Obituary of Elizabeth Gale Pearson
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our Mother, Grandmother and Sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Gale Pearson at home on January 22, 2022 surrounded by family. Bette was born in Saint John on August 1, 1939. She was the daughter of the late Leah Fraser (Watson) and John MacFarlane.
Bette was raised in Chipman and a graduate from Chipman Regional High. She went on to attend the University of New Brunswick where she graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching, Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education. She also completed a certificate in music, a certificate in guidance and a principal’s certificate.
She began her teaching career as a junior high school teacher at Champlain Heights in Saint John. She continued her junior high teaching career in Fredericton. Between 1969 and 1983 she held positions in School Districts 30 & 31 as a high school teacher, high school counsellor, elementary teacher, vice principal, principal and elementary guidance consultant. She taught extension courses for the University of New Brunswick and did research for the Student Services Branch of the Department of Education. In 1984 she became New Brunswick’s first anglophone female superintendent of schools, assuming that position for District 38 in Campbellton. Bette held this position for two years before being appointed Superintendent of Schools for District 18 in Sussex.
After retirement in 1993 she spent her time enjoying many activities with her family and numerous close friends.
Bette is survived by her sons Patrick Hasson (Linda) of Sussex Corner and Peter Kilcollins (Diane) of Winnipeg MB, daughter Leah Hayward (Tony) of Rothesay, her brother Ron MacFarlane (Marlyn) of Cambridge ON, her stepsister Mary Anne Parlee of Chipman and 8 grandchildren: Danielle, Ryan, Peter, Justin, Lucas, Megan, Jillian and Kristin, her very close friends Blanche and Regis Vautour and Liz Walton.
Besides her parents she was predeceased by her stepfather Andrew Fraser and stepbrother Martin Fraser (Crystal).
Bette’s wit, humor, love and compassion touched the lives of countless individuals who had the opportunity to meet her. Her courageous battle with cancer and COPD is a testament to her will and determination to overcome the many challenges she faced throughout her lifetime. Bette lived her life on her own terms to the very end. She was an inspiration to all and will be dearly missed by those who knew her.
There is a link death cannot sever, love and remembrance last forever.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will follow at a later date when Covid restrictions have been relaxed.
Special thanks to Dr. Wildish and the staff from Extra Mural for their exceptional care of our mother. We would also like to thank Hogg Funeral Service for their compassion and understanding in our time of need. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
Donations in Bette’s memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Humane Society.