Betty Lou Hume, a longtime volunteer with the Ontario Numismatic Association (ONA) and a familiar, welcoming presence at coin shows for decades, died peacefully on Jan. 17, 2026. She was 86. Married to Todd Hume for 69 years, she was widely respected within the numismatic community for her quiet dedication, warmth and willingness to help wherever needed.
Although she officially joined the ONA as a spouse member (S2256), Betty and her husband were active at ONA conventions for many years prior to her formal membership. She devoted countless volunteer hours to the association and was recognized in 2011 with the Fellow of the Ontario Numismatic Association (FONA) award for her long service. In more recent years, she continued volunteering in the kitchen at Niagara/ONA coin shows, remaining engaged with the hobby well into her later years.
Betty was also well known beyond Ontario, having been active in coin clubs in both Ontario and New Brunswick. In 2017, The Ontario Numismatist featured Todd and Betty Hume’s 60th wedding anniversary, which was celebrated within numismatic circles through the issuance of commemorative wooden medals, or “woods,” marking both their marriage and their shared involvement in the hobby.
Born Betty Lou Fredsberg, she is survived by her husband, Todd; her three children; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren, with another expected later this year. Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held later in the year. A more detailed remembrance of Betty Hume’s life and contributions to the hobby will appear in an upcoming issue of Canadian Coin News.