MACDOUGALL, Catherine ‘Betty’
It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of a most gentle woman , Catherine Rebecca ‘Betty’ MacDougall. In the early hours of March 30, 2016, with her loving husband George by her side and surrounded by her family, Betty left this world and went into the waiting arms of the Lord with the same grace and dignity with which she lived her life.
Born in Inverness on July 1, 1932, Betty was the only daughter of the late Catherine Marie ‘Katie’ (MacIsaac) and Neil Gunn Finn.
Betty and her only brother Stanley shared a special bond as siblings and as very dear friends.
Growing up in Mabou, Betty attended school at St. Joseph’s Convent. In her early years she taught school briefly in West Mabou before moving to Windsor and Montreal where she worked with the Bank of Montreal. After moving to Sydney she enjoyed her work with Scotiabank, Holiday Inn and Sears.
She made friends wherever she went. Betty first met George at the age of thirteen at a baseball game in Mabou. Their romance blossomed and on July 1, 1957, she married the love of her life. They made their home in Sydney where they raised their five children and lived all of their married life.
Betty enjoyed travelling with George over the years. While she saw the beauty of scenery and nature everywhere, most of all she loved returning to the beauty of Cape Breton, its culture and people. Betty loved life and spending time with family and friends especially in Strathlorne and Judique with some of her favourite people. She loved having a good time whether it be in quiet moments or in gathering with friends and family, enjoying life, laughter and some good old Scottish music. We all have our own fond memories that will remain with us forever.
Betty was a gentle, kind and caring person who loved deeply and unconditionally. The love shared between Betty and George was amazing. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy and she never missed an opportunity to brag about their accomplishments. Generous with her time, advice and most of all her hugs and affection, we will miss her with all our hearts.
She is survived by her most loving and devoted husband George; her children Jean Marie (Wayne McKay); Claire (Garney) Westhaver; Ken (Amy); Brian (Ann-Marie); Wayne (Denise Howatson); her dear brother Stanley; sisters-in-law Esther Finn and Kathleen MacDougall; grandchildren Kyle (Maria), Amanda, Jarett and Jordan MacNeil, Michael and Alexander Westhaver, Maelyn MacDougall, Shamus and Keelan MacDougall, Cody and Keegan MacDougall, Brett Rendell; great-grandson Eliot MacDougall; special son Eric Goulden; dear cousin Janet MacEachern who was like the sister Betty never had; and by several cousins and extended family.
She was predeceased by her mother and father-in-law Jean and Bert MacDougall and several sisters and brothers-in-law.
The family would like to extend very special thanks to Dr. Susan MacLeod and Dr. Steven MacDougall and all the staff of 3B of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their care, compassion and kindness. Visitation for Mrs. MacDougall will take place on Friday, April 1 from 2-4 and 79 p.m. at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church, 40 Cabot St., with Rev. Bill Burke officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com.