Margaret Elizabeth (“Betty”) Murray passed away on July 22, 2016 at MacLeod House in Hilden, N.S. at the age of 96. Betty was born in Woodstock, NB, the daughter of Harold Hocken Ritchie and Gertrude Raymond Ritchie and grew up in Fredericton NB. During her married life she lived in many locations in Nova Scotia most notably Pictou, New Glasgow, Oxford, Bridgewater and Truro.
Betty was predeceased by her husband Bob Murray. Bob and Betty had been married for 68 years. Betty was also predeceased by her brother Wendell Ritchie of Miramichi, NB, by her sister Suzanne Skidmore of Grand Bay-Westfield, NB, and by her daughter-in-law Margaret Christie of Fredericton.
Betty is survived by her sister Patsy Stothart of Ottawa, by her three sons Mac (Mary Lew) of Pomquet, NS, Don of Fredericton, NB and Michael (Roya) of Truro, NS, as well as 8 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was deeply loved and respected by all her family and will be greatly missed.
Betty graduated from UNB in 1942 with a BA in English. She played varsity basketball for the UNB Red Bloomers and in 1991 was presented by UNB with an award for her contribution towards the “legacy of the UNB women’s basketball program”. In 1993, the Canadian Red Cross presented Betty with an award recognizing her outstanding voluntary service. In 2011, Betty was honored by the Truro Curling Club as one of the 4 remaining original ladies members of the club.
Betty was a very capable person with many skills and hobbies. She was an expert knitter, cross stitcher, quilter and cook. Betty played Duplicate Bridge at a high competitive level. She was a gifted letter writer with a wonderful sense of humor.
Bob and Betty spent many summers at their cottage at Caribou Island beachcombing and swimming together and with their children and grandchildren.
A private family interment will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery in Fredericton at a later date.
Betty’s family wishes to sincerely thank the staff at Parkland Estates in Truro for the kindness and care provided to both Bob and Betty during the last years of their lives and to MacLeod’s Country Homes in Hilden where Betty spent her last days.
Donations in Betty’s memory may be made to the Canadian Red Cross or to a charity of choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Colchester Community Funeral Home, Truro where online Condolences may be made at: www.ColchesterCommunity.com