Obituary of Betty Mary Zwicker
Betty Mary Zwicker It is with sadness but gratitude for a life well lived, that we announce the death of our mother on Friday, June 14, 2019 at the Halifax Infirmary at the age of 93. She died peacefully surrounded by her family.
She arrived in Canada in 1946 as an English war bride to join her husband, Edwin at the young age of 20. What a life she made here with our Dad.
She was a woman ahead of her time. She returned to employment outside the home when her daughters were young and enjoyed many fulfilling years as a registered lab technician at the Halifax Children’s Hospital, the Grace Maternity Hospital and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. She was recognized for her contributions to the aquaculture industry in Atlantic Canada.
Mum was an avid tennis player and a long time member of the Waegwoltic Club. She received an honorary lifetime membership in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the club. She organized and ran the Saturday afternoon tennis teas for many years and played tennis until she was 86 years old.
She was a long time member of the Halifax Concert Band, playing flute with them for more than 40 years and was their treasurer for many years. Her love of music was evident also in her support of the symphony and other cultural events including the Metropolitan Opera performances.
After her retirement in 1991, she began a busy life as a volunteer at the IWK, the Nova Scotia Art Gallery, the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History and as the treasurer of Elder Learners at SMU. However she always made time to support her daughters and her 6 grandchildren. She and Dad spent many hours at sport venues cheering on their grandchildren.
Mum moved to Parkland at the Gardens in 2015 and her “family” expanded to include many new friends. We thank them for their friendship and support especially as her illness progressed.
We wish to also thank the staff at the VG hematology clinic, in particular Dr. Hasagawa and nurse Sandra Sullivan, as well as the wonderful staff at the medical day unit for their compassionate care of Mum over the last three years.
Mum is survived by her daughters Sheila Quackenbush, Valerie, Diane (Hubert Maier); her brother Fred Emery (Marianne) grandchildren Michael Quackenbush (Elyisha Hanniman), Katherine Quackenbush (Mike Morrow), Lauriel LeBlanc (Andy Stoeffel), Madeleine LeBlanc, Belinda Maier (Jim Smardon), Thomas Maier (Erica Brenton) and four great grandchildren Nate and John Quackenbush, Douglas and Tessa Morrow, and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Edwin, her sisters Freda and Sheila, her son in law Douglas Quackenbush.
Cremation has taken place under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd. Funeral service will be on Tuesday, June 25 at 1 pm at the Cathedral Church of all Saints, Cathedral Lane, Halifax. Family flowers only. Please consider a donation to the QE II Hematology clinic, the Leukemia and Lymphoma society, or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made by visiting : www.walkerfh.com
Mum was a vibrant personality who made friends everywhere she went. She was an inspiration and role model. We will miss her.
