DECKER – R. E. “Betty”, 84, of Brooklyn, Queens County, passed away peacefully in South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater on Monday, January 21, 2019.
Born in Brooklyn, Betty was a daughter of the late Douglas and Edna (Gregory) Smiley.
Betty graduated from the Halifax Children’s Hospital in 1955 and spent her nursing career at Queens General Hospital, Liverpool, retiring in 1987 as head nurse of the OR. She enjoyed quilting and doing genealogy with her late husband Keith.
She is survived by her son Douglas of Brooklyn as well as nieces Kim Rideout, Rose Adams, Sue Keuhl and nephews Mike and Steve Berry.
Besides her parents, Betty was predeceased by her husband Keith , sister Dorothy Kral and nephew Vincent Adams.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool. A graveside memorial service for both Keith and Betty will be held later this spring in Seaside Cemetery, Brooklyn. No flowers. Donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Mental Health Association, Queens General Hospital Foundation, South Shore Regional Hospital Foundation or to the Queens S.P.C.A. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com
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George Ferrier
Betty was a welcoming and supportive presence to me when I came to Queens, to succeed Dr. Borden Bird in the OR. This was very significant to me personally and professionally. She even smiled at some, not all, of my attempts at humour. I offer my sincere condolences.
George Ferrier
Geraldine L. Fraelic
I will always be thinking of you Betty and you’ll be missed!
MARJORIE FREEMAN
Douglas, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Marjorie & Paul Freeman
Rodney and Shelley Mansfield
Dougie: So sorry to hear about your mom! Thinking of you at this time.
Shirley Melanson
So sorry for the loss of your mother.I met and chatted with her many times at the Superstore.
Valerie
I am very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, but happy for Betty. That’s what she wanted and God answered her prayers. I always looked for her in the Superstore on Fridays so we could jibber jabber and laugh, that was our medicine for the week. I will miss seeing her there.
With deepest sympathy
Your pal
Val
Walter and Sherri Miller
Doug:
Walter and I were so sorry to hear your Mom had passed away.We have known her as well as we knew your Dad for a long time.I worked with your Mom at QGH and she was a great nurse,we had a lot of good times.Our condolences to you and all the family.Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Carole and Sam Sampson
Doug.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.l
Belinda Delong
My condolences to Betty’s family, she was a fine lady. I stopped and we chatted for a bit, when she was going or coming back from her mailbox. We worked together at QGH back years ago but in different Departments. May she RIP now with her husband.
Susan M MacLeod
Doug, I am sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. My sincere condolences.
Susan MacLeod
Cathy Wentzell
Doug,
So sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Cathy & Rollie
...Daphne Ackermann
Doug and Betty’s family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I knew Betty and Keith through the Historical Society and at Queens Manor. They were always great to speak with,
Enid Mackay
Douglas
Please accept my sincere sympathy on the loss of your Mother
As you know we worked in the OR at the same time.
We spoke of “old times” recently.
Remember her fondly.
Enid M.
Peter Aulenback
Doug sorry to here about your mom
Ron Zwicker Noweta Nickerson
Doug,so sorry for your loss,our deepest sympathy
Doug and Sylvia Zwicker, Brian and Kim Mansfield
Doug, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lynn Lavender
Dear Doug,
So sorry for the loss of your Mom,Betty was a great person, saw her and worked with her at QGH for many years..talked to her not long ago and had a great laugh…take care.
Jim and Liz Fraelic
Jim and I are so saddened by this news. It is the passing of an era. Keith and Bet, and Joesy and Issy….good neighbours for so many years. Three generations of Fraelics grew up across from the big picture window. And a trip to the mailbox along with Bet was always a treat. We were so sorry to hear she was ill. Our sincerest condolences to Doug, and the rest of the family.
John & Debbie Herman
Doug
We are so sorry to read the passing of your Mother. Please accept our Sincere Condolences.
John & Debbie Herman
Hugh Minard
Doug,
Sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Keep her memories close.
Karen and Hugh
Debbie Doucette
Doug, So sorry to hear about your Mom. She took me under her wing when I worked with her in the Operating Room. I learnt so much from her. I particularly enjoyed her unique sense of humour! She was a wonderful person and her loss will leave a large gap for you. Cherish your memories and she will be there for you always. My condolences to you at this time.
