Obituary (Mary Elizabeth 'Betty' Gamblin)

Mary Elizabeth Gamblin
'Betty'
1925 - 2022

Mary Elizabeth Gamblin 'Betty'

Gamblin, Mary Elizabeth 'Betty' - Age 96, of Spencer’s Island passed away Wednesday, April 27th, 2022 at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, Upper Nappan with family by her side. Born in Saint John, NB, she was the daughter of the late Alfred E. Styles and Katherine R. (Williams) Styles. After graduating from Saint John High School, Betty completed business training and joined the staff of Pitfield Mackay Investments in Saint John. Betty married fellow Saint John High classmate Lieut. Commander Donald K. Gamblin, R.C.N. in 1949. Following their marriage, Betty and Don took up residence in several different postings before settling in Dartmouth. Their life together during this period was punctuated by long separations when Don was at sea or on courses. Ever an anchor of strength at home, like many Navy wives and mothers, Betty kept the family busy volunteering in sport, community and church affairs. Upon retiring to Spencer’s Island where Don was born and the family had spent many summers, Betty took an active role in community life of the Parrsboro shore. She served as secretary of the Spencer’s Island Community Association and the Advocate and District Development Association, President of West Cumberland Branch, Canadian Red Cross, Corresponding Secretary for the Nova Scotia Division of the Canadian Red Cross and was the recipient of the Canadian Red Cross Service Award. Betty enjoyed playing and watching tennis, badminton and golf and was a longtime member of the Parrsboro Golf Club. For decades, Betty was a volunteer and caretaker of the Spencer’s Island Union Church. Along with other lay persons, she organized church services during times when a minister was not available. On several occasions, Betty and Don prepared the church and grounds for services, weddings, funerals and other events. Betty took particular joy in organizing the annual Christmas Eve Family Service, which took place every year. A longtime member of the United Church of Canada, Betty was a Sunday School teacher, Junior Choir Director, Senior Choir Member, President of the U. C. W., Clerk of Session, Acting Treasurer and former Lay Representative to the Chignecto Presbytery. Betty enjoyed entertaining, and her home was a gathering place for family and friends on many special occasions. Betty’s family, especially her grandchildren, were her love and joy and she took a keen interest in all their activities and careers. Betty is survived by her devoted children, Kathy (Gary) Bugden, Bedford and Donald Jr. (Cathy), Spencer’s Island ; grandchildren Christopher (Faith) Bugden, Beenleigh, Australia, Andrew (Julia) Bugden, Dartmouth, Sarah (Marc) Carter, Middle Sackville, Matthew (April) Gamblin, Stratford, PEI; Jamie (Erin McSorley) Gamblin, Halifax, and Rachel (Quinn) Burt, Amherst. “Great Nanny Betty” will be dearly missed by her great grandchildren Claire and Mason Bugden, Australia, Wren Bugden, Dartmouth, Quinton Carter, Middle Sackville, and Cohen and Blair Gamblin, PEI. Also mourning are many special family and friends, including Deborah Fillmore and Erma Field. She was predeceased by her husband, Don and sister, Ruth Wilcox. Betty’s family would like to thank all doctors, nurses and healthcare workers, especially Dr. Gradstein, who were involved in her care. We will be forever grateful for their compassion, respect and kindness. Funeral service will be held at the Spencer's Island Union Church, Saturday, July 2nd 2022 at 2pm with Rev. Susan Gamblin and David Forbes officiating. Reception to follow. Burial will be at the Advocate Cemetery. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to the Spencer's Island Union Church.

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