ANNAND (Reid), Betty Gordon

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our mother, Betty Gordon Annand (Reid) of Halifax, born May 5, 1925, passed away December 17, 2020. Daughter of Charles Gordon Reid (of Shubenacadie) and Ethel "Susie" Reid (Kirk) (of Belper, Derbyshire, England). Betty spent the first 10 years of her life in Shubenacadie, and then relocated with her family to England, where she spent the next eight years excelling at Strutt School and becoming Head Girl. In Belper she met the love of her life Favell and they married in 1944. For 53 wonderful years Favell and Betty enjoyed their time together before he passed away in 1997. As a war bride she followed in the footsteps of her First World War mother Susie. After settling in Halifax, Betty put her many talents and interests to work becoming active in community affairs, especially church, school activities, Guiding and as a Good Samaritan helping people in need of transportation or hospital visits. She was devoted to her family and could turn her hand to anything. As a couple Betty and Favell were surrounded by an amazing group of lifelong friends and were avid bridge players, bowlers, and campers, always open to new adventures. Betty was a skilled philatelist, active in the local stamp club and assisting with Kermesse fundraising. She thoroughly enjoyed board and card games and was a word game whiz. Kirk, as a teenager, described his parents this way: "Dad is a quiet sort of guy and mom is a bit of a nutcase", which pretty much describes the family. After moving from her home, Betty spent several years enjoying Melville Heights and all her new friends there. Special thanks to Lori and Irene. Even the onset of Alzheimer’s did little to stop her indomitable spirit. After an interim stay in The Berkeley, she spent her remaining years enjoying the care provided by the wonderful staff of Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home. It was the perfect choice. Thank you to everyone there for the kindness, love and attention she received. She never lost her British humour, a laugh never far away, her quick wit or her ability for solving crosswords, even when her memory had otherwise failed her. In her final years she often said "I’m a lucky old doll". Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband, Favell; her brother, Layton; sisters, Joan Marvin and Muriel Moore; chosen adopted son, Bill Owen; nephews, Chuck Marvin and Gordon Moore; niece, Olga Moore; great-nephew, Layton Reid; and most recently daughter-in-law, Alice Bent. She is survived by her son, Kirk (Christina) of Halifax; and daughter, Wendy (Alice) of Maitland, Lunenburg Co.; also by an abundance of nephews and a niece; great-nephews and nieces; cousins and a large extended family on the Reid side. Sincere thanks to Phil and Willie Reid and Audrey Samson whose families provided the grandchildren and greatgrandchildren she otherwise would not have had and for their love and kindnesses over the years. Betty remained an elegant lady and a great role model to the end. Her wisdom, kindness and great sense of humour will be missed by all lucky enough to have fallen within her orbit. Due to the present COVID-19 situation, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In the interim please remember her in your hearts and memories. If so wished, donations can be made to Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home Bus Fund or a charity of your choice. Online condolences by visiting: www.dartmouthfuneralhome.ca