Obituary of Beulah May Ramsay

The family of Beulah May Ramsay (nee Butland), sadly announces her passing on January 4, 2026, surrounded by family at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton, New Brunswick, after a long battle with dementia.

Beulah is survived by her son, Donald (Cornelia); daughters, Karen Cooper (Gary), and Cynthia Ramsay (Brian); grandchildren, Nathan Ramsay (Cheryl), Theresa Bowser (John), Amber Matovka (Gerald), Cheryl Graham (Mike), Nicholas Ramsay, Courtney Nagle (Andrew), and step-granddaughter, Amanda Laybolt.  She was blessed to have several great-grandchildren as well:  Brandon, Videlle, Alexis, Dacota, Kendra, Austin, Sierra, Hailey, Skyler, Destinee and Winter.  Beulah is also survived by her sister Levera Douthwright (Dennis), and brother, Burpee Butland (Deborah).

In addition to her parents, Burpee and Nora Butland, Beulah was predeceased by her husband of 71 years, William Ramsay; an infant son buried in Germany, Jonathan; her sisters, Geraldine, Nora, Grace, and Pearl, as well as her brother Emerson.

Beulah was born and raised in Alma, New Brunswick until she moved to Moncton, NB, at the age of 17, and became employed at a local pharmacy.  It was at this time she crossed paths with a very suave, dark-haired young man who had recently come to Moncton from Prince Edward Island.  The young man, William Ramsay, only 2 years her senior, swept her off her feet.  They married within 5 months of “going steady” in November of 1952, and the long love story of 71 years continued until his death in 2023.

She moved to Germany in 1956, just shortly after losing a sister.  After a long boat voyage, with her son Don in tow, Beulah joined Bill, who had left months previous on a posting abroad.  Several postings later, from Germany to Petawawa, to Shilo, then back to Germany, they made their final posting their permanent residence in Oromocto, NB. 

Beulah was, first and foremost, a military wife and mother.  The couple worked together late into the night to build their own home in Geary, while raising their children and being employed.  Beulah was one of the first employees in the new company in Oromocto, Optyl Factory, making eye glass frames and pedometers.  She worked as a civilian at C.F.B. Gagetown in the administration building as a clerical employee, and was the payroll clerk for several years at the local business, Process Technology Limited.

Both Beulah and Bill found an interest in local politics; Beulah assisting on campaigns in the provincial political scene, while her husband became a councilor in municipal politics.

Although shy, Beulah loved to dance.  Whenever there was music playing, you would find her and Bill on the dance floor.   She loved to bake, cook and play cards with family and friends.   

The last years of her life were difficult.  Just as Covid hit, so too did dementia.  She resided with her husband in the nursing home until his passing.  Although the disease took her memories and mobility, she remained in good spirits, always with a smile on her face, until the very end.

In keeping with Beulah’s wishes, there will be no visitation or reception.  A memorial service will be held at the Oromocto Funeral Home on January 9^th, 2025, beginning at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Dr. Kelly Burke officiating. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Oromocto Public Hospital, the Alzheimer Society of Canada, or a charity of the donor’s choice.