Obituary of Betty Marie Stoneman (nee Wagner)
We are heartbroken to announce that Betty Marie Stoneman passed away peacefully at Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital on December 28, 2025, in her 85th year, following a brief illness and several years of health challenges.
She is survived by her dear husband David James Stoneman, her son Perry Stoneman (Camille) and daughter Sherry Stoneman, her beloved grandchildren Mitchell and Carter, and their mother Diane Perry. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. Betty was predeceased by her parents Mabel (nee Ziegler) and Carl Wagner, her siblings Shirley, Bernice, Ruby, Judy, Roger and her nephew Jerry.
Betty was born March 25, 1941, in Crosshill and grew up on a farm in New Hamburg, claiming this made her tough and resistant to germs. She met the love of her life Dave at KCI. Out of necessity, she entered the workforce after completing grade 10. Dave and Betty married in 1959 and settled in Kitchener to raise their family. Betty was a nurturing and fun mom; involved in her children’s activities while giving them freedom to flourish.
The ever-industrious Betty worked at Bell, Eaton’s, and at home sewing groovy outfits for fashionable women while raising her young children. Betty and Dave also briefly operated the Ottawa Grill, a classic Kitchener diner. She took great care of her parents, in-laws and others in need, demonstrating deep responsibility and compassion. Betty thrived when she joined Dave in real estate. With her tireless work ethic, gregarious personality, and Dave’s polite intelligence, they worked as a successful team. She delighted in matching buyers with their perfect home, and many clients and colleagues became life-long friends. Pulmonary embolisms forced her to reluctantly retire, signalling the time to move north.
While in real estate, Betty and Dave built a cottage on Georgian Bay near Honey Harbour, completing what they could themselves. Not afraid of hard work, Betty hauled dirt, built stone structures, planted trees and often carried a shovel for ‘personal protection’. The cottage became their home and a social hub for many happy years. Recently they wintered in the welcoming village of Coldwater. Dave loved Betty fiercely and they were rarely apart until he moved into long-term care in Orillia.
Betty was a great cook, the life of the party and an unrestrained advisor. An avid shopper (within a budget), she helped to support local economies. She loved sewing and spent countless hours making extraordinary clothes, toys, cushions, curtains, and her famous Betty Bags. She was generous with her purchases and creations often helping those in need.
Betty embraced the simple pleasures in life: walking her beloved dog Shelby to the mailbox, sitting on the deck or dock in the sun with a drink, hosting and attending parties in adorable outfits, and cruising at sunset with Dave at the helm.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Cheers to Betty. A Gathering to Honour Betty will occur later in the spring.
As an expression of sympathy, donations can be made to The UHN Foundation, Toronto, The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 270, Coldwater “Poppy Fund”, or the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation and can be may be made through the Funeral Home.
Please also support your local Food Bank.
