Obituary of Elizabeth 'Betty' Poirier, New Waterford

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of a beautiful woman, Betty Poirier, on January 12, 2018, at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born to Alex and Betty(Grant) MacDonald on May 23, 1943, Betty was the oldest of six girls and was a strong mentor to each of them throughout their lives.

Betty received her Certified Nursing Assistants diploma from the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital in 1964, the first ever graduation class.

She began her nursing career briefly at Saint Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish but returned to New Waterford a short time later to pursue a relationship with her then boyfriend Marshall.

Betty worked at New Waterford Hospital for eight years and then Maple Hill Manor for 25 years before retiring in 2001. Her caring and positive attitude, along with a strong work ethic, earned her the respect of many.

Betty was a past member of the Cape Breastoners Dragon Boat Team which led to lifelong friendships, especially her lunch buddies 'The Divas'. Betty loved to travel, spend time out on the Mira, and very rarely missed watching her favorite team, the Toronto Raptors. Being a fan at her grandchildren’s various sports events was a big part of her life and brought her great joy. Betty’s strong faith in God was unwavering and through her many life struggles she always reminded us that she was “blessed”.

Betty is survived by her loving daughters, Roselyn (Ray) Burke and Karen (Cecil) Wilson; the lights of her life, grandchildren, Brittany Burke, Ryan, Jocelyn, and Adam Wilson; sisters, Sadie (Gordon) Warburton, Sandy (Denis) Lyonnais, Cathy (Gussie) MacPherson, Theresa (Pat) Donovan, Sheila (Gary) Oliver; brother-in-law, Daniel (Rose) Poirier; sisters-in-law, Carolyn (Ernest) Boudreau, Michelle (Gary) Bates;  mother-in-law, Liz Poirier, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.

Betty was predeceased by her loving husband of 48 years, Marshall; beautiful granddaughter, Barbara Burke, her special angel;  her parents, Alex and Betty MacDonald, and father-in-law, Tass Poirier.

There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A celebration of Betty’s life will take place Tuesday, January 16 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of Saint Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Ray Huntley officiating. Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the K.O.C. Hall, Plummer Avenue. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Patient Care Fund/Cape Breton Cancer Centre, Hospice/Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton or The Victorian Order of Nurses. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. 

“I never knew what bravery was till I saw it in you, Love you Lots, xoxo”

written lovingly by grandniece Emily Burke.