Elizabeth Anne Maloney

Born in Halifax in June 1932, the daughter of the late Edward and Helen Baillie, she attended St Thomas Aquinas School and Mount St Vincent Academy. She moved to St John’s in 1948 and with schooldays behind her, she started out in the working world as a secretary in the Department of Welfare. Her marriage to Brian Maloney in 1952 was the beginning of a happy marriage that recently marked the 63d Anniversary.

In 1963, she and Brian moved back to Halifax with their five children. All five children attended the same school as their mother, and Bette spent many years as a member of the same CWL as her mother, serving twice as president. Bette made many friends in those years when her children were young and was active in bridge clubs and volunteer work. When the demands of her children lessened, she returned to St Mary’s University and earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree. Shortly after, she joined Westmount School as a Library Assistant, a position she enjoyed for ten years leaving with fond memories of the students and staff. Two special friendships formed during those years withstood the test of time as she, Monica and Jean got together several times annually to celebrate their birthdays and other special occasions.

Despite her declining health in recent years, Bette maintained a wonderful sense of humour. She never complained and always co-operated with the health care workers who came daily to attend to her personal needs. In response to the inquiry as to how she was feeling she usually replied “I’m better now that you’re here”. She made the same response to the hospital staff who cared for her in her last weeks.

The family is grateful to all those who made Bette’s last days so comfortable. She was delighted to see her sisters, Nancy and Helen who traveled from California and Oakville to spend time with her. We are especially grateful to Shirley Williams who spent the last few years making sure that Bette was comfortable at home. The doctors, nursing staff and chaplain at the QEII made sure her last days were dignified and peaceful.

Bette is survived by her husband, Brian; children, Kathy (Bill Fraser), Brian (Myrna), Anne (Ray Wagner), David (Mary) and Bob. She leaves twelve grandchildren, Mary Beth (John Suriano), Jennifer (Pat Murphy), Lisa, Laura, Jack, Mary Kate, Brian, Matthew, Maria , Kaitlyn, Christopher and Patrick and three great grandchildren, William, Cameron and Felix. She was predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Mary and her brother, Jack.

Our family lost a beautiful person this week but she will live forever in the hearts and memories of her husband, children, grand, and great grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be held at St Thomas Aquinas Canadian Martyrs Church, 1725 Oxford St. on Saturday, March 12, at 11 am. Reception in the Church Hall immediately following the Mass. Visitation at Snow’s Funeral Home, Lacewood Drive on March 11th from 5 to 8 pm. If desired, a donation to St. Thomas Aquinas Canadian Martyrs Parish or a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.