It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Betty Yvonne Fitkin (née Searle), lovingly known to her family as “Nanny,” who passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026, in her 83rd year.

Betty was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a cherished member of her family.

She will be dearly missed by her partner of over 40 years, Ron Mines, and her children Len (Debbie), Brad (BJ), Chris (Pat), and Melissa (Stuart).

Melissa, Stuart, Heidi, and Peter will especially miss Nanny’s infectious laugh and the happiness and joy she brought to their home over the last three years. Having her there became such a special part of their everyday lives, creating memories they will forever hold close to their hearts.

And we certainly can’t forget the family dog, Vlad, who absolutely adored Nanny—and the feeling was mutual. Vlad was always bringing his toys to her and placing them on her lap. The moment she tried to pick up her toy he would quickly snatch it away and walk off, never failing to make Nanny laugh. It was one of those simple, everyday moments that brought her so much happiness.

Just like the rest of us, Vlad misses her too. Our home feels much quieter and emptier without Nanny’s presence, her laughter, and the joy she brought into our lives each and every day.

Betty was a proud and loving grandmother to April (Dave), Cecily (Donnie), Heidi, and Peter, and a treasured great-grandmother to Kailynn, Emily, Dawson, and Sadie.

Betty will be remembered for her love of family, her strength, and especially her wonderful sense of humour. Even throughout her illness, she continued to bring smiles and laughter to those around her. Her unforgettable purple streak in her hair, infectious personality, and wonderful sense of humour became something the nurses looked forward to at every appointment for chemotherapy and blood transfusions, first at Southlake and later at RVH.

The family would like to extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to Dr. DeBoer and Nurse Meghan of Palliative Care, Dr. Gerard of the RVH Oncology Department, Dr. Scott of the Southlake Oncology Department, and Betty’s very special and caring nurse at RVH, Taylor.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to all of the wonderful nurses and staff who cared for Betty throughout her treatments. Your kindness, compassion, patience, and the personal connection you shared with Betty meant more to her and to our family than words can express.

We know many of you will remember the lady with the purple streak in her hair who, despite everything she was going through, always managed to arrive with her sense of humour, a smile, and a kind word for those caring for her.

Betty—our Nanny—will be deeply missed. Our lives and our home will not be the same without her, but the laughter, love, and countless memories she gave us will remain in our hearts forever.

Forever loved, forever remembered, and never forgotten.