Rod & Ann Golden
Doug and family, sorry for your loss. Our neighbor Margaret ( Betty ) Allen-Henneberry trained with her at the Children’s Hospital. Our deepest sympathy. Rod, Ann & Michael and Betty.
Bil;l and Anna Cox
Doug
Sorry to read of your mother’s passing, our deepest sympathy.
Cathy McDonald
Doug, Kim and family,
As long as I can remember, I can hear Mom saying, “Bett and I did this” or “I just spoke to Bett”. She was one of Mom’s closest friends so our family thought the world of her. I am glad that I was able to spend time with your Mom in the hospital and will cherish the conversations with her. I am so sorry for your loss and deeply saddened. She truly was a special and lovely person. My thoughts are with all of you.
Erna Rand
Douglas, we are so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Smiley was my best friend and roommate through three years of nursing training, and a treasured friend ever since. Our sincere condolences at this difficult time.
Charlie and Erna
John LEEFE
Doug and Family
Nancy and I are sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. She was a fine person who will be well remembered.
John
Vickie Dexter
Doug and family ,
I was saddened to hear of Betty’s passing .
I have many fond memories of working with your mother .
My condolences.
Peter Young
Doug,
So sorry to hear about Betty. Spent many days and nights at the lake with you, her and Kieth. Strawberry shortcakes in the early summer, water skiing and tubing behind the boat, and much motherly advice. I will never forget her ” Ohhh Peter” when ever it was deserved. Like a second Mom to me in many ways. And certainly not shy with her opinions.
I will really miss not seeing her on my trips back home. She is now back where she belongs, with Keith at her side.
Peter
Brenda Foley
Doug
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. I am so sorry for your loss.
Brenda Foley
George & Pat Fralic
Doug & family
Just seeing your mom’s obituary . .we are so sorry
to hear of her passing …may you know how much you are in our hearts & prayers at this difficult time .
George & Pat
Brenda Brady
Doug and Family
I did not know your mother really well but the few times I was in her presence she made a big impression on me by her kindness and her smile. I pray that you will be comforted during this painful time.
Brenda Brady
Doug Winters
Our deepest condolences on Betty,s passing.
Sincerely, Dot and Doug
Kim @ Chris
Doug,Sorry for your loss. your in our thoughts.
MARILYN WHYNOT
DOUG YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AT THIS SAD AND DIFFICULT TIME. YOUR MOM WAS A TERRIFIC LADY AND ALWAYS HAD A SMILE. SHE WILL CERTAINLY BE MISSED.
Terry&Donna Connolly
Doug, sorry for your loss, she is in a good place now.
Tony and Kathleen Rafuse
Doug: So very sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. Tony and Kathleen
barb fralic
Doug,
So sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. All ways loved our chats at the counter when she came in each week before getting her hair done. All ways ending with a hug. She will be missed.
Barbie
Brenda Lawrence
DOUG . JIM AND I ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR THAT YOUR MOM PASSED AWAY .
SINCERE SYMPATHY TO YOU .
BRENDA AND JIM .
Linda Rafuse
Dear Doug…..so sorry to read of your mom’s passing. We always enjoyed hers and your Dad’s routine visits to the museum either for quilting or for genealogy. A sweet couple they were. Nice to read in her obit that they go together in their graveside service.
Sheila
Sorry for your loss. Your parents were very kind hearted to everyone .
wendy Feindel
Doug, so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Betty was a wonderful person,treasure your memories.
Wendy and Gary
Beatrice DeLong
Doug, Sorry for your loss. Sending Sincere Sympathy to you at this sad time.
Ira
Doug; Bee and I send condolences on your mom’s passing. She and your Dad are together again!
Rosalee Smith
Doug, Kim and all of Betty’s family, sorry to hear that Betty has passed. A life well lived …keep your memories close. Our condolences
Rosalee and Delphine
The Dickie,s
Dear Doug,Kim and Family,
It is difficult to hear the sad news of Betty,s passing.
As she has been a long time resident of Brooklyn,,…….driving by her home will bring forward pleasant thoughts. I will remember Betty as a well respected nurse who always had a sense of humour and warm smile to greet you.
With thoughts of you …..
Randi & Ted