Elizabeth Florence (née Cave) Thériault

Obituary

After spending 91+ years keeping family, friends, neighbours (and the occasional gardener) on their toes, Betty has finally decided that it was time for a well-earned rest.

Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada), Betty lived life very much on her own terms. After marrying Ernest Joseph Thériault in 1955, she lived in Montreal during its uber-hip days, and then moved to Kitchener, Ontario where she worked at Canada Valve and then Joy Manufacturing. At the ripe old age of 47, she and Ernie “retired”, returning to Nova Scotia where they lived in Mahone Bay and ran Blockhouse Antiques & Collectibles (where you might find on any given day locals, Come From Aways, and Hollywood directors and actors) for some 24 years.

At the age of 77, widowed and tired of Canadian winters, she moved to Andalucía in Spain. Shovelling was never her forté. She made fast friends in her adopted town of Nerja where she spearheaded a Friday night tapas night, forever mourned the absence of Kraft peanut butter (chunky), and never learned a word of Spanish.

Betty has been reunited with those who went before her, including her husband, Ernie. We imagine he's delighted to have her back — although she’s probably already started telling him how to do things correctly; i.e., her way. Sorry Dad. She is also predeceased by her parents, William and Alma, brothers Donald, Raymond, and Ralph, and sisters Doris, Helen, and Valerie. 

She leaves behind her children Frank (Judy) of Etobicoke and Carolyn (Chris Ludlow) of Nerja, Spain, granddaughters Anne, Catherine, and Claire, a groovy great-grandson Theo, their devoted mother Lorell Stevenson, (a formidable woman in her own right), her brother Leo (Marilyn), and sisters Pauline (Stephen McMenamin) and Janet (Reid MacLean). There are also many nieces, nephews, neighbours, friends, stray cats, and sparrows – too numerous to count – who will sorely miss her.

Rather than mourn a life that ended, we'd much rather celebrate one that was lived exactly as she intended — with character, humour, determination, and plenty of stories worth telling — the truthfulness of which was frequently a casualty. This is the woman who once tried to board a flight with a screwdriver in her purse because, after all, you never know when you'll need one. In Betty's honour, feel free to raise a glass (preferably cava or a rye and ginger) with us. Bonus points if you do it while ignoring someone else's eminently sensible advice as that would absolutely make her day. Her ashes will be scattered in the Mediterranean Sea along with Ernie's — a curious wish considering she couldn't swim and hated getting her hair wet.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local animal shelter.

Memory wall

August 3, 2026

RIP Betty, 3/8/26
Find what makes you come alive then go and do it , that was a philosophy Betty lived by.
I'll carry the friendship we shared in my heart dear lady.
We enjoyed many walks, talks, trips and laughs.
Never to be forgotten,truly a great life to be celebrated.

Maeve Murphy

August 3, 2026

A very special lady, we will always remember.
Betty, RIP.

Glyn and Glenis

August 3, 2026

We always looked forward to Betty’s weekly emails. Sometimes, it was to tell us about the sunny, warm weather in Spain while it was minus 30 in Ottawa. She loved to rub it in! Other times, it was to tell us about the antics of Patch and Shadow. Her stories about her Friday nights with her friends were hilarious. After we teased her about something, we eagerly awaited her witty rejoinder. We already miss her and will think of her often.

Leo & Marilyn Cave

August 3, 2026

I first met Betty when we moved here 17 years ago but really got to know her 7 years later when we had our dog and used to meet her most mornings walking her dog Patch. She always had time for you and an interesting story or anecdote to tell. I always remember her saying that you see a lot of things others don't when you walk a dog and sometimes you don't know what you have seen! A strong resilient lady from an era where they lived through a lot the like of which we will never experience. I will miss her.

Pam Loraine

August 3, 2026

RIP Betty, Lovely memories of you living in La Noria. Very independent Lady, always refused lifts walking up from Lidl with her shopping.

Barbara and Bob ❤️❤️❤️

randbparry@ Icloud.com

August 3, 2026

First of all, can I just say how touched I was by reading the tribute, beautifully written. I first met the lovely Betty a few years ago, I was visiting my best friend Rocio at her parents house. I was in the pool, and Betty appeared and she was speaking with Rocio this is how I came to meet her I have to say I warmed to her straight away, it takes me awhile normally but not with Betty! Met her again for drinks up the road on the Friday, she definitely left an impression:) may she rest in peace and I’ll raise a glass or 2 in her honour!! Thanks Rocio for introducing me to this wonderful, funny lady!!

Mila Rouve

August 2, 2026

It's hard to add much to that great obituary, but I will miss Betty. She made me feel welcomed to Nerja and often invited me into her home or to sit outside with her. Although, sometimes it was hard to get away (lol)...

I appreciated her wry (no play on words intended) sense of humour and her zest for life. She inspired me to keep lugging those groceries uphill from Lidl (even in the summer heat). If Betty could do it, then surely I could too.

I will miss this dear soul as will many other family members and friends (including those with four legs or wings).

Never to be forgotten. Love you, Betty.

Valerie

August 2, 2026

It was an absolute privilege to have been part of Betty's, life in her final days, I got to witness her sense of humour, her devotion to her family and most of all a little glimpse into her life growing up...God bless you Betty, Thank you xx

Kim weller

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