It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Walsh of Chapel Arm at the age of 95 on Feb. 11, 2014. Beth was our dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, beloved sister, aunt and friend. She was a remarkable woman who led a courageous and adventurous life. Although we are deeply saddened at her sudden passing, we are also deeply grateful for her long life, sharp intelligence and relatively good health until the very end. Her vibrant health was due in no small part to her lifelong passion for walking, whether it was shopping tirelessly, hiking in the Rockies, or for energetically exploring on her travels, a highlight of which was a visit to the Holy Land. A fiercely proud Newfoundlander, Beth lived for many years in Toronto, where she acquired an appreciation for city life. But she was never happier than when she "was in the country," casting her fishing rod or tramping over the barrens in search of the best berry patch. A highlight of her 95th birthday celebrations was landing a few trout as dusk turned into darkness. Beth, as she preferred to be known, was born Sarah Elizabeth Newhook, on July 18, 1918, to Martha and John Newhook of Norman's Cove. Her father perished in a snowstorm in 1925, leaving Martha with four young children: Mahala, Elizabeth, Julia and Joseph. Beth was raised by her Aunt Phoebe and Uncle Will Warren in Chapel Arm, along with their children, Clarence, Francis, Nath and Levi. The boys considered her a sister and she considered them her brothers. Beth married William James Piercey in 1941 upon his return from serving in Scotland with the Newfoundland Forestry Unit in the Second World War. They named their first son Francis in memory of Beth's brother, Francis Warren, who was lost on the S.S. Caribou in 1942. Beth and Bill's first child, Baby Francis only lived for three months. But Beth and Bill went on to build a happy life together, especially while living in Placentia Junction in the early years and raising their three girls. Bill died suddenly in 1968 and after living as a widow for 24 years, Beth married Lorne Walsh of Chapel Arm. They enjoyed eight fun-filled years until Lorne died in 2000. Beth is survived by her three daughters: Joyce (Ray Matier) of Oakville, Ont;
Jennie (Paul Chouinard) of Campbellton, N.B., Judy (Ian Stewart) of Edmonton, Alta. Also by five grandsons: Russell Matier (Jennifer), Brampton, Ont; Brian Matier (Jennifer), Niagara Falls, Ont; Bill Piercey (Lisa), Fort McMurray, Alta; Stephen Piercey (Angela), Resolute, Nunavut; Jeffrey Piercey (Heather) Long Cove. Great-grandchildren: Lindsay Matier, Zachary Piercey, Joshua Piercey, Taya Piercey, Kira Piercey, Jerome (Idlout) Piercey, Jacob Piercey, Chloe Matier and Mia Matier. Also survived by her brother Levi Warren (Irene) of Bonavista, sister-in-law Hazel Warren, St. John's; brother-in-law William Newhook of Norman's Cove. And special nieces and nephews: Ron Tulk, Allan Tulk, Wanda Petcoff in Ontario, Eileen Doucette, St. John's; Willie and JeanHynes, Chapel Arm; Bernard Piercey, Norman's Cove; Frank and Valerie Newhook, Grand Falls and Phoebe MacLean of Vancouver, B.C. Beth was predeceased by her first husband, William Piercey, son Francis, great grandson Seth Piercey; her sisters Mahala Tulk, Julia Smith, and Cherry Newhook, brothers Joseph Newhook, Francis Warren, Clarence Warren, Nath Warren, dear friends and sisters-in-law Ethel Warren and Edith Hynes Smith, and her second husband Lorne Walsh. Beth lived in her own home in Chapel Arm until a couple of weeks before her passing, assisted by several care givers to whom we are most grateful. We especially thank Evelyn Newhook and Clara Moore for their companionship and compassion. We will be forever indebted to Alvin and Ivy Reid for their special friendship and going well above and beyond. Beth was a deeply spiritual woman, whose abiding faith sustained her many tribulations. She was a founding member of Faith Pentecostal Tabernacle congregation in Norman's Cove, where she is resting. Visitation will be Friday 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. with service on Saturday at 2 p.m. Funeral arrangements by Holloways. If you wish to make a charitable donation in her memory, please contribute to the MS Society of Canada, Beth's favored charity.