Betty Lois Thomas

Betty Lois Thomas died peacefully at home on October 22, 2017 with her four girls at her bedside. Born in Halifax on January 14, 1926, she was the daughter of Gordon Stanley Kinley and Dora Eaton Johnson. She was blessed with a long, rewarding and meaningful life. A short and difficult period of declining health at the end of her life did not destroy her spirit, nor her sense of humour.

Betty was predeceased by her parents, her brother Gordon (Jack) and her devoted husband Charles Archibald (Arch) Thomas. She is survived by her daughters and their families; Lynn (Fred) Baechler, Sydney Forks; Pat Thomas, Hubbards; Peggy (Glenn) Dunbar, Halifax; and Joy (Gary) Morgan, Halifax; grandchildren, Jenny, Katie and Thomas Baechler, Scott, Andrew and Morgan MacKinnon, and Jamie and Matt Dunbar, nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews (Jack's children).

Mom was a lifelong member of the Waegwoltic Club where she honed her swimming skills, instructed and developed long lasting friendships. She graduated from Acadia University where she led the Varsity swim team, met her beloved Arch and many good friends she held dear to the end of her life. Mom led by example, with her four daughters all graduating from Acadia as well. She was the centre of our frequent family events and was our 'go to' person for family history (both Mom and Dad's). She was our guiding light. Her friends and neighbours including the 'birthday girls' were important to her, contributing to her busy life associated with various activities in the church, Ward 5 Neighbourhood Centre, IODE, bridge groups, exercise classes, Elder Learners, volunteering and travelling. She will be dearly missed by her family.

Visitation will be held at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive from 2-4 and 7-9 pm, October 26, 2017; funeral at 11:00 am First Baptist Church, Halifax, October 27, 2017; reception to follow. Interment will be in the Robie Street Cemetery, Truro, following the reception. We would like to thank Dr. Ruth Turner for her excellent and compassionate care of our mother. To VON nurse Amy Melanson and EHS staff who were there to help with Mom's comfort and to support us, we offer heartfelt thanks. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.

“The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord be gracious unto you, the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:22-26