MacDonald, Elizabeth (Betty) Anne. Betty died peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 3rd. She was the daughter of Cal Cousins (Canso) and Leone Banks Cousins (Paradise.) She was predeceased by her brother Charman Cousins (Halifax), She is survived by her husband the Reverend Canon Peter MacDonald and their five children; John (Judith) St. Louis, Beth (Jody) Dartmouth, Greg (Marienna) Fredericton, Peter (Ronalda) St. John’s, Kathleen (Paul) Dartmouth and eleven grandchildren, Miranda, Maria, Noel, Emily, Nick, Chloe, Connor, Peter Andrew, Peter Robin, Emma and Eve, her sister Margery Cousins, Calgary, sister-in-law, Anita Cousins and nephews David and Ian.
Betty shared her passion for music with her family. She loved to play piano for her Dad when she was a child. She instilled this love of music in her children and grandchildren. Betty shared her understanding of the role that music can play in life with the many parish youth choirs she directed for over forty years, including; St. James, Port Dufferin, St. James, Seaforth, Christ Church. Shelburne, St. Paul’s, Charlottetown and Christ Church Dartmouth.
Betty played a significant role in the development of liturgical music at Christ Church, Dartmouth as well as the parish’s musical theatre productions. Betty served on numerous church committees and choirs.
A life-long learner, Betty enjoyed reading, attending public lectures and in the winter of 2011 she and Peter enrolled in a course at Atlantic School of Theology.
Betty enjoyed creating beauty. The palates she used included her garden, her music and later in life her painting. Indeed, Betty became a well regarded local water colour artist.
An avid sports enthusiast throughout her life, Betty played high school and university basketball, later she took up yoga and pilates. Betty was an active and competitive member of the Bosom Buddies Dragon Boat team. She remained physically active up until the final few days of her life. She closely followed the numerous activities of her grandchildren, which not surprisingly included sports and music, all of which were performed with the same passion and dedication that she embodied in life.
Betty’s hospitality was extended to her many friends with whom she enjoyed memorable meals and intense debates! In addition to cooking, Betty loved to travel. As recently as this past fall Betty and Peter traveled to Italy and in the early spring of this year she visited St. Louis. She also traveled to France—tracking the path of her father during World War I—and China with her friend Carol Beal.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Betty to the Christ Church Food Bank or the Canadian Cancer society. The family would like to thank Betty’s friends for their kind support. Peter and family would also like to express their appreciation to Dr. D’Arcy and Dr. Jeyakumar and nurse Darlene Arsenault.
An evening of visitation and conversation will take place in Christ Church Hall, Wednesday, July 6th from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. A celebration of Betty’s life will take place in Christ Church at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 7th with a reception to follow. You may leave a condolence by visiting www.mattatallfuneralhome.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18