Elizabeth Giesler

Passed away at Promenade Residence in Orleans, on Wednesday, July 12, in her 83 ^rd year. Daughter of Albert George Giesler (1905-1991) and Gertrude Anne O'Neill (1906-2000), she was predeceased by husbands Douglas Gillan McGowan (1933-1973) and Roderick Edward MacDonald (1917-2013). Survived by Dr. Mark G. McGowan (Eileen Patrick) of Whitby, and Mary Elizabeth McGowan (Robert Starkey) of Ottawa, and nine grandchildren Erin Elizabeth (Rick Lea), Patrick, Brendan, Kathleen, & John-Francis McGowan; Matthew, Caitlin, Joshua, and Adam Starkey; and one great grandchild Róisín Elizabeth Lea. Also survived by two stepchildren Burns (Shauna) and Sandra MacDonald, and granddaughter Heather MacDonald. Betty Anne was born in Walkerton, Ontario, and served as an on air personality at CKNX Television in Wingham, Ontario. She was one of the original Romper Room hosts in western Ontario in the 1950s. When she and her family relocated to Ottawa she worked as a freelance broadcaster and was featured on CJOH and CBOT television. After 1975 she was a receptionist at Binks, Chilcott, & Simpson, an Ottawa law firm, where she was loved and admired for her professionalism. She was an avid traveller and had visited over thirty-five countries on five continents. She was also an active bridge player and loved by her many friends for her quick wit and great sense of fun. She will be sorely missed by the surviving members of the Bells Corners "Bridge Marathon." She was also a devout Catholic and for over 50 years was an active member of St. Martin de Porres Parish in Nepean, where she served variously as lector, choir member, Eucharistic minister, finance council member, and member of the CWL. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, July 19, at the Tubman Funeral Home, 3440 Richmond Road, at 1-3 and 6-8 pm, with Mass of the Resurrection being celebrated at St. Martin de Porres Church, at 3891 Old Richmond Road, Thursday, July 20, at 11 am. The family would like to thank Dr. Vincent and his palliative care team and all of the workers at Promenade Residence, who made her final weeks comfortable and memorable. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Shepherds of Good Hope.