Cannon, Elizabeth (Betty) Main, 87, lived one last wonderful day on Thursday, November 13th, 2014. Betty was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts to Theodore and Marion Main. Betty was a New Englander at heart but became a Californian in her soul.
Always on the forefront of change, she moved to Florida in the late '50's and obtained a job in the emerging space industry. There, she met the love of her life, John Cannon Sr. John, a native Californian, graduate of USC and missile pioneer was working in Florida as an aerospace engineer. John and Betty married and moved to the Golden State and made it their home. In 1962 they found their dream home in the emerging suburb of Tustin and for the next 52 years Betty raised her children, volunteered for numerous organizations, grew an extensive network of friends and neighbors and became an essential pillar of her community. Her laughter, smile and generous conversation always made people feel comfortable and welcome.
Betty will be best remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was predeceased by her husband, John. Betty is survived by her sons, Frederic, John (Lisa Grandmaison) and Paul (Margaret Fletcher), and eight grandchildren: Hunter, Davis, Jacqueline, Eliza, Grace, Patrick, Stephen and Timothy.
"Non Ministrari sed Ministrare," Not to be ministered unto, but to minister - Wellesley Motto
Betty's life was one with purpose. Art and volunteerism was essential to Betty's life. She was a proud member of the Wellesley University Class of '49. She loved all her many friends, the Arts and the volunteer work which filled her days. She served for several years as the South Coast Wellesley Club president. She was a 48 year member with the Santa Ana/Tustin Committee of The Philharmonic Society of Orange County. Other groups that Betty enjoyed her relationship with included Chapter RA, P.E.O., Assistance League of Santa Ana~Life member, Daughter of the American Revolution, Chapman Town & Gown and the Tustin Area Historical Society. Betty was a member of Trinity United Presbyterian Church. Betty was also a very artistic person. Her creative side was seen in her various artistic endeavors from paintings, to her gardening, to support of the arts through Bowers Museum and as original supporter of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Memorial Service will be held Friday, November 21, 11:00AM at Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 13922 Prospect Ave., Santa Ana. A Celebration of Betty's Life Reception will follow the memorial.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to any one of the many philanthropic groups Betty was active with or to the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. Betty established a summer camp scholarship fund in memory of her parents, and grandparents at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. The scholarship is awarded to a Holderness elementary school student who has an interest in natural science. Donations may be made to: "The Main Scholarship Fund", Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, PO Box 173, Holderness, NH 03245.
