February 5th 1943 – March 4th 2026
It is with great sadness and broken hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Mom, Mother-in-law, Grandma, Great Grandma and sister, Betty Ann Almgren (nee Lamme) on Wednesday March 4th, 2026. She was born on February 5th, 1943, and as a child, grew up in South Gillies Ontario as the third of ten children to Annie and Ilmari Lamme. She was very proud of her upbringing and Finnish heritage often speaking of her one room school where she walked many miles to stoke up the fireplace in the morning before anyone arrived for the school day. She moved from the farm at age 14 to her first place of employment as a nanny in Fort William and attended Selkirk High School. At 17, she married and had six children, five boys and one girl whom she loved with all her heart and soul.
Mom was a country girl at heart, as a child she found her passion for music. She loved to sing, performing on many stages at fairs, legions, anniversaries, at home and on the road with her bands Country Mist & Denim ‘n’ Lace as a singer, playing guitar and tambourine. She loved watching the “Ralph Emery Show’” and her favorites, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette and George Jones. There wasn’t a t-shirt she couldn’t find with her beloved artists on the front and would often say Alan Jackson could pass for one of ‘her sons’. It wasn’t uncommon to wake up to the sound of music with Mom’s beautiful and sweet voice harmonizing and echoing up the hallway and stairs.
A longtime resident of Westfort, she was well known in her community where everyone knew everyone and talked with every person she met. She loved walking, shopping and hitting those “blue light specials”, always loved biking and continued to right up to her illness. After her errands were done, last stop was Coney Island or the Red Rickshaw. On weekends she was up with the birds and off to all of the nearest yard sales, then home to admire all her new trinkets and treasures. She could also be found in the backyard tending her little garden and flowers for many hours.
Mom had many places of employment where she made numerous friends. She was adored by the many older clients and children she cared for. Mom started as a nanny at 14, head car hop at A&W, worked at Eatons and the Westfort Laundromat. She reminisced about her co-workers often. Mom had wit and charm, she was funny, easy-going and generous to all. She was shy but a social butterfly with many friends who always came by for lunch or a night out. She was always excited to be with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and family at BBQ’s, celebrating birthdays and weddings.
Mom was a true daydreamer, free-spirit and an animal lover. She told stories when she was young of running off all day to the nearest creeks, admiring and dreaming of all the magical bees, fireflies and taking in all of nature’s beauty. She had many beautiful cats over the years, Brittany, Peanut, Dallas, Kiki, Chloe, Jackson (Alan), Jesse and her surviving kitty aptly named “Loretta”.
Mom will be lovingly remembered by her children, Randy (Lisa), Brad, Greg, Darren, Blair (Bobbi Jane) and Stacey Erickson (Dave), Grandchildren Sherice Dyson (Leif), Ryan, Kyle, Justin (Samantha), Lindsey Zurevinski (Zack), Leah, Kaitlyn and Brody, Great Grandchildren Harpyr, Hunter, Mckinley, Cameron, Nathan, Stephen, Reeve, Andres and Loe. Survived by sisters Lillian Woodbeck, Linda Niemi (Harvey), Bev Syrjanen, brothers Leonard (Darlene) and Brian, her many special nieces, nephews and their families also survive. Betty was predeceased by her parents Ilmari and Annie, sisters Eila Kelso, Brenda Nummikoski, brothers Larry, Leslie, brothers-in-law Ed Kelso, Martti Syrjanen and the father of her children Douglas Almgren.
Thanks to Dr. Feldstein, the nurses, PSW’s and staff who cared for Mom in her final days at Hogarth Riverview Manor 3S “Daisy”. The compassion and dignity you showed brought our family immense peace. Cremation has taken place; a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. If desired, a memorial donation to the OSPCA & Humane Society Northwest Animal Centre (Thunder Bay) or Caring Hearts Cat Rescue can be made or just pick a beautiful spring flower and whisper her sweet name.
She’s in the sun, the wind, the rain, she’s in the air you breathe with every breath you take. She sings a song of hope and cheer, there’s no pain, no more fear. You’ll see her in the clouds above, hear her whisper words of love. You’ll be together before long, until then listen for her song. ~ We Love you Mom, Forever, For Always.
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