Betty (Elizabeth Jane) Donaldson, a longtime resident of Montreal, Fredericton, and, most recently, Moncton, died Monday, August 15th, in Moncton.
Born in 1931 in Shawinigan, Quebec, Betty was the daughter of John and Alice (MacLaren) Gibbs. Betty went to the Compton School for Girls (Bishops) before settling in Montreal. In 1955, she married Major Frank (Francis A. G.) Donaldson of London, England.
Betty raised three sons with Frank in Montreal West and entered the workforce in 1972, working at various firms, including as business manager at Selwyn House School in Westmount. During her years in Montreal, she was also known as a keen organizer of antique sales. As well, she was active in the Quebec Celiac Association and, after moving to Fredericton in 1982, the New Brunswick Celiac Association.
Betty enjoyed life and pursued many activities – from travelling the globe to car rally racing as a member of ‘The Widows’. She was an avid bridge player, crossword puzzle aficianado, and also indulged in many board games. For several years, Betty ran the spelling bee on Squirrel Island, Maine, and once managed to eliminate the editor of the Sunday New York times in the first round, to the great amusement of the audience.
One of Betty’s great loves was reading. She read extensively, introduced her sons to a love of reading, and could often be found in the local library in Montreal checking out books for Frank, her sons, and herself. She later shared that love with her granddaughters. When visiting the family cottage on Squirrel Island, Betty was often found in the Davenport Library, operating it for many years as the off-season librarian.
Betty was always an advocate for those in need, and after moving to New Brunswick, served for a time as Executive Director of the Fredericton Emergency Shelter.
She also loved cats and dogs and had them as pets much of her life.
Betty’s family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care of staff at ProTem Health Services, 77 Gorge Road, where she spent her final years.
She is survived by her sons Roy (Toronto) and his wife, Cristina; Bruce (Calgary); and Keith (Moncton) and his wife, Cathy. She is also survived by her two beloved granddaughters, Sarah and Sidney. Betty will also be missed by her extended family in Montreal and in Cumbria, England.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s name may be made to the Squirrel Island Library, c/o PO Box 85 Boothbay Harbor, Maine, 04538, or your local library.

Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Elizabeth Donaldson
May 6, 1931 – August 15, 2016.source

avis deces Elizabeth Donaldson
May 6, 1931 – August 15, 2016- avis mortuaire Elizabeth Donaldson
May 6, 1931 – August 15, 2016