It is with great sadness, that we, the family of Margaret Elizabeth Richardson, announce her passing on Friday, February 11, 2022, at Maple Hill Manor, New Waterford.
Born January 4, 1929, in Sydney, she was the daughter of the late Carl and Margaret (Martel) Colborne.
Following her childhood in Mira Gut, Betty moved to Sydney and later, with her husband Calvin, settled first in Whitney Pier then South Bar to raise their family. Her original home in Mira Gut became their summer destination, where Betty could often be found on the beach or at the river, surrounded by her children and later her grandchildren, acting as swimming instructor/lifeguard and sand castle expert. Betty also served as the Chief Baker of the family, always ensuring everyone’s favorite desserts were available for special occasions, especially when it came to pies at Christmas.
After a career as a bookkeeper for a local automobile dealership, Betty was able to enjoy even more quality time with her grandchildren, helping them with crafts or puzzles and teaching them to play her lifelong favorite board and card games until they got good enough to beat her … almost. She had a special connection with her grandchildren, leaving them with wonderful memories and lots of “Nana” stories to tell.
When it came to card games, Canasta was a particular favorite for Betty, and eventually an annual family tournament became a new holiday season tradition (and she became the rules official!). Betty also loved to follow her favorite sports–the most favorite of which was curling. In addition to watching on TV, she was able to attend a number of events live, including the 2015 Brier in Halifax, and most recently, the 2019 Scotties in Sydney, which took place not long after her 90th birthday celebration.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Jean Borden, Summerside, PE and Joyce, Sydney; sons, Brian (Anne-Marie), New Waterford and Alan (Denise), Mira Gut; grandchildren, Stephen (Tanya), Shannon (Nick), Shelley (Dale), B. J. (Jesslyn), Kathryn (Tom), Jesse, Sean (Sarah Beth), Jaclyn (Andy), Megan, Kaylen (Jochen) and Morgan (Aneek); great-grandchildren, Alicia (Jeremy), Rebecca, Logan, Nathaniel, Felix, Violet, Livia, Abigail, and Mira; great-great granddaughter, Gracie; and brother, Robert “Bob” (Betty), Lower Sackville.
Betty was predeceased by her husband, Calvin; daughter, Marilyn Fuller; sister, Muriel McPherson; and brothers, Gordon and Donald.
The family would like to express our appreciation and thanks to the staff at Maple Hill Manor/ Acadia House for their professionalism and kindness shown to Betty. We are extremely grateful for the safe and caring home she enjoyed there this past 2 ½ years.
There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held in Sydney Memorial Chapel on Friday, February 18 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Kevin Richardson officiating. The service can be viewed on Facebook Live by visiting the Sydney Memorial Chapel Facebook page. Following the funeral, family will greet relatives and friends at a reception in St. Theresa’s church hall, 285 St. Peters Rd, Sydney. Interment will take place in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens at a later date. Covid-19 protocols are in effect. Double vaccination, ID and masks are mandatory.
Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
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 Margaret Elizabeth Betty Richardson 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia