Obituary of Irene Bettle

It is with heavy hearts, that the family of Irene Nancy Bettle announce her passing which occurred on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Dr. V.A. Snow Centre, Hampton, NB. Born in Hampton, NB on October 16, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Hurley and Annie (Santer) Gillis.

Mom was perhaps best known for her love of bingo. Despite her deep love for her family, it would be no surprise to see her cut a visit short if it interfered with bingo night. She was never shy to tell a story about any family member who made her proud, which was everyone, and no one ever doubted how loved they were by Irene. She really enjoyed gardening, often taking sanctuary in getting her hands dirty and spending a quiet day in a garden. And of course, we can’t forget bowling and square dancing. These activities brought Mom immense joy.

Mom enjoyed a variety of work endeavours, starting at the age of 15 at the telephone office in Hampton. She left that career shortly after to marry Gerald (Gid) and start her family, only to be called back in 1963 to work the phones until they went to dial mode. Mom had the honour of being the last operator to pull the cords on the switchboard and signed out for the last time as the dial phones went into operation. She then moved on to various careers with Robb’s Drug Store, True Value/Red & White, and eventually retired from the Hampton PharmaSave, where she was a fixture in those aisles for many years.

Mom’s family is her proudest accomplishment, but we’d be remiss to not mention some of her many adventures that she conquered as well. She often spoke fondly of jumping off the green bridge with Shirley Price, her big trips to England with her mom, and her many years with the Ladies Legion Auxiliary, where she was a proud Past President. She immensely enjoyed being involved in the community, making friends with everyone, and never hesitated to tell a funny story or offer a witty comeback. Rarely could you start a song without her finishing it, usually with a boisterous “Yippee!” or “Whoopee!” Even in her final years at the Snow Centre, she could be seen (and heard) wheeling the hallways singing along to whatever song she chose in that moment. Mom brought giggles and joy to every space she entered.

The family wishes to extend their sincerest gratitude to the staff and nurses at the Dr. V.A. Snow Centre for providing such kind and compassionate care during Mom’s time there, and particularly during her final days. As well, the DAEKA staff were excellent with Mom while she was a resident with them. Finally, a sincere thank you to Dr. Collings, who took care of Mom for many, many years, and went above and beyond to ensure she got the care she needed.

Irene is survived by her daughters: Marilyn Lachapelle (Larry) of Norton, NB, Dorothy Knight (Phillip) of Quispamsis, NB; sons Bill Bettle (Jacqueline) of Saint John, NB, Mike Bettle (Kim) of Hampton, NB; daughter-in-law Jayne Bettle of Hampton, NB, sons-in-law Dale Allen of Baie Verte, NB, Pat Corkery of Blue Rocks, NS, and Reid Cameron of Toronto, ON; sisters-in-law Shirley Gillis of Fredericton, NB, Shirley Bettle of Quispamsis, NB, and Helen Bettle of Sussex, NB. Irene will be missed by over 100 grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to her parents, Irene was predeceased by her sons David Bettle and John Bettle, daughters Susan Corkery, Linda Cameron, and Heather Allen. Irene is the last surviving member of her family, predeceased by brothers Doug, Earle, Donald, Freeman, and Paul Gillis, and by her sister Joyce Mersereau.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB. As per Irene’s wishes, there will be no visitation. There will be a graveside service on May 31, 2025 at 1:00 PM at St. Paul’s Anglican Church Cemetery, 486 Kennebecasis River Road, Hampton, NB. Following the service there will be a reception at Reid’s Funeral Home to celebrate Irene’s life.

Donations in memory of Irene can be made to ALS Society of NB and NS, the Canadian Cancer Society, or the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and charitable donations may be made through: ReidsFH.com.