In Loving Memory of Betty Dawson

1944 – 2023

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Betty Anne Dawson, wife of the late Paul Dawson of Miramichi, NB, who passed away at the Miramichi Regional Hospital on June 15, 2023, at the age of 78.

Born in Chatham, NB, on November 25, 1944, she was the daughter of the late George and Annie (Gregan) Potter.  Betty graduated from Teacher’s College in 1963 and went on to complete both her Bachelor of Arts in Literature and her Bachelor of Teaching degrees. Betty was passionate about teaching, especially literacy. She was a school teacher for 40 years, the majority of which was spent at Croft Elementary and Harkins Elementary in Miramichi. 

Betty was a member of the Miramichi Chapter #44 and former member and a Past Matron of the Prince Charles Chapter #27 of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was a member of Nereides Temple #78 Daughters of the Nile and Secretary of the North Shore Club. Betty was also a member of the Highland Society and the Miramichi Area Retired Teachers Association. 

Betty was an avid gardener, a voracious reader, and an ardent lover of animals. She was gracious, funny, creative, and eternally young at heart. She loved to dance, loved to laugh, and was endlessly curious about the world. She was happiest in nature and loved spending time at her cottage, walking the beach, sitting by the water, hiking through the woods, and planting and nurturing her flowers and her vegetable garden. 

Betty was a doer. She took pride in continuing her family traditions of crafting and creating. Summer and fall harvests became pickles, jellies, and jams. Betty always had a project: scarves and hats to be knitted, afghans and blankets to crochet or weave, wreaths and ornaments to construct, and quilts designed and sewn with painstaking detail and care. Everything was made with love and gifted to family and friends she held so dear. She asked for little and gave boundlessly of herself: her time, compassion, understanding, and support. She will be deeply missed for her great sense of adventure, her inspiring zest for life, and her kind and gentle heart.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Paula Dawson of Miramichi; her son, Thomas Dawson (Dawn Kingston) of Dartmouth, NS; one sister, Margaret Pennington (Earl) of Ottawa, ON; sisters-in-law: Joyce Potter, Betty O’Shea, Margaret MacDonald, Patsy Holland, and Merita MacMillan (Blake); as well as many much loved nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents, George and Annie Potter; her husband, Paul Dawson; her brother, Vernon Potter; sisters, Judy Adams and Beverley Hudson; sister-in-law, Carmel Conkie; and her precious dog, Thai.

Visitation occurred at Adams Funeral Home, 140 King St., Miramichi, on Tuesday, June 20th, 2023 from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM.  A Funeral service occurred at St. Andrew’s United Church, 188 Wellington St., Miramichi, on Wednesday, June 21st, 2023, at 1 PM with The Reverend Eunkyu Ji and The Reverend Ivan Gregan officiating.  Music for the service was provided by Lois McKinnon and St. Andrew's United Church Choir and the hymns were "In The Garden", "How Great Thou Art", "Be Thou My Vision", "Amazing Grace" and the recessional hymn was "Edelweiss".  The scripture readings were read by Dawn Kingston, Heather Adams and The Reverend Ivan Gregan and the eulogy was presented by Todd Adams.

Honorary pallbearers were Marina Gallant, Frank Harris, Lynn Jamieson, Peter MacLean, Weldon MacTavish, Paul Matheson, Paul McMahon and Earl Pennington.  Active pallbearers were David Adams, Todd Adams, Lynn Anderson, Luke MacMillan, Darren McKinnon and Chad Wood.  Also a large group of Retired Teachers gathered for the service and formed an honour guard at the end.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Black River Community Cemetery, Miramichi SPCA or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

Arrangements were entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, NB, telephone (506) 773-3492.  Additionally, messages of condolence may be shared online at www.adamsfh.ca

“Where Dedicated People Care”

Est. 1956