Obituary of Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Garneau, New Victoria

With broken hearts, we announce our painful loss of Betty, age 91, of New Victoria, NS on August 13, 2021 in The Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Wife of the late Henry Garneau, she was born in New Victoria, a daughter of the late James Hector MacNeil and Marjorie (MacPhee) MacNeil. She is survived by her children, Judy (Bill) Lowe, Lakeville, NS; Jim (Eileen MacEachern) Garneau, New Victoria, NS; Marjorie Garneau, New Victoria, NS; Cally (Lynn) Garneau, Fredericton, NB; siblings Eileen Muise, New Waterford, NS; George (Donna) MacNeil Lower Onslow, NS; Wally MacNeil, Halifax, NS; Claire (Emile) Cretin, Cluny, AB; sister-in-law Lydia MacNeil, Calgary, AB; grand¬children, Leon (Lily), Shaun (Maeghan), David (Megan), Heather (Jon), Tiffany, Michael (Gwen), Matthew, and MacKenzie; great grandchildren, Ellie, Aila, Autumn, Eva, and Everly; and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by, her sons Henry Garneau and Alden Garneau; siblings Cally MacNeil, Helen Angove, Marjorie (Madge) Gibeau, and Joseph (Buddy) MacNeil; brothers-in-law Murray Angove, Michael (Mickey) Muise, and Philip Gibeau; sisters-in-law Susie Symms-MacNeil, and Lillian MacNeil. Betty is also survived by her two devoted canine companions Susie and Charlie, who will miss her dearly. Betty worked as a devoted homemaker most of her life, but also outside of the home through the 1970s-1990s; first at the General Instruments Plant in Sydney, and then at CFS Sydney until her retirement. Betty’s baking skills were exceptionally well known, especially for the world’s best “Grandma cookies” and “Grandma bread” sent far and wide to her loving family for decades. There is no doubt many will be left wanting for her chocolates, pork pies, jelly rolls, and loaves of delicious homemade bread and rolls. Others will miss benefiting from the talent of her cozy knitted or crocheted afghans, mittens, and hats. Betty had many great joys in life, including a great love of her family, her annual veggie garden, and Donnie Campbell’s Celtic Serenade which she listened to every Sunday evening. Betty was admired by everyone lucky enough to know her, and will be best remembered for her large and generous heart and good humour. She was also a fiercely independent woman and lived life to the absolute fullest. The family wants to express heartfelt thanks to Drs. Alison Archibald, and Dongsheng Gao, nursing staff, Recovery Room and 4D, Cape Breton Regional Hospital. We will be forever grateful for the superb quality of care Betty received. At Betty’s request, there will be no viewing. Cremation has taken place under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 21st, 10 AM at Holy Redeemer Church, Whitney Pier, Father Paul Murphy officiating. Internment to follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, New Victoria. Details on a reception to follow at a later date. Covid restrictions will be followed. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, or charity of your choice are appreciated. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca Live stream for the funeral service is accessible at www.facebook.com/holyredeemerwhitneypier