Isobel 'Betty' Frances (Schiarizza) Cavers

CAVERS, ISOBEL FRANCES (BETTY): passed peacefully into everlasting life, in her 96th year, at Kawartha Heights Retirement Residence, Peterborough, on February 8, 2026, with loving family members by her side.

The youngest of ten children, Betty was born on November 14, 1930, to Francis and Concetta Schiarizza (nee Ferantonio). Betty was educated at St. Mary’s Convent School and St. Peter’s High School.  Betty went on to study nursing at St. Josephs School of Nursing, Peterborough.  A graduate of the Class of 1952, Betty won the award for the Highest Standing.

Betty married Norman Cavers on May 5, 1956. Together they had three children: Catherine, Alan and Carolyn.

Betty enjoyed a thirty-eight-year career in nursing at St. Joseph’s General Hospital, Peterborough. During that time, thirty-two years were spent in Paediatrics, twenty of those years as Head Nurse. She then spent six years in Orthopaedics. She was truly admired and respected by the staff, patients, and families she encountered while at “St. Joe’s”. Betty retired from nursing in April 1990.

In retirement, Betty took advantage of many opportunities to travel, to enjoy new hobbies, and to serve others at home and abroad. With her close friend and colleague, Marg Tunney, Betty made 15 trips as a volunteer with Jamaica Self Help, working in clinics in impoverished areas of Jamaica. Betty served two years on the Board of Directors for Activity Haven, Peterborough. She proudly volunteered her time as “nurse-on-duty” at the AH Diners Club.  For her service with Activity Haven, Betty received a Community Betterment Award from the City of Peterborough on June 5, 2012.

In her spare time, Betty learned how to play bridge, took her first swimming lessons, and stayed fit through line dancing, shuffleboard, and brisk evening walks with neighbours and friends. Betty was an avid gardener, an excellent cook, a lover of books, and, most importantly, she was a very proud and doting grandmother and great-grandmother.

Betty will be remembered as a gentle woman of grace, joy and humility.  Through her sincere devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary, Betty always managed to accept life’s challenges with courage and a smile. Her children will always treasure the depth of her love, care, and protection for each of them.

Betty is survived by her children: Catherine (Brian)Dykeman, Alan (Carol) Cavers, and Carolyn (Paul) Shea.

Her grandchildren: Tim (Amy) Shea, Tara (Jason) Russo, Emily (Michael) Brandt, Jennifer (Trevor) Snider, Laura (Tim) Gilroy), and Michael Cavers (Stefano Federici).

Her Great-Grandchildren:  Allison and Jacob Russo, Aidan Shea, Madelyn Gilroy, and Andrew Snider.

And many nieces and nephews.

Betty is predeceased by her parents, Francis and Concetta Schiarizza.  Her husband, Norman Cavers.

Her siblings: Theresa (Ed) Ridley, Hazel (Joe) Marino, Helen (Leo) English, Ann (Bill) Gannon, Mary (Jack) Marchen, Tony (Pat) Schiarizza, Grace (Stephen) Strauch, Phyllis (Bill) Holroyd, and Ernie Schiarizza.

Her great-granddaughter, Olivia Grace Shea.

The Cavers Family would like to take this opportunity to express appreciation to:

The Staff of Kawartha Heights Retirement Residence especially:  Lori, Dianne, Tammy, Michelle, Danielle, Anjana, Harpreet, Salika, Viola, Opi, Ayo, Grace and Karen.

St. Elizabeth Nursing Staff: Tyler, Tasha, Christina, Raven.  

Thank you for taking such good care of Betty but especially through the last weeks of her life.

God bless you.

 Visitation will take place at Highland Park Funeral Centre, 2510 Bensfort Road, Peterborough, Monday, February 16, 2026, from 2:00-5:00 pm. with Parish Prayers at 2:00pm

Funeral Mass will be held at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains, 411 Reid Street, Peterborough, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10:30 am. Reverend Thomas Lynch, Officiating. Cremation to follow.

A Reception in Betty’s honour will take place following Mass in the Bishop Doyle Hall, located directly across the road from the Cathedral

Interment will take place at St. Peter’s Cemetery at later date.

In memory of Betty, and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, or the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.

Please say a prayer or offer a Mass for the repose of Betty’s soul.    

May Betty rest in peace.