1927-2016
Bathurst - Mrs. Betty Lavigne, 89 passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton. She was the wife of the late Cletus Lavigne of Bathurst. Betty was born in Big River and baptized Mary Elizabeth Branch. She was the daughter of the late Francis and Mary Jane (Roberts) Branch. She was a former employee of Bathurst Pulp and Paper. She was also the administrative assistant at Bayview Baptist Church as well as a sales associate at Woolco.
She is the last surviving member of her immediate family and is survived by her daughters; Jennifer Lavigne Roque of Shelby, Indiana and Judy Lavigne (Macky Singh) of Fredericton. Her family also included many nieces and nephews who she was very fond of. She also had numerous friends who she cared for and received care from and those people became part of her ever growing family.
She played a special role in the lives of Gary Branch (Elizabeth Eddy) and Harold Branch (Debbie Hachey). Her best friend and caregiver was the wife of her nephew Glendon Branch. Clothilda Branch is our Big River angel. Her recent years she was fortunate to meet new friends in Fredericton and Elaine Murgtroyd become her "just like another daughter".
Betty was pre -deceased by her husband Cletus and by her brothers, Donald and Robert Branch. Her three sisters, May Scott, Wanda Glendenning and Gladys Sheets have also passed away before her.
Betty enjoyed being involved in church groups and was a long- time Sunday School Teacher, Messenger Leader and served on various committees. She was long- time member of the Big River Sunday School and First United Church. She was also involved with the Praise Group at St. James and St. John United in the Miramichi. She enjoyed knitting, quilting, tole painting, baking and gardening but discovered her passion with oil painting. During her younger years, she was an avid camper and spent many summer hours enjoying the outdoors.
Betty loved children and animals meeting new people, visiting new places and shopping. She was a committed Community and church member and loved her family.
The body will rest after 2:00 p.m. on Monday at the Elhatton’s Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), in Bathurst. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday afternoon on October 25th at 2 p.m. from the First United Church, St. Patrick St. in Bathurst. Visiting hours are Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Donations in memory of Betty may be made to a charity of the donors’ choice or to the First United Church for their continued work in the community of Bathurst.
