Haines (McKenna), Elizabeth Charlotte Made the most of a life that was very nearly taken from her three times. Betty survived three serious car accidents, the first at 18, leaving her tough to fight chronic pain and traumatic memories. Looking back now over the span of her 80 years, it's hard not to think she won. Born the last in a family of 16 children in Borden, Prince Edward Island, Elizabeth learned to persevere at an early age as she watched her parents, Charlie and Lottie McKenna struggle to keep their family fed and clothed. They assumed it all with dignity, patience and a laugh, qualities Elizabeth would demonstrate throughout her life. She met the love of her life, Gerald "Gerry" Haines, while working for the federal government at the Dominion Observatory in Ottawa. Married in 1970, they raised three children – Kenneth, Steven, and Susan – and together enjoyed many happy years (and parties!) at their home in Nepean. Sadly missed by her sister, Elva (the late Leonard) Roberts and brother, Wayne ("Tud", the late Phyllis) McKenna; and Arnold (Carolyn) Haines. Predeceased by sisters and brothers, Eileen, Herbert (the late Stella), Foch (the late Millie), Sister Mary Olga, Mary (the late David) McNally, Leo (the late Mary), Agnes (the late Elmer), John, and Wendell; Elwood (the late Marjorie), Everett "Bub" (Adele Morrison), Catherine (the late Ray) Griffith, and Mary Olga (the late Wilfred) Leach. Nepean was a long way from PEI, but the island was never far from Betty's mind or her generous heart. Assuring this bond further were her 47 nieces and nephews, who benefitted from her kindness and love of writing letters. Like her royal namesake, Elizabeth was a devoted animal lover who opened her home to creatures great and small, from birds and hamsters to rabbits and her beloved cats Patches and Azrael. This compassion extended to the Ottawa Humane Society, yet another beneficiary of Betty's outsized generosity. She earned her bachelor's degree from Carleton University, a 20-year project she started in 1979. Betty savoured the one course she took each year while raising her kids, finding inspiration in Shakespeare, Dickens, Wordsworth and children's literature. Elizabeth fought hard, always with a laugh and twinkle in her eye, until she passed at the Ottawa Hospital General Campus on July 23, 2024. "Damamas" will be greatly missed by her children and her grandchildren, Emmanuelle Hancock, Ciaran and Aisling & their mother Helene Arts; and Benjamin, Jimmy and Violet Haines. On behalf of "Queen Elizabeth," her family thanks the incredible staff at the Glebe Centre for their unwavering and compassionate care, and the remarkable critical care team at the Ottawa General. A celebration of Elizabeth's life will be held Saturday, September 7, from 2-4 p.m. in the Mackenzie Room at the Lord Elgin Hotel, 100 Elgin Street, Ottawa, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memoriam to: Glebe Centre (or Director of Charitable Giving at 613-238-2727 ext. 316).
Elizabeth Charlotte HAINES (MCKENNA) — Ottawa, ON
