Obituary of Shirley Bettle

It is with great sadness that the family of Shirley Jean Bettle announces her passing which occurred on Monday, May 4, 2026 at Shannex Embassy Hall, Quispamsis, NB. Born in Titusville, NB on October 31, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Murray and Grace (Carson) Hanlon.

After early education in Titusville, Shirley graduated from Hampton High School and attended Normal School to earn her teaching certificate. At the age of 16 she began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in Smithtown. She then taught in Sussex Corner, where she met Hap, and later taught in Rothesay. She was a supply teacher at Hampton High and Kennebecasis Valley High.

Shirley and Hap were long time residents of Hampton where they both greatly contributed to the community. Shirley was an active member of Hampton United Church: she was a member of the Session and Board; a longtime member of the UCW; and was active in Christian education, representing the Saint John Presbytery at the national level. For many years, she served on the board of the Coverdale Centre for Women.

Shirley was a wonderful cook and she shared her baking with shut-ins and others. She was a regular visitor at special-care and nursing homes in the Hampton area and residents especially enjoyed her visits at Halloween and Christmas when she dressed in full costume. For many years she organized and delivered Meals on Wheels and did door-to-door canvassing for many charities.

For her acts of caring, Shirley was chosen by Beta Sigma Phi as Woman of the Year in 1991 and was awarded the Helen Parchello Community Volunteer Award, presented by the Hampton Community Club. And, in 2013 Shirley received the Volunteer of the Year award from the town of Hampton.

Shirley was an enthusiastic card player and spent many evenings with Hap and friends playing cribbage and auction 45s at the Lower Norton Hall or at brother Glen and Greta’s in Titusville. She and Hap played a “spirited” game of cribbage every evening before supper.

Shirley is survived by her children: Dale Foster (Andy) of Moncton, NB, Davine Walsh (Ray) of Kingston, NB, and Mark Bettle (Lisa) of Hampton, NB; grandchildren: Katie Bettle (Ian Rice) and Michael Bettle (Amanda); great grandchildren: Luke Bettle, Max Bettle and Mia Bettle; sisters-in-law: Ellen Hanlon and Helen Bettle; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her loving husband of 69 years, Harold “Hap” Bettle; brothers: Glen, Wilfred, Lloyd and Gary Hanlon; and sisters: Eva MacLean, Greta McGivery and Marie Kilpatrick.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Shirley’s caregiver, June Fowler for all her kindness and compassion shown toward Shirley and her family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 11th, 2026 from 12pm to 2pm with the funeral service following at 2:00pm followed by a reception, all from Hampton United Church, 24 Robb Ct, Hampton. A private family interment will take place at Titusville Cemetery at a later date.

Donations in memory of Shirley may be made to the Hampton Piggs Peak Partnership or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and charitable donations may be made through ReidsFH.com.