Elizabeth « Betty » Anne Wilson
1939-2021
SALIBURY, NB – Elizabeth « Betty » Anne
Wilson 82, of Salisbury passed away peacefully at the Rexton Lions
Nursing Home in Rexton on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. Born in
Second North River, she was the daughter of the late Walter Roy
Beckwith and late Elizabeth Jennie Reade.
Betty grew up on a farm in Second North River, NB.
She worked tirelessly on the homestead and learned how to harness and
drive the team of work horses at a young age. She often spoke fondly
of driving the horses far over the fields to get the hay and she even
took care of a few retired race horses later in life. Betty was a true
horse whisperer.
Betty was recruited from Oulton’s business college
while she was still working on her diploma and after graduating, she
immediately went to work for Imperial Tobacco in
Moncton.
Betty and Trueman married in 1958 and started their family in
Salisbury. They planted a big garden and Betty preserved everything
she possibly could, along with making deer meat, smelts, trout, and a
side of beef go as far as possible. She, with Trueman, made
sure the kids had a rink in the yard, lots of free time outdoors, took
them camping and spent many hours playing sports with their kids in
the yard.
In 1971 they packed up the kids and went to Menominee,
Wisconsin so Trueman could finish his Masters degree. While there,
Betty applied for a school bus driving position. With absolutely no
bus driving experience of any kind, she drove a short route with the
boss. He did not hesitate and said she was hired. When the family
returned from the USA after a year, Betty became one of the first
female school bus drivers in New Brunswick…perhaps even the
first. She loved to drive and could confidently drive
anything. She was always the driver for her sisters on their
annual Christmas shopping trip to Bangor…many times in less
than ideal conditions. She even won the Powder Puff at the Riverglade
Speedway in her first race.
Betty was heavily involved in her community as a leader in
the Salisbury Recreation Council and the Salisbury Badminton Club. She
coached a number of young Badminton players over the years with some
going on to be provincial and Atlantic Champions. She
excelled in many sports including golf, hockey, softball and won
maritime championships in badminton and even attended the National
Championships in Winnipeg one
year.
Most of all, Betty was a dedicated mother. She
strongly supported and encouraged her children in all of their
endeavours, across the country and across borders. From proudly
attending Shelley’s Masters graduation in Maine to cheering
on (and betting on) Shane’s race horses at various venues,
to supporting Stacy at numerous hockey tournaments, Betty was always
present for her children. Betty also thoroughly enjoyed following the
activities of her grandchildren, supporting and cheering them on in
person whenever she could. She loved them and their visits and always
wanted to have their favourite food on hand.
Betty will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by her
children Shane (Debbie), Shelley, Stacy (Josette), her grandchildren
Regan, Colin, Hayley, Daniel and Timothy, her siblings Doug (Linda),
Marg Hoar, Elaine (Max) Lewis, Faye (Robin) Dunn, and Roger (Faye),
along with brother-in-law Freddie (Winnie) Wilson, sister-in-law Carol
MacDonald and many nieces, nephews and
friends.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband,
Trueman Townsend Wilson; her son-in-law Rick, brother-in-law Al,
brother-in-law Lee and niece Nora.
The family would like to thank Darlene Pye for the support
she provided to Betty and the family. In addition the family
would like to sincerely thank all of the staff at the Rexton Lions
Nursing Home for the exceptional care and caring that they provided to
Mom during her stay.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held on
Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Thompson’s Funeral
Home Chapel in Richibucto.
Due to COVID-19 regulations, a maximum of 50 people at
Betty’s celebration of life is requested by the
family. Masks are mandatory and we ask that social
distancing be respected. Betty’s celebration of life will be
streamed live on Thompson’s Funeral Home Facebook page.
Arrangements are under the professional care of
Thompson’s Funeral Home in Richibucto
(523-4252).
19392021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Elizabeth Betty Anne Wilson 19392021..
Décès pour la Ville: Richibucto, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick