Elizabeth A. Hartling

The death occurred on December 30th of Elizabeth (Betty) Alice Hartling, 96 of Halifax. Born in London, England, August 4, 1916, Betty was the only daughter of Edward A. Hartling, Officer in the Canadian Army, and Marian A. (Dobson) Hartling, a registered nurse. After the end of World War I, Betty moved with her family to Halifax, where she lived for the rest of her life in the house built by her father in 1921. She graduated from Dalhousie University in 1937. From 1939 Betty was an active volunteer in the nursing division of the St. John Ambulance Brigade and worked with wounded and sick merchant seamen both at the Halifax Infirmary and the Merchant Seamen's Ward in the Seagull Club on Hollis St.. In 1945 Betty studied Physiotherapy training and subsequently served in the old Cogswell Military Hospital. In 1946 the Canadian Medical Association created a lay volunteer organization to inform and educate the general population about cancer. Betty was employed to act as Secretary to the Board, to set up the Nova Scotia division of the Canadian Cancer Society. As the Executive Director she established chapters all over the province. She held this position until her retirement in 1981. Betty was a member, strong supporter, volunteer of All Saints Cathedral. She had a life long interest in the Girl Guides Association and served as a Brownie Leader and as a member of several committees until she was over 90. She was an active member of the I.O.D.E. for 50 years and a volunteer in the Monarchist and Royal Commonwealth Society. Betty was Treasurer for the Anglican Church Women at the All Saints Cathedral from 1973 until 2000. She was a member of the Costume Society N.S. and also of the CFUW (Canadian Federation of University Women). Betty had a real zest for life. She was an avid traveller, a keen swimmer, a skilled conversationalist. She had a genuine interest and rapport with young people. Most of all, she enjoyed the get togethers with her family. Predeceased by her brother Arthur, she is survived by her brother Edward (Ted) of Cape Town, South Africa, sisters-in-law Anita Hartling, New Milton, England and Jane Hartling, of Hebbville, N.S.; eight nieces and their families in Canada, U.K., and the US. in addition to several cousins in England. She was a wonderful aunt who treated her nieces with special attention and remained very close to them throughout her life. On her retirement from the Cancer Society, Betty was presented with a certificate of appreciation bearing these words: " Through her work, she has helped to ease the burden for many who have been afflicted by cancer, she has striven to replace fear by knowledge, she has encouraged and reinforced the efforts of countless volunteers in the Society, and has earned the admiration and respect of all who have been associated with her in a lifetime of dedication." The funeral will be held Thursday, January 3 at 10:00 am at the Cathedral of All Saints, Halifax. Burial will be in the family lot in Windsor, N.S.. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cathedral or to a charity of your choice.