Obituary of Elizabeth Jean Ames

Elizabeth Jean (Betty) Ames, 87, Canton, NY.

On April 13, 2018, we said goodbye to our mother, grandmother, aunt and dear friend, Betty Ames. Betty died as she lived, with an impressive, yet quiet, inner strength and love for her family and friends. Betty was born on March 11, 1931 to Herb and Winnie (Barr) Eggleson. She held fond memories of growing up on the family dairy farm on State Street Road, Canton, with her brother Herbie. She attended primary school in a one-room schoolhouse located on the Morley-Potsdam Road. The walk was a three mile round trip, but broken up in the winter with exciting toboggan rides down the steep hills between home and school.

Later, she attended the old Canton High School while staying with her Grandmother Mina Eggleson on Crescent Street. It was then that she met her life’s love, Robert Arthur (Bob) Ames. The young couple’s photo and keepsakes from their first date still hang on her wall today, over 70 years later. They went through life’s journey much like they danced, with Betty often kicking off her shoes so the two could glide and twirl across the floor seemingly as one. Their love never wavered, even in the 11 years since Bob’s death. During her last days, Betty confided in family that she could feel Bob’s warm embrace as she slept in her hospital bed. They are finally together once again.

As a mother of six, a grandmother of 17, and great grandmother of 21, Betty’s most significant gift to us was her unconditional love that made each of us feel like her favorite. She was always accepting and never judgmental. Betty offered advice in an unassuming manner with no expectation that it would be acted upon. As a result, it was easy to turn to her for guidance and her impact upon our lives is tremendous. Her children, Nancy (Mark) Brown, Robert (Patricia) Ames, Michael (Lisa) Ames, Colleen (Dale) Grant, Patrick (Heidi) Ames, and Tricia (Michael) Beaudoin, will miss her very much. While raising the family, Betty also worked at Canton Central School and retired as the Elementary School Cafeteria Manager.

In recent years, Betty drew great strength from her network of close friends. She actively participated with the Canton Seniors, traveling the country at all hours of the day and night. She was dedicated to both the Breast Cancer and Alzheimer’s Support Groups, co-facilitating the later for 10 years. As a four-time cancer survivor herself and a woman whose loved one was affected by Alzheimer’s, Betty felt it important to share her experiences and encouragement with those who needed it most. She was also a proud volunteer at the United Helper’s Maplewood Campus, and while she never lived there she considered it a bit of a second home. She was communicant of St. Mary’s in Canton and a member of the Widow’s Support Group through St. Mary’s. In her spare time, she knitted hats, sweaters and blankets for the Birthplace at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital. In 25 years’ time, thousands of babies left the Birthplace adorned with handmade items made by Betty Ames.

A mass of christian burial will be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 10:30 am at St. Mary's Church, Canton with Rev. Bryan Stitt as celebrant.  Burial will be held privately in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Canton.

A time of food and fellowship will follow the service at Sergi’s, where memories may be shared with the family.

Memorial contributions are suggested to:  Alzheimer’s Association (Northern Region), St. Lawrence County Cancer Fund or to Maplewood Campus Activities Fund.

Betty’s care and arrangements have been entrusted to Lawrence Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Canton.  Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.lawrencefuneralhome.org