Obituary of Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Shaheen

With broken hearts we announce the passing of Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Shaheen (née MacInnis) on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at the NHS-Welland Site. Betty was 78 years old. She has been reunited with her parents Joseph and Margaret (née Moore), her sister Julia and her husband Richard "Rick" (1998). Betty was a devoted mother to Melissa Hampson (Frank) and Dale Shaheen (Jen), and a cherished Gramy to Zachary, Alexandra, Derek, Skylar and Alora. She will be missed by her siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends, especially her lifetime friend Joan, who is beyond devastated. Her fur-grandbaby Vincent feels her absence as he stares at her empty chair.

Betty had a deep love for life’s simple pleasures: a thoughtful gift, a good Hallmark movie, and of course — lobster. Every year on her birthday, she celebrated with her favorite meal, either by going out or enjoying a lovingly prepared lobster dinner made by her son Dale. A proud and caring mother to Dale and Melissa, Betty filled their childhoods with warmth, humour, and home-cooked meals. Her lasagna, cabbage rolls, and the legendary dish known in the family as “Friggup” remain cherished memories. She baked with love — especially for Melissa, who received a homemade carrot cake every birthday without fail.

Throughout, their childhood and teen years, she was often found in arenas showing support at hockey games and figure skating competitions and later on at baseball games and theatrical productions for her grandchildren.

Betty had an innocent sarcasm and quick wit that made her a joy to be around. She took pride in how she presented herself, always matching her outfits — even if she was just puttering around the house. She was often complimented on her youthful skin, and more than once, strangers mistook her and Melissa for sisters. Whether she was tending to her flowers and vegetables in the garden, playing bingo, or surprising loved ones with thoughtful gifts, Betty gave generously of her time and heart. She volunteered for many years with Out Of The Cold, often missing her own family Christmas dinners to give back to her community. Her sense of humour, her warmth, and the traditions she created will live on in her family’s stories and hearts.

To the Nurses and Doctors in the Welland ICU and dialysis unit, we say thank you for your work and your compassion. Your kindness was unmatched. To Dr. Qawi, Dr. Quinn and Briar, we thank you for your work and the care you provided.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of Betty's life will be held on Wednesday, September 10 from 4-8 pm at the Legion on George St. in St. Catharines.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Essentials Cremation and Burial Services in Welland.

If desired, donations in Betty's memory may be made to Start Me Up Niagara and would be appreciated by her family.