Betty Jane Tucker (nee McBride)

Family and friends mourn the passing of Betty Tucker on Friday September 16th, 2016, a short time after she celebrated her 85th birthday. Her final days were peaceful, at the home she loved in St. Catharines where she was able to gaze on her gardens and pool and listen to her favourite music. Supported by her two cherished daughters Suzanne and Kim and her in-laws Erna McBride and Donna and Bob Tucker as she faced her illness as she faced life: with acceptance and resilience. Over the summer Kim and Suzanne shared fantastic quality time with their mum with day trips to Niagara, the always popular Cows Ice Cream Parlour, visiting the old cottage neighbourhood in Niagara-on–the-Lake, the Locks and even going clothes shopping in Thorold.

Betty’s family has deep roots in St. Catharines and it was her home for her lifetime – from high school and sorority to work and family. Her parents, John and Bessie McBride and brother Jack loved their community and took a keen interest in its history and current issues. This love of family and community is also shared by Betty’s brother Jack and his family (Erna, David, Erin and James), and Don’s brother Bob and his family (Donna and Pam) who grew up just around the corner from Betty and Don and enjoyed the constant back and forth between the homes for pool parties, holidays and birthdays.

She met Don Tucker, the love of her life, at a YMCA dance in 1949 and together they set out to build a lovely family and home with a lifetime of friendships and experiences. Sadly, Don passed away just as their retirement began and his loss was felt keenly by Betty for the rest of her life. Betty’s joy came from her family, visiting Kim and her husband Jim Weber in Australia and, closer to home, Suzanne, her husband Dave Yates and their two boys Sam and Don. She took special delight in her grandsons as they grew up and started on their own paths in life. Favourite family dogs were also important members of Betty’s family, and Julie her loveable black lab was a special companion.

A dedicated nurse, Betty trained in Buffalo where her mother trained before her. Before starting their family, Betty worked in the Crippled Children’s school. After several years she restarted her career by devoting herself to a new and controversial program in the Niagara Regional public health unit - Sexual Health Program in St. Catharines, which she recognized as a much needed service to the community. Furthering her own education was a priority and she instilled the love of education in her family. She was proud of the academic achievements of her daughters and grandchildren and encouraged anyone who wanted to better their life through learning.

Betty loved golf and curling, not only in St. Catharines but on trips to the US where she and Don took regular golfing holidays, including a memorable Hole-In-One at Blackmoor Golf Club in South Carolina. The trophy is still in the great room. At the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club she loved nothing better than a round with her friends followed by lunch. When golf was no longer possible, the ladies still met weekly over lunch and a glass of wine or the monthly get together of the book club and their annual pool party including strawberry fuzzies.

Betty will be remembered with love as an independent spirit who relished a good debate; a stylish woman with a keen eye for making her home a beautiful setting for family and friends; a nurse who pioneered care for a difficult social issue; a lover of water who enjoyed a quiet swim at the end of the day or a rousing impromptu pool party; a loving wife, mother, Nan and friend.

Her favourite picture hanging in her home is of a cresting wave, symbolizing the ebb and flow of life’s journey with its highs, its lows and constant rhythm. Betty wanted all of us to reflect upon and appreciate this image.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the many friends, family and care givers who supported her over the last seven months.

The family will receive friends at the HULSE & ENGLISH FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 75 Church Street (905-684-6346) on Monday, Sept 26th, 2016 from 7-9pm. A Celebration of Betty’s life will be held on Tuesday, Sept 27th at 11am at Silver Spires United Church, 366 St. Paul Street. If so desired, donation made to Silver Spires Youth Ministry or Haiti Lutheran Mission Society, Erin and Jack McBride Feeding Program, in Betty’s memory would be appreciated by her family.

On-line tributes may be made at www.hulseandenglish.com.