Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Helene Van Domelen-Wright (née Zagrodney)
February 15, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Betty Van Domelen-Wright, during the afternoon of Thursday, February 15, 2024. Betty passed away peacefully at the Village of Glendale Crossing in London, Ontario. Betty was 91 years and 158 days old.
One of nine children, five boys and four girls, Betty was born Elizabeth Helene Zagrodney on the family homestead near Masefield, in southern Saskatchewan, on Saturday, September 10, 1932. The family migrated to Thunder Bay and then to Kapuskasing, Ontario in the 1930s.
Betty learned her amazing work ethic at home from her parents Mary May and Michael Frank Zagrodney. She worked at the Strand Theatre during high school. Betty aced high school and soon after headed to George Brown College, St. Joseph’s Hospital for nursing in Toronto. Betty missed her boyfriend, Thomas Van Domelen, so much that she decided to quit school and return to Kapuskasing. Tom and Betty were married the following spring, on Saturday, June 21, 1952.
Betty worked at George F. Campbell’s Wholesale, 17 Lang Avenue in Kap for many decades! Her children walked home from elementary school for lunch and she came home many school days to make lunch for them. They do not know how she did it all! The kids did not walk home for lunch during high school, so Mom could have a real lunch break.
Betty was a former President and was a lifetime member of the Saint Patrick’s Parish Council Catholic Women’s League. She received her 65 Year Pin in 2022. She also sang in many choirs including The Jubilee Singers.
One of her lifetime passions was downhill skiing. It started when her kids were young and she continued to ski competitively in the Ontario Winter Games where she won several Gold Medals. During Winterfest 2011, in the Alpine Ski Women’s 75+ category, Betty won the Silver Medal! Mom also enjoyed many years of cross country skiing with family, many friends and neighbours. Betty was an excellent swimmer and water skier. We all enjoyed many summers with her at the Van Domelen family cottage on Remi Lake! Betty was famous for her blueberry pies and we spent many hours picking blueberries with her!!
Betty was predeceased by her first husband, Thomas Van Domelen, on April 4, 1989. She was predeceased by her second husband, Norman (Buck) Wright on July 18, 2007. Betty will be missed by her children David Van Domelen (Lynn) of London, Janet Nikkel (Harley) of Stittsville and Peter Van Domelen (Val – ex-spouse) of Thunder Bay. Also missed by her grandchildren: Chris Nikkel (Angelina) (great-grandchild Caleigh), Cathryn Nikkel (great-grandchildren Ben and Charlotte), and Aaron Van Domelen (Janna) (great-grandchildren Noah and Lana Marie). Survived by her siblings: Sophia Mary Tancredi of Kapuskasing, Stanley Zagrodney (Marg) of Sarnia, Mike Zagrodney (Shelley) of Kenora and Evelyn Berryman (Chuck) of West Valley, Utah. Predeceased by her siblings and their spouses: Ed Zagrodney (Clarice), Tilley McDiarmid (Mac), Leo Zagrodney (Ellen), Archie Zagrodney (Lola & Caroline). Betty will be missed by many, many nieces and nephews.
We would like to thank the late Kapuskasing OPP Constable Henry Olivieri for saving our mother, Betty. In 2014, Constable Olivieri noticed Betty walking around in Kapuskasing during very late hours. She was lost and could not find her home. Constable Olivieri drove her home six times, and on the seventh time, he drove her to the Kapuskasing Sensenbrenner Hospital. He then contacted Betty’s son in London. She was safe in the hospital and this led to Betty’s long term care journey. Constable Henry Olivieri passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
The family would like to thank the staff of The Village of Glendale Crossing in London, Ontario for making Betty’s final years safe, fun and loving. They treated our Mom with love, kindness and affection as if she was their own family! Betty was known as “Busy Betty”, because she was so active in the Village, including having a job folding hot dining room bibs, while she was a resident. We thank the Village staff for their “Honour Guard”, who watched with love and said their goodbyes as Betty was escorted out of the Village by the Westview Funeral Home staff.
There will be no funeral service per Betty’s wishes. Betty will be interred with Thomas Van Domelen in the Kapuskasing Cemetery.
Leave a tribute for Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Helene Van Domelen-Wright (née Zagrodney)
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My deepest condolences to Janet, and all the Van Domelen Wright families! Thinking of you all!
Betty was such a bundle of energy! She was our neighbour at Remi Lake for a short time- she loved to go out in her pontoon boat and swim! I have many fond memories of Betty! My sympathy to the family
All my condolences to the family especially Dave and Lynn.
Our condolences to David and Lynn, as well as to the Van Domelen, Wright, and Zagrodney families. Mrs. Van Domelen was a wonderful lady, and will be sadly missed by many, including her many friends of Kapuskasing, and of St. Patrick's Parish Community. May she rest in peace.
Lynn and David we send our sincerest condolences and best wishes as you process the loss of your Mom. As privileged members of the Pictionary Group, we didn't have direct contact with Betty, however, we know David and the abundant attention and love he devoted to her and all the loving stories he shared about her life and her last few years in the Village. This is a huge loss; we send the entire Van Domelen family our blessings and love as Mrs. Van Domelen-Wright rests in peace. Linda & Terry
Peter, David and Janet, please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your mother (Betty). We always call her Mrs. Van Domelen and have many fond memories of downhill ski trips with her. She was a bundle of energy and so much fun. She was always good to us. I am sure you will miss her.
Our deepest condolences to David and Lynn! We wish you peace and comfort as you grieve the loss of your mom. Thinking of you ❤️
Thank you for the honor and privilege of caring for Betty!
Heartfelt condolences to Peter, David and family of Betty. I have many memories of growing up in Kapuskasing with your family. I am sure my mom Verna, who is also in LTC, would be saddened to hear of Betty's passing.
Our deepest condolences to the Van Domelen family. May you find strength and comfort in knowing that Betty lived a fulfilling life.
My sympathies to the Van Domelen family. I knew Betty when I was Chaplain at Glendale Crossing. She always had a smile on her face and would especially light up when David came to visit. She accepted her illness with grace and dignity still being her true self and helping out when needed and caring for and about other residents as well. May you find joy in your hearts at the amazing legacy she has left in each of your hearts. ❤️
Our most sincere condolences for the loss of your mom. Her smile, her positivity and energy will always be remembered, as any activities we were involved in growing up (downhill skiing, swimming, etc….) mrs vandomelin was always part of it. She was an inspiration to her friends and also encouraged them to stay active and healthy! Thoughts and prayers to you all
I love you Mom! Thank you for being my mother! Rest in peace Mom. ❤️
My sincere condolences to the Zagrodney family and all of Betty’s family and friends. I grew up on Dominion Avenue in Kapuskasing along with members of the Zagrodney family. I figure skated and Mrs. Zagrodney made me all of my skating skirts and costumes. I was at the Zagrodney home a fair amount and I was welcomed….they were a very warm and kind family. Rest in peace Betty.
~ Judith Sullivan nee Brackenbury