On November 23rd, 2021, Georgina Gladys Betts gently left this earth and returned home to our Heavenly Father at the age of 90.
Born October 24th, 1931, she was the daughter of goodly parents, George Watt and Muriel (Redmond) Watt.
Georgina is survived by her brother, Bob Watt (Eva Jenkins); daughters, Cathy (LaDell Rose) and Diane (Carl MacKinnon); son, Stephen Anderson, as well as daughters from later in life, Pauline (Donnie MacLean), Elaine (Martin Hall), Irene Betts, Lorraine (Eddy MacDonald), Kathleen (Allan MacMillan) and Robin (Stephen Beaton) and lovingly referred to a daughter #9, Cindy (Paul Garbutt). She was also blessed with and thrilled to know her 18 grandkids and 30 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Georgina was predeceased by the Love of her Life, Tunney Betts on May 16, 2014 and her son, Richard Anderson in 1991, as well as her sister, Esta Cameron and brother, Everett Watt.
What words can be used to describe our mother who loved and cherished us so dearly and impacted so many others with her loving and giving ways? Raising us as a single mom for so many years, taking in sewing or doing crocheting to earn funds, going back to school and obtaining bookkeeping, then her work in insurance for 25 years to support her family in the early 70’s when moms didn’t do that, showed what a trailblazing and independent woman she was.
Taking us around the Cabot Trail on Thanksgiving weekends to eat a full turkey dinner under the colourful canopy of leaves created many memories of good times, except the first trip when the propane stove broke and the campfire accidently got tipped into by some very busy boys dumping our dinner into the ashes, resulting in a long, quiet drive home and cold turkey sandwiches later that evening for supper. Subsequent trips were much more enjoyable and a family tradition for years.
Mom would help so many from, bringing meals, to babysitting, to moving in when others went away to mind children or dogs and even horses. She always found a way to help and show others they were cared for and loved.
Georgina was active in her church and played the organ for over 50 years until her arthritis demanded a change. She participated and led organizations for children, youth, and women, many times driving a van full of youth to one activity or another across eastern Canada and the US. Mom had an incredible ability to make friends with anyone she met and those who were blessed enough to know her, even in passing, have been touched by her love.
Late in life she married Tunney Betts and they spent 12 wonderful years together before his passing, driving twice across Canada and the US in their 70s and hiked from the Rockies to Gros Morne. They so enjoyed their Volkswagen Camper that they had imported from Germany, doing many day trips just to take in the countryside and have a delightful picnic and time together.
After Tunney’s passing, mom took on volunteer work at the Red Cross, sometimes working 20 hours a week in her late 80s and thoroughly enjoyed the support she could assist in providing to the community, as well associating with the staff on site.
Much gratitude to the staff of City Homemakers, Golden Girls and Home Instead who took such amazing care of mom and enabled her to stay home where she wanted to be. Thanks, as well, to the VON and Continuing Care teams and a special thanks to the most incredible Palliative Care staff whose compassion and kindness helped her final days to be more peaceful and comfortable.
Funeral services will held on Monday, November 29th at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 230 Evergreen Drive, Tanglewood. Covid-19 protocols are in effect. Proof of double vaccination, ID and masks are mandatory.
Donations in Mom’s memory may be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Georgina Gladys Betts 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia