Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Ketchum

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Ketchum, nee Martin, on April 13, 2024, at the age of 96. She was born on December 24, 1927, in Pleasant Point, Saint John, New Brunswick to the late William Martin and Anna (Babineau) Martin and was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She married Raymond Joseph Ketchum in June 1953, and they shared 50 years of marriage until his death in 2003.

Betty attended St. Vincent’s High School and St. Joseph’s School of Nursing and worked in Public Health, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, DVA, and the Ridgewood Veteran’s Wing during her nursing career. While she enjoyed her retirement to the fullest, Betty always spoke of her love of nursing and the fullness that her chosen career brought to her life and that of her family. Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a faithful member of St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church and enjoyed reading, gardening, baking, crocheting, and needlepoint.  Betty had a warm and generous heart and a cheerful spirit that touched everyone who knew her; always listening to understand and offering prayer for those who needed it most. She dutifully maintained a prayer list and prayed, with intention, for those who were blessed to be on it, twice daily. She and Ray loved long drives in the country together, summers in their little camp on the Ketchum farmstead, and trips to Dairy Queen.

Betty is survived by her son, Don Ketchum (Mary Ann), and her daughter, Janice Gange. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Julie Hamilton (Scott), Adam Ketchum (Katie Gaulton), Alexander Ketchum (Caitlin Lynch), Kathryn Tower (Danny), Elizabeth Gaudet (Ethan), Thomas Ketchum (Olivia Power), and William Gange (Beth Clarke), and her eight great-grandchildren, Polly, Alexander, Benjamin, Jack, Lennon, Marley, Henry, and Theodore. Also, her sister-in-law, Sister Rose Ketchum, brother-in-law, Tony Robichaud, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, her parents, William and Anna, her brothers, Arthur, John, Raymond, Roy, Robert, Dave, Aurel, William, George, and James, and her sisters, Joan and Isabel.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, New Brunswick, (506-634-7424). Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place from St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church (Holy Spirit Parish) on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 12:00 PM. Interment to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bobby’s Hospice in Betty’s memory.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Turnbull Nursing Home for their compassionate care and support during Betty’s stay. They would also like to thank all the friends and neighbors who offered their prayers and condolences. Betty will be greatly missed by all who loved her.