It is with great sorrow that the family of Carol Ann (Reid) Betts shares the news of her unexpected but peaceful passing, at the age of 90 on March 22, 2025.

Left to mourn are Carol's husband of 72 years, Douglas Betts of Hilden, NS, her children David (Shirley Killam) Betts, Ottawa, ON, Gilbert (Doris Samson) Betts, Brookfield, NS and Janice Betts, Hilden. She also leaves to grieve her loss her precious grandchildren and great grandchildren, Stephen (Rachel Barken) Betts and their children, Francis and Claire, Ottawa as well as grandson Peter Betts, Brookfield. Also survived by a sister, Marion (Clark) Beck and a brother, Allison (Pat) Reid, as well as many special nieces and nephews, friends and neighbours who she treated as family are also grieving her loss.

Carol was born in Brule, NS on May 28, 1934 to Etta (Joyce) Reid and Lawson Gordon Reid. The family moved to nearby Tatamagouche where Carol resided until her marriage to Douglas Betts of Wentworth in 1953.

She is predeceased by her parents, step-father Laurence Kennedy, sisters Alta Langille and Phyllis Halverson and brothers Kenneth, Benjamin and Gordon.

Prior to her marriage, Carol worked as a telephone operator in Tatamagouche. Doug's years in the Royal Canadian Air Force resulted in 19 moves in 21 years to various posts in Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, North Dakota and Newfoundland and Labrador. Carol took all these moves in stride, always placing the well-being of her growing family as her top priority.

Carol was a wonderful spouse and Mum that took great pride in creating a warm and welcoming home no matter where they lived. She was a talented seamstress, knitter and embroiderer. She was also very active in the communities in which she lived. She became a lifeguard (saving 2 persons from drowning) and swim instructor when the children were young (and was able to execute a perfect dive off her son's boat in her 80's). Carol became a Den Mother when her son was a scout. She earned her Power Squadron Certification when a cruiser boat was purchased for the family to enjoy.

The family moved to Hilden in 1973. Carol quickly became involved in her new community, both through the Hilden United Church and Garden Club. She earned her motorcycle license and drove her Honda CT110 around the county, taking photographs (another one of her creative endeavours) of the landscape she encountered. Downhill skiing as well as other athletic pursuits (curling, bowling, softball, archery) were also activities she enjoyed.

Carol was an avid gardener. She could often be found in her flower beds, tending her plants with care. She loved nature and enjoyed watching the deer and pheasants in her backyard and was friendly to a few crows that visited regularly. Many family pets (including a much beloved Newfoundland dog) were enjoyed and loved over the years.

Carol was a warm and generous friend and neighbour. All were welcomed into her home, including the neighbourhood children who loved her (calling her "Grammie Carol") as she loved them. She and Doug enjoyed hosting informal neighbourhood barbecues. She also hosted regular Scrabble and Bridge games for her friends and elegant Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners for her family. Her roast beef dinners and homemade brown bread were legendary.

Carol's family, friends and the simple joys of nature became subjects of her poetry over the years. She was very proud of the collection of poetry her grandson Peter helped her compile into a booklet to share with family and friends, now a family treasure.

Carol gave her family and friends a wonderful example of how to live a life of caring, humility, generosity, devotion, resilience and positivity. Her love was a gift to us all.

Carol's family would like to thank the medical professionals who so caringly attended her during her brief illness and passing – from the paramedics to Dr. Ghanem and the nursing teams of the Intermediate Care Unit of the Colchester East Hants Health Centre.

Following Carol's wishes, there will be no funeral or visitation. A graveside burial service will take place in the Wentworth United Church cemetery at a later date. Finally, the family would like to thank all who sent cards, made phone calls, left messages and dropped off food to support us at this most difficult time.