Betty Constance Barrett
November 10, 1932 to June 28, 2025
Obituary
The funeral service for Betty C. Barrett will be livestreamed for those unable to attend.
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Betty Constance (Russell) Barrett
November 10, 1932 – June 28, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Betty Constance (Russell) Barrett at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s, NL, on June 28, 2025, at the age of 92. As in her life, she was surrounded by her family. Predeceased by her parents Alexander Campbell and Ellen (Foley) Russell; by her sisters Flora ‘Peggy’ Bulmer (Howard), Alena MacKinley (Robert), Helen Jean Arnold (Frank), Dorothy ‘Dody’ Creighton (James), Eileen Lobban (Byron) and Frances ‘Frankie’ Tetford; brothers-in-law Donald Barrett and Jerry Mathis; and the father of her children, Harold ‘Hal’ Barrett.
She is survived by her beloved children; Gregg (Jennifer Smout), Glenn, Mark (Joanne) and Jennifer (David Taylor); her grandchildren Alex (Taylor Witty), Katie (Mark Burton), Michael, Andrew, and Michelle; and her great-grandchildren Nora and Henry. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law Gordon Tetford and David (Ginny) Barrett; sisters-in-law Clara Barrett and Sonia Mathis; and a large number of nieces and nephews who were also very special to her. She was a cherished friend and mentor to many.
Born and raised in Chatham, New Brunswick, Betty was the youngest of seven girls. She was the youngest graduate of the nursing program at Miramichi Hospital in 1952 and continued her nursing career in St. John’s as an operating room nurse at the General Hospital and later in day surgery at the Health Sciences Centre, all while raising a busy family. Betty pursued a second “career” as the hostess of The Brittoner B&B in Brigus for many years; finally retiring at the age of 80.
Throughout her life, Betty was a tireless and dedicated volunteer. She was a lifelong supporter of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and was recently named Elder Emeritus. She was an Honorary lifetime member of the Brigus Historical Society and the Women’s Missionary Society, and proud supporter of Bridges to Hope. Betty’s volunteer contributions were recognized in 2018 when she was awarded the Senate Medal.
While she enjoyed all her work, it was her time with friends and family which was most meaningful to her. At home, she loved playing and hosting bridge, hosting both elaborate dinners and simple meals, entertaining for any occasion throughout the year, including her annual tree trimming party, knitting, reading and, in her younger years, travelling. Betty made lifelong friends from the Friday night bowling group, church committees, her nursing colleagues and bridge clubs. While she was, at best, a reluctant sailor, summers on the boat and with her friends at the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club were a big part of her life. Betty was never very far from the telephone and always reached out to her family and dear friends. If you were in the neighborhood, the kettle was always on, ready to brew a cup of tea and, of course, there were always some fresh baked goodies to enjoy.
Our family is deeply grateful to all the health care providers who have supported Mom over the past year, including Dr. Snow, Dr. Major and Dr. Jeddore; as well as the staff and residents of Winslowe Ridge. Thanks also to the Emergency Room staff at both St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital and the Health Sciences Centre.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Carnell’s Funeral Home. Visitation will take place on July 8, 2025, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. The Funeral service will be held on July 9, 2025, at 11:00am from St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Interment to take place in Chatham, New Brunswick, at a later date. Flowers are gratefully accepted, or a donation in Mom’s memory can be made to Bridges to Hope or a charity of one’s choice.
Betty leaves a marvelous legacy, a loving family, faithful friends, and a community forever enriched by her contributions. Betty will be deeply missed, and her passing marked in the hearts and memories of many.
Though she is gone, her spirit remains, a testament to a life well-lived.
Her love is a legacy that will forever live on in our hearts.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on July 8, 2025
7-9 p.m. on July 8, 2025
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
11:00am, Wednesday July 9th
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
Located on Queen's Road
I just found out about Mrs Barrett’s passing.
Sincere condolences to the Barrett family
Condolences to Jennifer and family on the passing of this lovely woman.
Sincere condolences, Jennifer on the death of your wonderful mother. May love and faith give your strength and peace.
Jennifer. We were so sorry to her about your moms’ passing. Our sincere condolences to you and your family
Joan and Rex LeDrew
Gregg, Glen and family.
Saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. My last memory was of a lovely conversation we had a few years back at my mom’s 85th birthday party. Deepest condolences. on your loss. Jim Spurrell
Gregg, Glenn, Mark and Jennifer…….so very sorry to hear about your mom’s passing ….she was a beautiful lady and she will certainly be missed. I was able to watch the funeral on line and she surely would have been proud of each of you in the role you each played in her service. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Marjorie Lobban Langley
So sorry for your loss, Jennifer, Mark, Glen, Greg, and extended family. She was a very special woman. We will miss her.
Dave & Laura
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, Gregg. We have always fondly remembered our stay with your Mom at Brigus. She made our trip to Newfoundland even more special.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
To Jennifer and Family..
I first met your Mum in the Operating Rm at the old General Hospital in 1962. and we became fast friends. She was a far more experienced O.R. Nurse that I was. Consequently, she was a great teacher, and I loved working with her. Over the years, we spent a lot of time together, at the Bridge Table, at Work and socializing in general. She taught us ( OR girls) how to play Bridge…..we formed a Bridge group, which still exists today. Although I’ve been living in the Ottawa Area past 50 yrs , we still kept in touch and saw each other on various vacation trips.
You were the the only one of her children that I knew and heard about on my various trips home. Your Mum and I were pregnant at the same time and delivered at the Grace Hospital close to the same time. I loved your Mom…..She was truly a Mentor to me in many aspects and my heart is very sad at this time.
So sorry to hear of mom’s passing. Our sincere condolences to the entire Barrett clan. Wishing you peace and comfort in the days that lie ahead.
To the family. Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Mrs Barrett. I met her through Bridges to Hope working with Bags to School registration. Always a friendly smile to just make any day better. Rest in peace Betty.
Cheryl Walsh ( Ash )
My most heartfelt sympathies to you all. I have only the most wonderful memories of your beautiful mother. Her mince tarts at Christmas. Her baked beans at the Annual Beancrock race. Her dazzling smile, her warmth and her boundless generosity. I know my mother was deeply grateful for their friendship – fellow New Brunswickers on the icy waters – buoying each other up. I hope they are having a civilized cup of tea together – no doubt discussing the mysteries of having children and the joys of Newfoundland men 😉
Big hugs. Xo
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your wonderful mom. Although I’ve been living in NS for over 40 years now I can picture her so clearly in my mind. I have very fond memories of her at The Kirk. She was such a smart, kind, generous and well-organized woman. I respected and liked her very much. I’m so very sorry for your loss and glad you had her for so long. with love, Alison Petten xo
Dear Jennifer and family,
Thinking of you during this sad and difficult time.
With sincere sympathy,
Jennifer Stender
Gregg, Glenn, Mark and Jennifer,
I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. As you know I have known her all of my life and have many wonderful memories of her. She always greeted me with a big smile when we visited, right up to the last visit with her when I dropped Mom and Dad over to see her when I was home in April.
Our deepest condolences,
Jennifer and family,
We are thinking of you and holding you all in our thoughts and prayers.
May you be comforted by the love that surrounds you and the caring thoughts and prayers that are with you,
Deepest Sympathy,
Elsie and Max Squires
Jennifer, Mark, Glenn and Gregg,
Very sad to hear of your mother’s passing. Visiting with her has been a highlight of my St. John’s trips. I will miss my ‘checkins’ with her and hearing her news of you all and how proud she was of her family.
Lots of special childhood memories but so glad I got to know her as an adult. Betty’s sense of humour, her patience, warmth and cooking will be missed by many.
Never knew I loved cream of Carrot-ginger soup and pineapple fluff until I had your mother’s!
Sending love and deepest condolences,
Janet and Bob
To Jennifer, David & family, Gregg &Jennifer, Glenn & family, and Mark & Joanne and family,
It is with sadness that I write, noting that your mother, grandmother, great grandmother and my Aunt Betty, the last of the Russell girls has died. While i didn’t see Aunt Betty often over the years, I treasure the visits and phone conversations that I had with her , the most recent being in May. I’m unable to attend the funeral in person, but will be thinking of all of you, and hoping that you take some comfort from the fond memories you have of your Mum, grandmother, and great grandmother and the fact that others care.
With sympathy and love,
Heather and Don
To Betty’s Family,
Sincerest Condolences to you on the passing of your loved one. I met Betty at Bridges to Hope. Her contributions, both as a board member and a pantry volunteer were many. Betty was always pleasant and supportive. May she rest in peace.
Heather Squires
Jennifer and family,
So sorry to learn of this loss. I know this is a difficult time but all your wonderful memories will bring comfort today and in the days ahead. Beautiful tribute.
