Obituary of Betty Madeline Young

Betty M. Young

July 8, 1934 – May 8, 2021

Rocky Harbour, NL 

In the fall of 1952, Betty Madeline Freake, a nineteen year old aspiring teacher from Joe Batt’s Arm, set out on a dusty road to Seldom-Come-By, the far end of Fogo Island. She had accepted her first job. Her destination-Rocky Harbour. It took seven different rides to cover the seven legs of the trip including two ferry boat crossings and a stint on the Newfie Bullet. Her father, Sam, unable to conceal his consternation, shared his concern with friends. “Betty”, he said, “was going to the ends of the earth”.

Betty arrived at her destination, unscathed. There, she taught, met and fell in love with the light keeper’s son, raised a family and lived out her life in the heart of Gros Morne National Park.

Today, with immense sadness we announce the passing of our mother. Her husband, Ralph, predeceased her some 16 years previous. Left to mourn are her children, Paul (Jackie), Boyd (Ruth), Molly (Brian), Cheryl (Brian) and Jennifer (Jim). Her loss will also be felt by her six grandchildren, Paul (Kristy), Greg (Molly), Aaron, William, Samuel and Sally, as well as her three great-grandchildren, Taylor, Jack and Bonita.

Betty was a very active member of her community from the early years onward. Some may remember her amateur acting career with a rag-tag theatre group who raised money for the school or the church. She devoted endless hours at church administrative duties, church cleaning and the preparation of numerous church suppers. She dedicated her life to raising five children, juggling the responsibilities of work with domestic obligations to see them all successfully complete post secondary training. Widowed at seventy-one, she continued her volunteer work and spent many leisure afternoons and evenings playing cards with a group of close, lifelong friends. Those who may not have known her personally would likely have encountered this diminutive lady on her daily walks around the loop. She would often say that she was a walker long before walking was fashionable.

As the storm clouds gathered over the life of our mother, the early signs were that of a failing memory. Some days brought moments of humour, others were worrying, but every day brought greater concerns. Recently, while staring at an old photograph of her in-laws, whom she always called Mr. and Mrs. Young, she said, “I’m going to take that picture when I go home”. Perhaps she meant Fogo Island. Perhaps she meant the house that has many rooms, the sanctuary of the Almighty. If so, may she have eternal rest.

The family would like to thank Public Health nurse, SueAnn Collett, Stephanie Burden and her team at Pharmasave as well as the very accommodating staff at the imaging department at Western Health, Corner Brook. An especial note of thanks to Reverend Wilhelmena Green who showed us the true meaning of Christian ministry.

Visitation will be at 68 Pond Road. Visitors may pay their respects from 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm Monday May 10. Funeral services will take place at St. Mathew’s church, Tuesday, May 11 at 2:00 pm. As Covid 19 government regulations dictate, a maximum of 50 people can attend the service. Please call (709) 458-2545 if you wish to attend. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Fillatre’s Funeral Home, Corner Brook, NL.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Matthews Anglican Church, Rocky Harbour.