were very sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. It was a distinct pleasure knowing her during our time at Queen’s Park. She was a remarkable woman who demonstrated the very best of public service. Our thoughts are with you. Ian & Francine

Buffy,

I am so sorry for your loss.  Your mother was a woman ahead of her times and an example to many.  Although I never met her in person I think I did through my association with you.  Your mother was: hard working, determined, compassionate, and principled. She must have been because I saw those characteristics in you.  Although your mother is gone her legacy lives on in her children and grandchildren and all the lives she touched.

Mike

Condolences to the Bette family. 
Bette loved our music program and rarely missed it when I visited Glynnwood on second floor. 
She knew her music and had many favorites. It was a pleasure to have her in our group.
Rest in peace. We will miss you.
Philip james

My thoughts are with the family of Dr. Bette at this most difficult time. What an incredible woman, what an incredible life.

Dr. Bette was one in a billion. I have many fond memories of her and Dr. P. 
My deepest sympathies to all of her family.  
RIP Dr. Bette.  You were an amazing woman. 

Sincere sympathy to Bette's family. I had the pleasure of knowing Bette and "Uncle Al" as Wendy Sansom is a dear friend of mine. Thinking of all of you as you celebrate an amazing life, well lived!

Warmly,

Debbie (Knowles) Levert

One of my favorite people. I enjoyed my time working with Dr. B as a younger man at one of my first real jobs. She was a great boss and friend. My deepest sympathy to all of her family and friends. I know she will be dearly missed.

My condolences to the family. My mother was a patient of Dr Bette’s in the 1960s. In fact, I was delivered by Dr Bette as we called her. 

I had the honour and privilege to serve as Executive Assistant to Dr. Bette during her appointments as Minister of Labour and Minister of Education, Colleges and Universities at Queen’s Park. She accomplished so much, from programs and services for children with special needs to her leadership in developing colleges of higher education modelled on Ontario’s community colleges in several Middle East countries. I have many wonderful memories of those 10 years and reading her memoirs brought back many more. Bette attributes taking a lemon meringue pie to a York University student bear pit session a day after an incident at the University of Waterloo as my clever idea. Sorry, Bette, it was Allan’s brilliant idea as he handed me the pie box with instructions to place it visibly on the lectern. Daphne and I were very privileged to be included as part of Bette and Allan’s extensive extended family for 45 years. An amazing woman and outstanding leader and mentor to so many people
Rick Donaldson 

Hello,
I had the pleasure of being introduced to Bette and Alan through the Sebben family back in 1991. My mate Pete and I were backpacking through the US and Pete had a connection through his brother to Chris. We were introduced and Bette extended an invitation to do some maintenance around the house which we gratefully accepted. Those few weeks honestly changed my life and I have always been grateful. Bette and I hit it off and we enjoyed long conversations that opened my eyes to how an intelligent person can have a positive impact on society and that we should use our natural gifts to their full potential and evolve as human beings. 
I now employ over 1000 people in Australia from a company that I started on my return from traveling in 1992. I doubt that I'd be the person that I am today without the chance meeting that happened so long ago. I'm sure you are very proud of the life that Bette created for everyone around her. She was a great person who will forever be a pleasant and inspiring memory to me.
All the very best.

Actually, I have a recollection of Bette having continued on in politics until 1987 and serving in the cabinet of Frank Miller and, later, in the Opposition.  She was so approachable that, even although I was a new member and on the other side of the Aisle, I found myself asking for and receiving medical advice from her.

I was looking forward to renewing the acquaintance this fall when she was to be given an honorary recognition by the Ontario Association of Former Parliamentarians.

She will be sorely missed 

Our lives were enriched by knowing and working with Dr. Bette through many political activities. We always treasured time spent with Bette and Allan

Bette continually and unselfishly used her many God-given talents to benefit both the medical field and society as a whole. She often had a unique point of view and never passed an opportunity to share her views.

Her legacy will be all the wonderful improvements that she helped to bring about to benefit all society.
 
Tom & Marilyn Hall

Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Stephenson. Bette was a good friend and mentor and will be sadly missed. 

Heartfelt condolences to my cousins and their families. Rest In Peace Aunt Bette. ❤️

We remember Dr. Bette Stephenson as pictured in the memorial photograph.  How can someone be feisty and gentle at the same time?  We saw both sides of her.  She was ahead of the pack in so many ways.  
After admiring her in her active political years, it was an honour and a privilege when our future granddaughter-in-law invited us to her Nana's home so that the bride & groom's families could meet one another.  Little did we know until we arrived, that our grandson was marrying the granddaughter of THE...  Dr. Bette Stephenson.  Dr. Bette was such a gracious host, although in her late 80's at the time.  We were so impressed that she had not lost her vitality and we got to see her gracious character as well.
While touring her lovely home, we were struck to think:  "You know you made an impact on the community when you were the subject of more than one Donato cartoon"... hers hung subtly in her visitors' bathroom!
Remembering so fondly...   and sorry we won't be able to visit with her again (in this world).

Lew & Laura Wiffen
Tillsonburg, Ontario

During my 26 years of working for the Honourable William G. Davis, P.C., C.C.,Q.C. - half of this at Queen's Park, I had the pleasure of many contacts with this talented and formidable woman ..a leader in her time.  She was forthright, gracious and always on the go.  I worked with her beloved son, Steve, in the Premier's office and they were about a fine a family as there ever was!  Loving sympathies to the whole family on your loss.  Laird Campbell Saunderson

Dr, Bette Stephenson-Pengelly was a powerhouse of a personality and had a long and distinguished career in medicine and politics. But in addition to her many talents, Bette was a thoughtful, caring, and loving person. We forever cherish the memory of our friend, particularly her warm, kind smile.

Bette was a wonderful person. Her many contributions to Ontario will always be remembered. In particular her commitment to public education will never be lost or forgotten. 

What a loss ! My heart is aching tonight with loving memories of my friend , mentor and second mother. Bette was an icon and a force of nature . Nothing was too big for her to take on and one could only be inspired by her formidable intellect, her steadfast commitment to the public good and her generous, indefatigable  spirit . The "bad guys" knew better than to mess with Dr. Bette! 

With immense affection and admiration, we remember Bette
Joan Green and Dennis Sutherland 

Bette was a rare bird - an honest and straightforward politician. And a fine human being to boot.

So honoured to have known and worked with Bette in her role as a highly respected cabinet minister in the government of William Davis. Bette set high standards for herself and others. She was a woman of great integrity, intelligence and empathy who had strongly held views and a work ethic to match. Even those who did not share her opinions respected her. Dr Bette Stephenson leaves a strong legacy across Ontario and beyond and her passing is a reminder of a golden age in provincial politics that is long gone and sadly not apt to be matched. 

My condolences.  Dr, Bette was my doctor and my idol.  She was a marvelous woman and her memory will live for years to come. 

Sending prayers and peace at this difficult time. May the memories of so many she cared for help sustain you. 

OBITUARY

Dr. Bette Stephenson

31 July, 1924 – 19 August, 2019

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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