Obituary of Simone (Bettens) Hayes
Simone Yvonne (Bettens) Hayes
97, Glace Bay
We remember with joy the long and well lived life of Simone Yvonne (Bettens) Hayes who passed away peacefully on Christmas Day at Victoria Haven Nursing Home.
Simone was born in Dadizele, Belgium on March 30 1921. On February 10, 1928 at the age of six, she came to Canada with her mother Zoe Bettens, sisters Bertha and Paula. They sailed from Antwerp on the Red Star Line SS ARABIC. They arrived in Halifax at Pier 21 nine days later. From there they boarded the train to Sydney and met up with their father Henry Bettens who came to Canada earlier to set up residence for his family in Glace Bay.
Simone was a member of St. Anthony Parish. She was president of their St. Anne Sodality; and presided over many of their Fallfairs.
Simone was a guide leader in St. Anthony’s Girl Guides of Canada; and took the guides to summer camp in various locations in Cape Breton. Under her guidance many of the guides received their gold cord.
Simone also attended several world-wide Guide jamboreesincluding Expo 67. Her most proud jamboree was her final one -held on the Mira location which is now Two Rivers Wildlife Park
Simone was involved with the Children’s Aid Society for many years and was foster mother to a number of children. Theresa, Shirley and Hector maintained a close relationship with her; and still refer to her as ‘mom’.
Simone is survived by three children Bernard (Agnes Deceased) Sydney, Irene (Robert deceased) Halifax and Gordon (Sharon) Glace Bay; brother John “Jack” (Catherine) Bettens Glace Bay; sisters Suzanne MacQuarrie and Agnes MacPherson; sister-in-law Andrea Bettens all of Glace Bay; foster children Theresa (Al) Gallant Glace Bay and Shirley Delveechio Halifax; and good friend Eddie Hillier. She is also survived by eightgrandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Simone was predeceased by her husband Bernard Hayes in 2003, granddaughter Valerie Marie Hayes, daughters-in-law Druscillia MacPherson; sisters Bertha and Paula; brother Frank; brothers-in-law Pius, William “Yum”, Tom and Allan.
Simone spent many summers on the Mira where family and friends were always welcome. She loved to bake and was noted for her bread, date squares and pork pies; which she shared with family and friends –especially at Christmas time. The family wishes to thank the professionals and staff of Victoria Haven Nursing Home for taking care of our mother while she was a resident there, Also a Special Thank you to Dr Gordon Spencer for the amazing care he gave to our mother.
There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under thecare and direction of Curry’s Funeral Home 849-7617. Funeral Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated Saturday 10am in Holy Cross Church with Father Norman MacPhee presiding.Interment will take place at a later date.
Family flowers only. Donations in Simone’s memory are suggested to the Diabetes Association, the Cancer Society or charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.currysfuneralhome.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Simone
Yvonne
Bettens Hayes Tuesday December 25 2018..
Death notice for the town of: Glace-Bay, Province: Nova Scotia