With love,
Susan Gover
So sorry to hear of your loss. Your Mom was a great friend of my Mothers, Irma Roberts, she would come out to Brigus on a regular basis and take them to have a game of cards with Mrs. Moores. How much fun they had.
May so many of your special memories get you through this sad time.
We were neighbors of Alena and Robert. We met Betty when she was in Chatham visiting and shared many laughs and stories. Our deepest sympathy to Betty’s family.
SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOU AN FAMILY .AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME.. SHE WILL BE REMEMBERED BY MANY
Jennifer, my deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your dear Mom. You will carry her in your heart the rest of your life. Thinking of you at this sad time.
THere’s a polished version of your tribute that maintains your heartfelt tone and adds a gentle flow for clarity and warmth:
—
**To Betty’s Family,**
I first met Betty when I joined *Bridges To Hope* as the Program Director. From the beginning, she was a dedicated and dependable volunteer—always ready to take on any role she was asked.
Betty was a key part of the Thursday pantry team, and her presence made those days brighter for everyone. She also played a vital role in helping with the distribution of Christmas Hampers, working alongside members of the Rotary Club of St. John’s.
There is no doubt in my mind that there’s a lively bridge game happening in heaven right now.
Rest in peace, Betty.
–
I was very sorry to learn of Betty’s passing .She was a thoughtful,,considerate lady who enjoyed a full,busy life .She was the last of the Wilcox Garden” Girls “,who devoted so much time and energy to setting up and maintaining the gardens .
Sincere condolences to her family .
Carolyn Jerrett Hiscock.
Jennifer & Family
Sincere Condolences to you and your Entire Family on the Passing of your Mom. My Thoughts and Prayers are with you at this sad and Difficult Time
Bob Bennett
Dear Jennifer and Family,
Your mother seems to have had a wide impact on many people! Death brings sadness, but there is much to celebrate as well in a life well-lived! May you know the warm comfort of our Creator now and in the time ahead as your wonderful memories surface to carry you through the tough times.
Much love,
Jocelyn & Graham Cook
Jennifer and family: Word of your Mother’s passing has brought to mind the many encounters we shared with her over the years in Brigus, from her “Tea Cosy” days on. She was always ready for a chat which usually included keen observations, an opinion or two, and always kindness. We join with all who are grateful for having had her presence among us.. Please accept our condolences.
Jennifer and Family – So very sorry to learn of your mom’s recent passing., Jennifer. Sending sincere condolences and keeping you all in my prayers.. your mom will live on in your happy memories of her.
Jennifer and family
So sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. May your memories give you strength in the days to come.
Deeply saddened to hear of Betty’s passing. Her cheerful manner greeted all who went to church…..she was always kind and caring when she knew people needed it…….worked tirelessly for The Kirk. Her kindness after my parents died was greatly appreciated by me and her keeping connected by phone over the last 10 years. My deepest sympathy to her family at this time.
To Betty’s family,
I first met Betty with her family at RNYC in the 1970s-80s. There was always a genuine smile on her face…and she certainly hid very well her reluctance to be a pleasure sailor. She was always a proud mama, enjoying the activities of her four children
After a few years with little contact, as our lives moved in different directions, Betty and i reconnected in 2004 in Brigus in her new role as the hostess at the Britonner B&B and a live spark in the local heritage group. Her smile endured and we had many animated conversations over the years about life in that beautiful small community.. We have all missed her presence and sage advice here in recent years.
Although you will all miss her, you must remember that her kong and fruitful life was dedicated to you, her family. She took great joy in your successes and was never shy in sharing those moments with her friends.. After the initial sorrow, Betty’s long life is to be celebrated.
John Roil
So very sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. I worked with her for many years at the Health Science Center. She was a dedicated nurse a great colleague who could handle any situation, and a friend to everyone. Deepest condolences to the whole family at this sad time
Dear Gregg, Glenn, Mark and Jennifer
Remembering with fond memories of your Mom’s smile, quick wit and wonderful observations of life and sense of humour. Although I have not seen Aunt Betty since my Mom died, I do remember how comforting she was for me at that time.
May you find comfort in the memories that you have of her. Our prayers are with you as travel a new road with many changes.
Love Brenda & Dan
So sorry to hear a Betty. What a wonderful lady.
Sincere condolences to the whole family
Jennifer and family
Please accept our condolences on the passing of your beloved Mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Gary and Jean Ann Ryan
Jennifer and family
Please accept our condolences on the passing of your beloved Mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Gary and Jean Ann Ryan