Obituary of Mary Elizabeth "Betty" McMullen

Betty McMullen, 90, widow of Burton McMullen formerly of Lower Coverdale, NB; passed away at Monarch Hall on Wednesday, December 20th, 2017. Born in Halifax, she was the daughter of the late John & Christina (Nichol) Wright. She is survived by her children Tom, Barb (Harold), Al (Kinda), David, Jonathan (Shelley); and by her former daughter-in-law Carol Ann (Nice); and by her sisters Alice Linden (Robert) and Marg (the late Ken) Stratton. Betty was a loving Nanny to her 13 grandchildren; Laura, Scott, Andrew, Sean, Jennifer, Ryan, James, Robert, Matt, Victoria, Iain, Lindsay & Michael. Betty was GG (Great Grandmother) to her 10 great-grandchildren; Will, Maddie, Zoey, Jackson, Leah, Owen, Adalyn, Elsie, Emily & Gavin. She will be dearly missed by her nieces, nephews, their families and her many friends. Besides her parents and husband she was predeceased by one grandchild, James and siblings John (the late Maudie) Wright, Doris Wright and Ena (the late Jim) Kemp. Betty’s parents moved the family from Halifax in 1936 and settled in Moncton where she finished her schooling and worked at Marven’s in the office. Betty met Burton who had recently returned from serving in the Canadian Navy in World War II through her sister Alice & future brother-in-law Robert Linden. Betty married Burton on July 31st 1948 and they enjoyed 44 years of marriage until Burton passed in 1992. They raised their family in the Moncton area and they freely & joyfully shared their homes; cottage in Edgewater and camp at Prosser Brook with their family and friends. Many winters full of ski-dooing, cross country skiing at the camp and summers of sailing, swimming and family reunions at the cottage are fond memories for us all. Her grandkids loved the cottage with treasure hunts, bonfires, talent shows and fun times on the beach. Betty & Burton worked together in their business Mac Sales Agency, they travelled extensively, trailered at Fundy and to Florida where Betty would even cook a complete Christmas dinner on the road! When David moved with his family to San Diego, Mom enjoyed several trips to visit them as she loved the warmth & sunshine there and the many adventures they had together. Betty & Burton were known for their warm hospitality and care for the elderly. This gift was passed onto her daughter Barb and son-in-law Harold who continue to care for others in their home in Port Colborne. Betty was a faithful "pink lady" at Spencer Nursing Home for over 40 years and regularly visited with people who were lonely and shut in. Betty’s love of travel brought her to Australia as a freighter passenger! Betty travelled to England, Scotland, Ireland & Northern Ireland with her eldest son Tom where they connected with her family’s history and that of Burtons’ family. She was a published author (Remember the Days of Old), wrote poetry and was known to write and perform her work at family gatherings and birthday parties, even in rap form at times! To keep up with her son Jonathan who she enrolled in early French Immersion, she took French lessons in her mid 40s at the Université de Moncton. Making friends was easy for Betty and she had many! A few examples of connecting with people; Betty was an Avon Lady, started the Edgewater Walkers & set up the Riverview Tourist Bureau in the offseason staffed by seniors! Betty was in faithful fellowship at the Moncton Gospel Hall for over 70 years and was loved dearly by her brothers and sisters in the Lord. Her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ shaped her life. Betty held neighbourhood Bible studies, Kids Club, spoke at Christian Women’s Club and made time each day with her Bible and for prayer. Her prayer was for her loved ones to know her Saviour as she and Burton did. After Burton’s passing, Betty enjoyed living with her son Alan & her daughter-in-law Kinda for 20 years in her in-law suite. In recent years Betty was affected by dementia and took up residence at both Canterbury Hall and Monarch Hall in Riverview. Alan was a constant visitor and regularly shared with his siblings how Mom was doing and we are forever indebted for his and Kinda’s love and care for our Mom. We also want to thank all of the caregivers at the nursing home who loved Betty and recognized the woman she was behind the disease that affected her. Visits from great grandchildren Maddie, Will and Leah were rays of sunshine in her day! Not one to waste time, Betty had both knees replaced at the same time and never complained! Betty also broke both her ankles one night taking a shortcut to a friend’s cottage and again suffered in silence. One of her most common expressions was "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without!" This reflected her practical side, in that Betty was not one for excess or frivolous spending. Betty taught by her example in so many ways and that giving was far better than receiving. Betty loved life and enjoyed the simple things and has passed along a legacy that her family so appreciates and will forever remember. Visitation at the Moncton Gospel Hall located at 895 Salisbury Rd. Moncton will take place on Friday, December 29, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 9:00pm. The Funeral service will be held at the Moncton Gospel Hall on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at 2:00 pm with Harold MacDougall officiating. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery in the spring. In Betty’s memory donations may be made to the Moncton Gospel Hall or to the donor's choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Tuttle Brothers & Riverview Funeral Home 214 Pine Glen Rd. Riverview, NB (506) 857-9544 Online condolences can be made at www.tuttlefuneralhome.ca Visitation Information Friday, December 29, 2017 6:00pm to 9:00pm Moncton Gospel Hall, 895 Salisbury Rd. Moncton Service Information Saturday, December 30, 2017 2:00pm Moncton Gospel Hall, 895 Salisbury Rd. Moncton Burial Information Elmwood Cemetery in the spring Requested Charity Moncton Gospel Hall or to a charity of the donor's choice