Obituary of Betty Matheson

Elizabeth “Betty” Matheson (née Godfrey) of Riverview, NB, died peacefully at ProTem Care Home in Moncton on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at the age of 93.

Born in Pictou, NS, on November 11, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Elizabeth (née Reid) Godfrey. She graduated at the top of her class from Pictou Academy in 1948 and worked for several years as a stenographer at the  Bank of Nova Scotia.

In 1955 she married her darling, William G. (Bill) Matheson, who cherished her, and whom she dearly missed for the last 18 years. 

Bill’s job with CN took them and their ever-increasing brood from Pictou to Glace Bay to New Glasgow to Moncton to Halifax to Saint John then back again to the Moncton area. With a bright smile, a kind heart and a wicked sense of humour, Betty made friends wherever she went.

They settled in Riverview in 1974. Betty lived in their home on Warren Avenue for 49 years before the progression of her vascular dementia led to her spending the last 4 months of her life at ProTem. Her youngest son Roderick spent the last 20 years caring for first his father and then his mother.

She loved her garden, the wild songbirds, and the many family pets, especially her favourite, Chico. She loved Christmas and was a wonderful baker.

She was a member of the Wesley Memorial Church and a lifetime member of the UCW.

She is survived by children Bill (Jane), Leslie (Stephen Ritcey), Arthur (Shalini Babbar), Claire, Karen (Tony Janik) and Roderick Matheson; grandchildren Richie and Elizabeth Fowler, and Ian, Neil, Alexander and Liam Matheson; nieces and nephews Andrew, Beth, Brenton and Carmen Godfrey; and by many nieces, nephews and extended family on her husband’s side.

Besides her husband and parents, she was predeceased by brothers David, Brenton, and Hollie Godfrey; and by sisters-in-law Marian and Moira Godfrey. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. 

Special thanks to the warm, welcoming staff and residents of ProTem, who treated Mom like family. 

Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Fergusons Riverview Funeral Centre. 214 Pine Glen Rd., Riverview, NB, E1B 1V6 (506) 857-9544.

A celebration of life will be held at Fergusons Riverview Funeral Centre on Saturday, February 3, 2024 between the hours of 2:00pm - 4:00pm. 

Online condolences can be made at FergusonsRiverview.com.