THOMSEN, ELIZABETH (BETTY or LIZ) nee McPHERSON - Betty passed peacefully in her sleep on August 18th at the home of her son, Bruce, and daughter-in-law, Pamela. Betty had lived many years with Parkinson’s and endured ever more debilitating symptoms with her characteristic determination, grace and courage. Betty was born in Berry Mills, N.B., the daughter of George and Jessie (Lutes) McPherson. She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur Raymond Thomsen, and by her sister, Joyce Shantz. Betty is survived by her children Glenn (Maria), Penny (George) and Bruce (Pamela), and by her brother, David, and by many loving grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Betty trained as a nurse at Saint John General Hospital and served many war wounded servicemen and women and their families as a nursing sister including on troop ships returning war veterans and their families to Canada. She worked in a number of health and social services positions across Canada as a result of Arthur’s numerous military postings. Betty settled in Truro, Nova Scotia, where she was Director of Social Services for Colchester County until her retirement in 1986. She was an outstanding volunteer in every community in which she lived for organizations including the Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Mental Health Association, Sheltered Workshops, Zonta, her church and the Colchester Hospital Auxiliary. She received a number of recognitions for her exemplary voluntary service. Prior to moving to Bruce and Pamela’s home for loving family-based care over the last six months, Betty lived in several locations in Truro, most recently in Parkland Estates. Betty was admired, respected and loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was interested in all people and things and actively engaged in her special interests of family, volunteerism, church, travel, golf and animals. Betty was the family matriarch and its heart and soul, witty, wise and strong. She will be sorely missed. She taught us well.
Following cremation, there will be a service on Tuesday, August 23rd, at 2 p.m. at St. David’s United Church, 18 St. David’s Avenue, Truro, Nova Scotia. A reception for family and friends will take place at the Church immediately after the service. Interment will take place at a later date at a private family service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Parkinson Society, Maritime Region in Betty’s memory.