BETTY JEAN "B.J." FINLAY (nee SHEANE)

April 29, 2024

Betty Jean “B.J.” Finlay (nee Sheane), formerly of Kincardine, died at Hospice Wellington, Monday, April 29, 2024, just five days before her 87th birthday. Survived by her husband of 65 years, Dr. Ronald Colling Finlay, DVM. She often expressed her pride and love for her surviving son, Shane (Laurie) of Guelph; daughter, Mary Beth “M.B.” Reimer (Sam) of Moncton, New Brunswick; daughter, Elizabeth Ann “E.A.” Makitak Finlay of Lethbridge, Alberta; and son, Rod Finlay (Krista) of Toronto; as well as her seven grandchildren, Tara Monteiro (Helder), Ian Finlay (Emma), Dani Reimer (Vernon McDonald), Aaron Reimer, Justin Reimer (Elisha), Taylor Finlay and Alex Finlay; and two great-grandchildren, Rylee Monteiro and Elanor Reimer. Also survived by her sister-in-law, June Shoemaker (Frank) of Gabriola Island, British Columbia; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Predeceased by her parents, Wilbert and Mary Sheane (Mackenzie); brothers and sisters-in-law, Carle Sheane (Yvonne) and Weir Sheane (Evelyn); father- and mother-in-law, Calvert and Sadie (Colling) Finlay; and brother, Carl Finlay (Dale). B.J. was born and raised in Kincardine Township. She graduated from Bervie Public School (a one-room schoolhouse, where all eight grades were taught by her mother!), Kincardine District High School, and Stratford Teachers College. She taught in Hamilton for three years. In July, 1958, she married Ron at the Bervie United Church. They settled first in Erin, where they worked together in his first veterinary practice. After a brief stint in Ancaster, the family moved to Orangeville, where they lived for many years. B.J. and Ron moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, for his work with the federal government’s Animal Diseases Research Institute (ADRI), and she started her own business, B.J.’s Mop Squad. Their final federal government career move was to the ADRI facility in Lethbridge, Alberta. Upon retirement, B.J. and Ron built a home on Bruce Beach, near Kincardine, where they enjoyed the beautiful sunsets and enchantment of Lake Huron. After 20 years, they moved to Meneset, an adult community near Goderich, and then, recently, to an assisted living facility in Guelph. A big part of B.J.’s life was her involvement in Lions Clubs, whose motto is “We Serve.” Between her and Ron, they have served through Lions for more than 100 years. B.J. was a District Governor for her Lions district, and was chosen by her fellow Governors as council chairperson of the Lions Multiple District A (Ontario). She was proud, as District Governor, to have been instrumental in having one of her clubs awarded “Best Club in the World” for the club’s accomplishments in “Building a Better Tomorrow.” Just days before her passing, B.J. was awarded the rare Lions Clubs International President’s Award for her many years of service and accomplishments. B.J.’s service wasn’t limited to Lions. She was also a volunteer driver for the Canadian Cancer Society, providing transportation for local cancer patients to distant hospitals for appointments and treatment. She a people person, striving to bring joy into the lives of those she met. She sent personally-designed and professionally-printed Christmas cards to everyone in her address book, starting in 1962 right up to last year. She enjoyed meeting, and becoming close friends with, Lions from all over the world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she made more than 300 phone calls to the people in her address book (some of whom she hadn’t talked to in years) to brighten their days and bring a smile to their faces. B.J.’s strong faith in God gave her a desire to serve, the strength to fight many medical challenges over her final years, and the peace of mind to accept the end when it came. The family sends a special thank you to Dr. Graham and the extraordinary staff and volunteers at Hospice Wellington for their care and compassion, as well as to the many caregivers at Chartwell’s Royal on Gordon, Guelph General Hospital, Home Instead, and her Goderich care team. A private memorial service will be held at the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home, Kincardine, followed by interment at the Kincardine Cemetery. A Celebration of B.J.’s Life will be held at a later date; details will be published, once finalized. As expressions of sympathy, and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, Hospice Wellington, or the charity of your choice. Portrait and memorial on-line at www.daveylinklaterfuneralhome.com.