The Almonte General Hospital family is mourning the loss of a committed community
volunteer. Elizabeth “Betty” Preston passed away on Wednesday, January 4th,
leaving a legacy of caring at Almonte General Hospital (AGH), Fairview Manor
(FVM), and our Foundation.
“Betty was an enthusiastic supporter of AGH as a Board
member on both the hospital and foundation boards and as a volunteer in the
Pharmacy Department,” notes Mary Wilson Trider, President and CEO. “She
had tremendous energy, a great sense of humour and never met a problem
that she didn't believe could be solved. Her positive attitude was
contagious. We will miss her. Our condolences to her husband Ernie and
her family and friends.”
Betty was elected to the Hospital Board in June of 2008 and completed a nine-year
term ending in June 2017. Betty served on various Board Committees, including
Quality and Human Resources. She served as the Hospital
Board representative on the Ottawa Valley Family Health Team (OVFHT)
Board. Betty also volunteered regularly in the Pharmacy Department.
Betty was then
elected to the Foundation Board in June 2017. She was active on the Governance
Committee, the “Put Yourself in the Picture” Campaign Committee, the Spring
Dance Committee and the Run for Women’s Health.
“Betty was always
willing to help with any event and she regularly and happily made Board thank
you calls to donors and supporters,” notes Al Roberts, Managing Director of the
Almonte General Hospital Fairview Manor Foundation. “Betty and
her husband Ernie have been donors to the Foundation for almost 20 years and
proud members of the Circle of Friends monthly donors club for seven years. She
will be missed.”
In November 2021, the AGH FVM Foundation recognized Betty’s dedication
with the Bert McIntyre Memorial Award for Volunteerism. The award honoured her volunteer service and history of giving of her
time, talent and treasure. At the presentation, Former Hospital Board Chair
Paul Virgin noted: “A well-deserved honour. Your voice
around the hospital board table was always listened to and respected. Your
questions and comments were always well thought out and considered by your
colleagues. You will forever be known as a lady of courage and commitment. Well
done.”
To honour Betty and her dedication to our patients and residents, the
flag at Almonte General Hospital is at half-mast.
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