Obituary of Beatrice Frances Gilbert (McCaffrey)

It is with deep sadness that the family of Beatrice "Betty" Frances Gilbert (McCaffrey) announce her peaceful passing at her home in Burton, NB, on April 1, 2020. She was born on July 30, 1931, to the late Mary (Holleran) and Thomas McCaffrey at their home in Oromocto, NB. She was a graduate of Mount Carmel Academy, Saint John, NB in 1948, NB Normal School, Fredericton, NB in 1950, and the University of New Brunswick in 1975. An accomplished teacher who taught at schools in Lincoln, Burton, and Oromocto, before her retirement as Vice Principal and teacher in 1995. She was a devoted wife and an amazing mother and grandmother. She loved and cared for her thirteen children throughout her life. She also enjoyed spending time with her many grandchildren and great-grand children. She and Tom, her late husband of 65 years, took great joy in gathering family, friends, and community members. Her love of family and her successful career meant balancing many demands. It was a regular occurrence to have her children around the table at night to do homework, while she did her daily planning and marked her student’s school work. She enjoyed reading and loved to sew and quilt. She was kind and generous. She was always fun, full of energy, and had a strong independent nature. She was a life long parishioner of Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and a member of the Catholic Women’s League. She loved to play Auction 45 and became an accomplished Bridge player after her retirement. She is survived by children, Catherine Bettle (Ken), George Gilbert, Tim Gilbert (Gisele), Gregory Gilbert (Linda), Malcolm Gilbert (Melisa), Eleanor Lindsay (Ted), Gerard Gilbert (Sharon), Tony Gilbert (Monica), Mary Cozzarini (Elio), Patricia Russell (Harold), Charles Gilbert, Anne Gilbert (Blaine), Susan Bouwer (Neil) and by 27 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas W. Gilbert in 2016, her sister, Eleanor Bryzak, and brothers, Arthur and Gerald McCaffrey. Many thanks to Dr. K. Brown, Dr. Peter Fraser, Dr. Peter Bettle and Dr. Leanne Murphy for their kind care. At this time, due to the current health recommendations pertaining to large gatherings, a celebration of life and a Mass of Christian Burial will take place at a later date. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Building Fund at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.oromoctofh.com