Obituary of Christena (Betty) Elizabeth Young

Christena (Betty) Elizabeth Young

Born In: Ottawa Brook, Nova Scotia, Canada

Passed on: December 9, 2023

After a short battle with cancer, it is with much sadness that we announce the death of Christena Elizabeth (Betty) Young, 70, of Stevensville, ON (formerly of Sydney Mines, NS), at St. Catharines Hospital, St. Catharines ON, on Dec. 9 2023. Born in Ottawa Brook, NS, she was the daughter of the late John Benedict and Annie Catherine (MacKenzie) MacLean.

Betty was a wonderful wife, mother and Gran. She loved her family and friends dearly. She was a kind and generous person who always made time to listen, provide support or offer a helping hand. Betty filled our lives with music and laughter and fun. The grandkids are all avid card players, Bingo enthusiasts, and scavenger hunt experts. She had a gift for song writing from a young age and used her talent to write and compose beautiful thoughtful songs. From lullabies for her Grandchildren and wedding songs for family members, to Christmas and folk tunes. Betty shared her music unreservedly, she loved singing with her brothers and sisters, with her songs being staples at family gatherings. She also shared her love of music through the time she spent performing at community concerts, schools, senior homes.

Betty was a devout Catholic and volunteered many hours to the church. She directed the children’s choir at St. Pius X Parish for more than fourteen years. It was always her mission to bring joy to the congregation but even more so to the children in the choir. To some the choir was their home away from home and they looked forward to choir practices and Sunday services…not to mention the epic choir parties she threw.

Betty was also Catholic Women’s League (CWL) president, a Eucharistic Minister and pursued a Religious Education Certificate.

Betty always found time to give back to the community through volunteering with the Canadian Cancer Society, Nova Scotia Heart Fund, the Kidney Foundation and others.

Her work as a Claims Adjudicator for the Compensation Board in Toronto was the foundation for her career path that led to Leisure Services in Sydney Mines as the Director of the Preschool Program where every child was included and encouraged. She also organized Community Activities such as March Break for Seniors, concerts and workshops. Working for the Cape Breton Regional Library was perhaps the perfect job as she loved working with the public, keeping everything in order and showing patrons how to use the then “new” computers for research.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Greg; and two children, daughter, Laurie (Kerry), Port Hope, ON and their children, Kieran and Abbey; daughter, Keressa (George), Ottawa, ON and their children, Bennett and Gillian. She is also survived by eight brothers and three sisters, Ben (Carmie), Washabuck, Neil (Gale), Burlington, ON., Lauchie (Sharon), Millville, Peter, Port Hawkesbury, Sharon MacLean, Shane (Barbara), Debbie (Allan) MacDougall, Sydney Mines, Pius (Caroline), Wetaskiwin, Alta., Terry, Halifax, Paul (Caroline), Lower Sackville, Adele (Seamus) Britton, Don Mills, ON., She is also survived by brothers-in-law, Craig Reid, Truro, Earl McInnis, Bras d'Or and Emmanuel Taylor, Glace Bay; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by Mary Jacqueline (Jackie) Reid, Francis Alexander Mac Lean, Helen Madonna Taylor, Sheila McInnis , four siblings in infancy and sister in-law Marlene MacLean.

Williams Funeral Services entrusted with arrangements A Funeral Mass with family, will be held for Betty on Dec. 16th, 10am at St. Joseph Church in Snyder, ON. with Fr. Stuart MacDonald officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of choice.