In Memoriam.ca - Always in our hearts

Photo album

Memorial candle

  • Angela Williams lit a candle on 08/03/2009:
    "I still miss you, Betti, but I am gratefull I had you for a little while. May God bless and look after your children and grandchildren."

  • Lisa Hickey lit a candle on 08/19/2009:
    "Betti was a wonderful woman she was so giving and loving. I never had the pleasure of having her for a teacher but I did know her on a personal level since the day myself and 3 siblings were adopted and you couldn\'t ask for a better person. We love you Miss Betty and will be missed by all."

  • Amy Furey lit a candle on 08/20/2009:
    "Nan Betti will be missed by all. She was an amazing women. I am thankful for the time, how ever short, she touched my nieces and my family. She will be forever loved!"

About her

Betti Moore-Woodford

Betti Moore-Woodford

Born: November 25th, 1952

Passed on: June 20th, 2009

 

 

 

 

 THE LIFE OF BETTI

     What do you get when you cross a sailor with an ex nun? In the case of my parents, Jim and Mary Moore, the answer was a bouncing baby girl ...ME!” Now I’ve got a Rich man\'s family," my father would joke, referring to my slightly older brother and myself.    They christened me Elizabeth (after my grandmother), but decided to call me Betty. This name has accompanied me throughout my life. Although it has been a constant, there have been some variations along the way. I would like to bring to your attention a few examples and in the process give you a glimpse of who I am. 

         My teenage years were a time of discovery and independence. Friends, school and music were most important to me. I was active in student council and took great pride in planning dances and other events to help promote school spirit at Assumption High, in Avondale, where I have spent most of my life. During my first summer of high school I was invited to visit Montreal and New York with an older cousin of mine and her friends. I was in total awe as I witnessed the magic of new cultures and experienced places as Expo, Coney Island and Manhattan. The subways and busy streets were a long way from my family\'s grocery store back home. My love of travel was ignited during those three weeks.

     When I returned to school in September there was another Betty in my class. I decided to claim my own identity and changed the \'y\' to \'i\'in my name. It stuck, apart from a few Bett-i jokes from my brother and his friends. My new name was accepted and I felt empowered by this little, yet daring move.  

       Several years later, having graduated from Memorial University I embarked on a rewarding teaching career. My love of children was paramount. I embraced their honesty and trust with enthusiasm. Students, parents and fellow teachers called me Miss Betti. From Placentia Bay, St Mary\'s to Conception Bay teaching was indeed my passion.
 
      Even though I was married and had four wonderful children during my career, this teaching title remained. "Miss Betti," said a little Kindergarten girl one day.” You’re the best teacher I ever had." I said Thank you and smiled to myself, "I\'m the ONLY teacher she ever had."   "Miss Betti!!!" Shouted an amazed Tyler, It was story time but I had noticed him staring and pointing to large letters of the alphabet stretching across the kindergarten wall. "My name\'s in the alphabet! My names in the alphabet.!"This ah ha moment set off a chain reaction as one by one the others around him checked it out and echoed, in their own discovery... "So is mine, my names in the alphabet!”
 
    Yes, there were stresses and difficult times. I was often physically and emotionally exhausted juggling school and home. I have had learned much   about myself through it all and I am grateful. Although it has been a few years since my retirement I am often greeted anywhere by parents and grown teens with "HEY, MISS BETTI!!"
 
      In more recent years my life has taken on changes, challenges and adventures. I have put my focus on wellness of body, mind and spirit. I try to live more in the present moment.  My eldest son has married, renovated and moved into my parents’ vacant home. New life and joy abounds as his three little girls light up our world.  I now wear another banner...Nan Betti. It seems the sky is bluer, the snow is whiter and I have a secret to staying young.
 
 Simplicity and freedom abounds when I play and dance and sing with the girls. I’ve come to realize that being is just as powerful as doing. Whether I’m making tea buns the way my mom taught me or we\'re swinging in the hammock as my father used at sea we continue to celebrate the love that passes from one generation to another. I\'ve sailed in stormy seas and basked in the peaceful tranquil waters of life.
 

Right now I\'m on a safe and exciting journey and I continue to trust...in this life of Betti.

 Written by Betti, October 2008