Obituary of Betty Button

It is with great sadness that the family of Betty Marie Genevieve Button announce her passing on January 13, 2021, at the Loch Lomond Villa – Birch House. Born on May 16, 1933, in Saint John, NB, she was a daughter of the late George and Emily (Johnston) Pitt.

Betty spent her early childhood years in Woodstock, NB where she attended elementary school. Her family moved to Fairvale, NB in 1950 where she attended Rothesay High School but unfortunately had to leave while in grade 10 due to her father’s illness. She was able to secure a job with the Rothesay Exchange of NB Tel as a switchboard operator, later moving to the Saint John office. After leaving NB Tel, Betty went to work for the Saint John Board of School Trustees as a receptionist and switchboard operator. She also attended Community College, taking courses in Human Development. She secured a position with the Saint John School Board as a Teacher’s Aid and also worked as a Counselor for Social Services.

Betty was very active as a volunteer with the Heart and Stroke Association as a canvasser, as well as Can-Cope, was a member of the Gideon Bible Society Aux., a member of the NB Loyalist Association as their Newsletter Editor and also took writing courses at UNB Saint John. In the early ’70s, Betty formed the Parents Aware Association. She loved to knit, crochet and was a seamstress. She made many of her own clothes as well as for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty took great pride in her heritage, with 20 of her ancestors arriving with the Loyalists in 1783.

Betty will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 66 years, Albert ; children, Susan Thompson (Gunar), Heather Button, Valerie Janes (the late Walter), Gary Button (Connie), Carolyn Button, Tammy Button and David Button (Laura); sister, Carolyn James; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Betty was predeceased by her sisters, Delores Pitt and June Stairs and her brother, Gordon Pitt.

Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) with visitation on Monday, January 18, 2021, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Guests are asked to use the courtyard entrance where staff will greet and assist you with COVID-19 protocol. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at 1:00 PM from Brenan’s chapel. Due to the current restrictions, the service will be by invitation only. For those who are unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed and can be viewed by visiting Betty’s obituary on Brenan’s website. Interment will take place in Fernhill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, and for those who wish, remembrances in Betty’s name can be made to the Loch Lomond Villa Foundation or the Northside Assembly Building Fund. www.BrenansFH.com.