Obituary of Betty MacLellan

MacLELLAN, Bessie K. ‘Betty’ Durham / Pictou Bessie ‘Betty’ Katherine MacLellan passed away peacefully at Shiretown Nursing Home with family and close friends by her side on May 25, 2023. At the golden age of 102, Betty counted herself fortunate to have lived a long healthy life. Born on Burn Brae Farm Durham N.S., April 11, 1921, Betty was the second child of the late Cliff and Olive (Sutherland) MacLellan. Betty was a kind and gentle person with a great sense of humour and a zest for life. She found joy in the simple things. A drive through the Durham Hills to look at the old homestead, a family celebration, or a trip to the city. Betty was always ready for a celebration! She took great pride in her family and keeping in touch with relatives and friends. Betty was a dedicated member of the church community and gave generously to support worthy causes. She was a long-time member of the Durham Presbyterian Church and attended First Presbyterian Church, while living in Pictou. As a life-time member of the Atlantic Mission Society, she served as President and Treasurer. She was also past Treasurer of Atlantic Mission Auxiliary General Society. Betty received her 55-year jewel from the Rebekah Lodge #4 IOOF, where she served as Past Noble Grand. Betty worked with Foundation Maritime during the war years. In 1947, she joined the Bank of Nova Scotia, where she remained until retiring in 1984. During her working years Betty enjoyed trips to Western Canada and Europe. Betty was predeceased by her parents, Cliff and Olive MacLellan; brothers, John MacLellan, and Lloyd MacLellan (sister-in-law, Genevieve); sister, Grace Murray (brother-in-law Don); brother-in-law, Bruce Heighton and Martha MacLellan. Betty is survived by her sister, Eleanor Heighton, Pictou and her loving nieces and nephews, Brian MacLellan (Elizabeth), Halifax; Wayne Mac Lellan, (Helen), New Glasgow; Jan McKinnon (Greg), Shad Bay; Gregg Murray (Linda), Pictou; Joan Gouthro (Tom), Hammonds Plains; Sharon Murray, Scotsburn; Ann McKinnon, Scotsburn and grand-nieces and grand- nephews. As a family, we are eternally grateful for their professionalism, warmth, and humour during Betty’s twenty-five plus years as a resident at Edward Mortimer Place/Shiretown Nursing Home. The compassion and care of this staff is second to none. Thank you for always going the extra mile to make her home away from home a special place dear to heart. Also, we want to express our gratitude to Tracie Defazio for her unwavering friendship and care over the many years. On behalf of Betty’s wishes a celebration of life will be held at McLaren’s Funeral Home Wednesday, May 31st with visitation from 1:00-3:00 PM and the service to follow at 3:00 PM with Jacquie Ross officiating. The internment will take place following the service at the Durham Cemetery, Durham NS. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to the Durham Presbyterian Church in her memory.