Elizabeth (Betty) Marjorie Antoniak (née Robins), aged 96, of Thunder Bay, Ontario, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers at Roseview Manor. Known fondly as Mom and Granny, Betty was a bright and accomplished woman who generously supported both her family and community. Born on January 12, 1930, she grew up on the family farm near Rivers, Manitoba as the oldest of five children to Doug and Lizzie Robins (née Taylor). Betty took pride in her Scottish and English roots and traced the history of her pioneer family to Canada with great care. Although farming wasn’t her passion, she inherited many baking skills from her mother, particularly in making her famous pies, shortbread cookies, and fruit cake. Betty loved education; after graduating high school, she quickly became skilled in bookkeeping at her uncle’s hardware store in Rivers. It was during a dance there that she met Jack Antoniak, who worked for the CNR. They wed on April 12, 1950, and boldly relocated to Vancouver where they enjoyed exploring the area via ferry. Eventually settling in Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay) for Jack’s career with the CNR and to raise their four kids: Lindsay (Dianne), Kevin (Rita), Dr. Gregory (Beth Livingston), and Jane (Bruce Fyfe) Antoniak. She proudly watched over her grandchildren: Martin (Amanda), Ginette (Keith Simons), Rachelle Antoniak; Dr. Elise (Dr. Joseph Phillips), Jeffrey (Chelsea Tronsgard), Kristen (Tarvo Kuus) Antoniak; Thomas (Katrina), Julia (Matthew Jamieson), and Kevin (Mikayla) Mackey. Twelve great-grandchildren brought immense joy to Betty’s life alongside two step-grandchildren: Laura (Tyler Marr; great-grandchild Arthur) and Julia Fyfe. Betty had a love for numbers which showed in how organized she was-she documented everything from the books she read to managing accounts at Mister Print, a business she co-owned with Jack for 35 years in Thunder Bay. Jack often said that without Betty’s incredible accounting skills the business wouldn’t have thrived like it did. While raising her family on Robinson Drive for over 65 years amidst a wonderful group of neighbors, Betty also enjoyed sales work-many families in Grandview Gardens bought encyclopedia sets through her efforts. Later on, she put those sales skills to good use volunteering to collect donations for the Salvation Army while supporting cancer-related causes too; she felt proud of how generous folks were within her community. Betty was an active member of St. Paul’s United Church where she also served as volunteer treasurer for its Boy Scouts troop. In later years, she welcomed actors from Magnus Theatre as well as students into her home for stays during their productions nearby-a testament to her hospitality spirit! A devoted curling fan too-she attended numerous national championships among travels around the world with Jack! She had an extensive circle of friends who shared interests such as playing bridge or scrabble while enjoying music together through countless parties both at home or at their camp situated by Lake Shebandowan! Known for reeling fish off docks even when it was scorching outside! Regardless of where or what occasion it was-Betty always presented herself graciously dressed stylishly with a warm smile! Well into her late eighties she’d travel far & wide attending family celebrations especially taking pride seeing educational achievements from all children/grandchildren alike commemorating milestones achieved along life’s journey together including having everyone gathered joyfully celebrating turning ninety! Throughout this long beautiful lifetime connected many generations maintaining friendships built amongst people close even those originally tied through friendships made by own offspring. She was preceded in death by husband Jack in 2005 after sharing fifty-four wonderful years together along with siblings Rita, Brian & Keith plus spouses Al & Arlene; brother-in-law Reg Gardiner, sister-in-law June Yarwood-all mourned alongside infant great granddaughter Zoey Phillips lost far too soon before them all now watching over lovingly above instead! Besides immediate relatives left are sister Sharon(Ron) Basaraba(Gilbert Plains Manitoba)& sisters-in-law Phyllis Gardiner(Victoria B. C.)& Marlene Robins(Brandon Manitoba)-also so many nieces/nephews/cousins spread throughout generations keeping memories alive! Lastly wishing heartfelt gratitude toward Doreen whose steadfast friendship meant so much these past years along Lynn plus dedicated staff members caring tenderly up until end stage here at Roseview Manor thankfully providing solace needed during this difficult time ahead too-funeral services will occur Friday August seventh starting promptly eleven am Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel located twenty-one Court Street South within Thunder Bay welcoming all dear friends/family wishing join honoring remarkable woman lived full vibrant spirited life worthy remembrance indeed cherish forever going forward ahead while reflecting back upon moments shared between us all throughout journey taken hand-in-hand walking side-by-side back then still today onward evermore never forgotten truly missed deeply only felt greatest hope knowing legacy continues shining bright now onward beyond limits set forth here confined space earthly bounds crossed ultimately finding peace eternal rest finally free! As someone who triumphed twice against breast cancer please consider contributing towards Northern Cancer Fund if desired alternatively select any charity meaningful choice personally connected heart willing donate resources help benefit others experiencing similar situations encountered previously ones lived facing battles fought courageously overcoming obstacles therein faced daily struggles endures however choosing remain positive uplifting spirits battling adversity instead moving forward stronger than ever united fighting against illness whenever possible supporting fellow survivors striving brighter future achievable collectively one goal unite striving better tomorrow create lasting change hearts minds everywhere far-reaching impact touching lives forever changing world around us.
