Obituary of Betty Marie Romkey

Betty Marie Romkey (Publicover) 81, of LaHave, passed away peacefully with family present at South Shore Regional Hospital on Tuesday, June 7, 2011. She was the adoptive daughter, and only child, of the late Edna (Sperry) and Morton Publicover ( Crescent Beach). After high school she attended Normal Teachers’ College in Truro and taught in both Petite Riviere and the LaHave Islands. Betty moved upon marrying Robert I. G. Romkey of Crescent Beach in 1954. During their 45-year marriage, they lived in many places throughout Canada, raising a family of six children. After separating in 1999, Betty began living on her own in LaHave. It was during this time that she became a first-time cat owner, first with Socks, and later with Mattie. Betty was an active member of the West Dublin United Church and enjoyed many community functions. She especially enjoyed the recent moves of three of her children to the area. Betty is survived by former husband Robert Romkey (Doreen Johnson, Moncton) and children Tom (Karen, New Glasgow), Heather (Dennis Osborne, Crescent Beach), Cheryl (Geoff Blackbeard, Moncton NB), David (Crescent Beach), Michael (Crescent Beach), and Tracey (Tim Parker, Medicine Hat AB). She is also survived by grandchildren Nick, Ryan, Laura, Colin, Anna, Scotia, Amelia, Clayton, Matthew, and Leah; and by her only great-grandchild Tyler.As friends and family are aware, Betty was a wonderful person to know. She spoke ill of no one and had kind words for everyone. She was gentle and gracious, always thinking of others. She loved music and was often overheard to be singing or humming to herself. In later life she had been a member of the Nova Chords Barbershop Chorus in Yarmouth, as well as a cast member in Th’ARC’s production of “Oklahoma!” She sang in every choir wherever she lived. She loved family get-togethers and especially a meal she didn’t have to prepare. She was funny and fun-loving; loyal and loving. She will be missed by many. The family wishes to thank the nursing staff at SSRH, 3rd Floor Surgical for their excellent care, as well as the Palliative Care Team for their support. A special thank-you to Dr. A. Hassan for his warmth and guidance. Visitation is at Sweeny’s Funeral Home in Bridgewater on Tuesday, June 14, from 7:00-9:00 PM. Funeral service will be at 1:00PM on Wednesday, June 15 at West Dublin United Church with Rev. Neil McEwen officiating; burial to be at Brookside Cemetery in West Dublin. A reception will follow at the West Dublin Hall. Family flowers only please. Donations of Betty can be made to the West Dublin United Church, the Palliative Care Services at South Shore Regional Hospital, or the SPCA. Online condolences may be made at www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.