Betty Fox, the mother of one of Canada's greatest heroes, has died in B.C.
Her family said she passed away "peacefully surrounded by love" early Friday morning.
"Betty was comfortable the last few weeks and months of her life, was always full of wit and rarely alone. Betty is now with Terry and joins other dear family members that predeceased her," a statement on the Terry Fox Foundation website reads.
The foundation said several weeks ago that she was terminally ill and in a hospice, but that reports suggesting she was suffering from cancer were unfounded.
For more than three decades, Betty Fox kept her son's cancer-fighting legacy alive by organizing runs, raising funds and playing a role in the opening of a foundation and research institute.
Her dedication to carrying on his work led her to be chosen as one of the high-profile Canadians to carry the flag into the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.
During the Jan. 11, 2011, unveiling of four bronze statues dedicated to Terry, she called for a museum where her son's journey could be preserved.
Anyone wishing to leave messages can contact:
- Email: bettyfoxmessages@gmail.com
- Regular post: C/O The Terry Fox Foundation National Office, Suite 303, 46167 Yale Road, Chilliwack, B.C. V2P 2P2
Donations to the Terry Fox Foundation can be made online here.
With files from The Canadian Press
