Elizabeth Jean Bimm

Bimm, Elizabeth “Betty” (nee Weiser) In Renfrew at Bonnechere Manor on Sunday, September 1, 2013 in her 92nd year. Best friend and devoted wife of Ernie, who predeceased her after 67 years of joyful marriage. Much admired mother of Margaret (Pedro Villamizar), Brian and Alison (Dr. John Collins). Proud grandmother of Enver (Laura) and Paul Villamizar, Jordan (Meira Gold) and Juni Bimm, Chris (Heather), Heidi and Russell (Stephanie Kuzoff) Collins. Great grandmother of Hayley and Aidan Collins and Zoya Villamizar. Born in Czechoslovakia in 1922, Betty was raised in the city of Ostrava, along with her brother Frank, by her parents Julius and Margaret Weiser. Faced with a threatening political climate after the occupation of her homeland, in 1939 Betty's family immigrated to Canada, settling on a farm near Wallaceburg in Southwestern Ontario. With her extraordinary proficiency in languages, Betty finished high school in English and then headed to Toronto, landing a job with the RCMP as a translator. After a transfer to Ottawa, she met Ernie, then a captain in the Canadian Army. At the end of the war, they married, moved to Eganville and took over the Bimm family’s General Store. In addition to bringing up a young family, Betty and her dedicated staff managed the Ladies Wear side of the business for 35 years. Along with her numerous community and church volunteer activities, Betty applied her considerable artistic talents to painting. She was also an ardent skier who in addition to teaching all her children, was instrumental in organizing the first Ski Patrol in the Ottawa Valley. After retirement, Betty and Ernie moved to Renfrew and enjoyed many years spending time with their grandchildren and socializing with new and old friends. They continued to revel in summers spent at Mink Lake and travelled the world. Betty’s final years were spent at both Quail Creek and Bonnechere Manor under the compassionate and professional care of devoted staff for which the family is truly grateful. Her friends and family will remember Betty's warm smile, inquisitive mind and passion for social justice at home and around the world. Visitation at McPhail & Perkins Funeral Home, 85 Munro Avenue East, Renfrew on Wednesday, September 4th from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 5th at 11 am in St. James Lutheran Church, Renfrew. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, if desired, a donation to the Bonnechere Manor Foundation or the Renfrew Victoria Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.