DAVIS Dora Elizabeth (Betty)

Peacefully with dignity, Betty passed away on September 21, 2018 at her retirement home in Toronto, Ont., in her 92nd year. Predeceased by her loving husbands Gordon Alexander Smibert, and Fred Spicer, as well as her parents George W. and Mabel ( Stetson) Mccarthy, and her siblings Eleanor I. Mclean, Alfred G., Alan R., and William A. Mccarthy. She is survived by husband Ralph M. Davis, Halifax, sister- in- law Jean Reimann (née Smibert), Newmarket, her children

Craig Smibert and wife Micheline Roi, Toronto,

Glen Smibert and grandsons Alexander and Sam Kasirer-smibert, Montreal, and many nieces and nephews. Born at home in Truro, Nova Scotia, on August 17, 1926, Betty grew into a woman of many interests and accomplishments. She loved the arts, priding herself in her many childhood singing certificates and was an avid concert-goer, often collecting the programs and posters to keep and share. She was also a wonderful dancer, as light on her feet as a puff of air. Curious by nature and as smart as a whip, Betty read newspapers and magazines from cover to cover often using the information gleaned therein to inform her more than canny ability at investing in the stock market. As her son’s former partner and NFB librarian, Katherine once commented, “She should have been the librarian in the family,” as she was a consummate collector and cataloguer and would squirrel away all manner of things of personal interest: receipts, rocks, and recipes.

Betty loved lists and would write everything down, jotting down book titles heard on CBC radio, sometimes remembering where she had put the list when needed. Although she lived most of her life in Southern Ontario, she remained a true Easterner at heart, with a playful contempt for politicians, there was nothing she loved more than talking politics and highlighting the foibles of those in power. Thanks to the staff of Humber Heights Retirement Home, especially: Lulu, Azmerra, and Suzanne. Visitation was held on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9 p. m., at KITCHING, STEEPE & LUDWIG FUNERAL HOME, 146 Mill Street North, Waterdown, ON, where a Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 11 a.m. Interment followed at Siloam Cemetery, London, Ont. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Alzheimer Society of Canada. Please Sign the Tribute Wall at www.kitchingsteepeandludwig. com