Betty Barkey (born Mitchell) quietly passed away on Friday, January 2nd, 2026, just before turning 86, at Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital in Orillia, Ontario.
She was the daughter of Donald Mitchell and Rachel Mac Arthur (both have since passed). Betty came into the world at Elgin Station, Ontario and grew up on a farm in Argyle. Later on, her family moved to Garson where her dad worked at the Garson Mine. Eventually, they settled down in Orillia where Betty was raised alongside her sister Joyce (who also predeceased her).
Betty did really well in school and graduated from Orillia Collegiate and Vocational Institute (ODCVI) in 1955. She was active with the Canadian Red Cross Society and participated in church groups during her younger years.
On February 22nd, 1958, Betty married Robert Barkey and they made their home in Orillia. She started working at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) in October 1961 and climbed the ranks from teller up to savings manager over time. Alongside her career, she and Robert raised two kids-a daughter named Lorraine and a son Stephen (who sadly died earlier)-on a small farm just outside Orillia. Betty really loved farm life and enjoyed caring for their dogs and other animals. After 33 years at RBC, she retired on September 1st, 1994.
Later on, Betty and Robert sold their farm and moved to Severn. There she enjoyed spending time with neighbours Scott, Karen, Teri-and especially their dogs Taco and Bandit whom she adored.
Betty had such a great sense of humor mixed with kindness and deep faith that brightened everyone’s day. Her smile was infectious; family gatherings always included some of her favorite homemade dishes served warmly around the table.
She leaves behind her husband of nearly seven decades Robert; their daughter Lorraine (her partner Peter has also passed); grandchildren Sarah (with Alex), Michelle as well as Matthew (with Hannah); great-grandkids Abel & Odin; plus nephews Douglas (married to Laura), Rick (Chris) & Kevin (Qing).
Friends can visit with family Friday January ninth at Simcoe Funeral Home located at thirty-eight James Street East here in Orillia starting from eleven AM until service time noon sharp inside chapel followed by reception afterward. Burial will happen next door at St Andrew’s-St James’ Cemetery after reception ends. Donations may be made if wished either toward Canadian Cancer Society or Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle through www. simcoefuneralhome. ca where condolences can also be shared.
