Obituary of Betty Elizabeth Jackson

JACKSON BETTY (M.Elizabeth O'Brien) We, the family of Betty Jackson announce with sorrow, her death on Wednesday, November 14th, 2007 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Betty was predeceased by Reg, her beloved husband of 62 years (May 05). She will be sadly missed by her son Bob and his wife Joanne of Burlington, her son Glen of Windsor, three grandchildren, Kathleen of London, Joel and his wife Sara, Krista and her husband Kris McMeekin and their mother Bonnie, all of St. Catharines. Much loved "GG" (great grandmother ) of Trent and Taylor Jackson and Pierce and Paris McMeekin. She is the dear sister of Peggy Whyte and her husband Jack and Msgr. Bill O'Brien all of Hamilton. Cousin to Doris Caplen of Hamilton and sister in law to Dave and Permillie Jackson of Toronto. She will be missed by her nieces, nephews and many friends. Betty was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Betty O'Brien and her dear brother Fred O'Brien. A TRIBUTE TO A LADY The more you give, The more you get. The more you laugh, The less you fret, The more you do unselfishly, The more you live abundantly. The more of everything you share, The more you'll always have to spare The more you love, the more you'll find That life is good and God is kind. This poem is a reflection of how Betty lived her life. Betty was born in Hamilton and raised on Holton Ave. the eldest child of Edward and Betty O'Brien. She was so proud of her Irish heritage and her education at Loretto Academy. She truly was a "Lady of Loretto" Betty graduated in business administration from Canada Business College and taught there during the war years. The O'Brien family had a cottage on Hamilton Beach and it was on the beach as a teenager that she met the "love of her life".. her "Reggie Baby". After a 4 year courtship, Betty and Reg were married on Jan. 9, 1943 on Reg's embarkation leave from the RCAF. After Reg's return from England, where he was posted during the war, they began their family - 2 sons (Bob and Glen). In 1956 the family moved to St. Catharines where Betty supported her husband unfalteringly in his new business venture.... Seaway News Co.. Betty had a wonderful sense of community. She was a member of the Gyrette club since 1961 and a past president. Betty was an original and active member of St. Julia Church. Don't forget the "Ladies Tuesday night Sewing Club". Betty had a vivacious, outgoing personality but she also possessed a quiet graciousness..(Well, sometimes not so quiet). She was elegant, thoughtful and had great inner strength. She was generous but preferred anonymity. She was a lady of deep faith.. a lady who lived her faith. She loved her home. She loved gardens and flowers - especially violets..She loved hats.. Bette and Reg loved to travel and they enjoyed many wonderful adventures together. She was the "Card Lady".. whose family and friends could always count on a birthday card or an anniversary card and always a thank you note. She excelled in her chosen career as a "Homemaker" She was blessed with a wonderful marriage to a wonderful man...Her life reflected her loving commitment to her family. It is comforting to know that she is now walking hand in hand with her "Reggie Baby". The family will receive friends at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton St. on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9pm with vigil prayers at 3 pm and a time to share your memories at 8 pm. A Funeral Liturgy to celebrate her long and wonderful life will be held at St. Julia Church, 351 Glenridge Ave. St. Catharines on Saturday, November 17th, 2007, at 11 am., followed by the Rite of Committal in Victoria Lawn Cemetery. Betty loved flowers but in her spirit of generosity, memorial donations to your favorite charity would be greatly appreciated by the family. One of Betty's favorite charities was "The Raft".. a drop-in / emergency shelter for teens.