Obituary of Elizabeth Anna Trefry

JAMES, (Trefry) (Tedford), Elizabeth Anna “Betty”

Still shocked, we announce the sudden and yet to be explained death of Elizabeth "Betty" Anna (Trefry) (Tedford) James, age 71 on November 23, 2024 in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Betty was born on May 13, 1953 in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. She was the third of six children born to Keith and Ruth (King) Trefry.

Betty will be remembered for her big smile and loud laugh. While she still lived in Yarmouth, some of you may remember her familiar face at Motormart or Canadian Tire. Or perhaps remember her zipping around the corners whilst racing on the Edson Foot track. Betty enjoyed her Tricam paintings, selling Avon and playing bingo. She loved playing crib and Yahtzee. She loved to cart kids to and from 4-H events with some recalling her as the fasted person to get to Truro and a person that could make anyone laugh. Most recently, her passion was as a Lionette of the Shubenacadie club. She was secretary for some time until the day of her passing and was a regular assistant during their radio bingo and whatever or wherever she was needed.

Betty still had fulltime employment as an administrative assistant at Department of National Defence in Dartmouth where she had been employed ever since she had moved to Dartmouth from Yarmouth over 34 years ago. When she was asked why she was still working, she’d always reply, “Why not? I love my job and I can still do it.” This is so true. Betty had a great work ethic and was adored by so many at her previous and current place of employment. Betty would do these random acts of kindness for which she will be remembered for. If Betty was questioned as to why she was paying for the food order for the vehicle behind hers, she would reply, “cause I can and cause it’s a nice thing to do.” Betty loved and was proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandson. She loved her family members and her friends. She tried hard to please everyone. Those who knew her well, will deeply miss the annual birthday song sung over the phone.

Betty is survived by her son, Tim; daughter, Twila (Doug); grandchildren and great grandson; brothers, David (Janet); Bob (Nancy) and sisters, Linda (David) and Nancy (Mike).

Betty was predeceased by her parents, sister, Lilian (Fraser); and love of her life Dennis MacDonald.

Betty’s wish was for her body to be donated for science research at Dalhousie. Alas, this was unfortunately not possible. Betty will be cremated as per her prearranged choice by Ettinger Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life will take place 12-3pm Saturday, December 7th in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 111,  42 Mill Village Road, Shubenacadie.

In memory of Betty, donations can be made to a charity of your choice, though her strong preference would be for cancer research and the Lions Club.

Condolences, words of comfort and memories of Betty may be shared with the familty at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com