Obituary of Ruth Elizabeth Holland

Memoriam for Ruth Elizabeth “Betty” Holland

October 5, 1932 – July 11, 2024

With hearts full of gratitude for a life well lived, the family of Ruth Elizabeth “Betty” Holland has announced her passing which occurred July 11, 2024 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (DECRH) in Fredericton.

Born on October 5, 1932 in Devon, New Brunswick, Betty was the daughter of the late Firmin and Alice (McManus) Soucie. For people familiar with Fredericton, Betty proudly grew up in the little brown house next to Joe’s Diner and the Gibson United Church.

Betty is survived by her three sons: John Holland (Lorraine), Brian Holland and Andrew Holland (Helene) all of the Fredericton. Grandchildren Ashley (Liza Kinney), Tyler (Nicole Stairs), Matthew and Alexandre along with great-grandchildren Harper, Harley, Emmy and Kaiya.

She is also survived by brother Jerome (Evangeline) of Moncton, New Brunswick and sister Mary Hughes of Kamloops, British Columbia.

Besides her husband and parents, Betty was predeceased by her infant children, Genevieve and Andrew, sister Lorraine Sullivan, brother, Thomas Soucie and sister, Virginia-Anne Soucie.

Betty originally worked for the Government of New Brunswick as one of two employees who handwrote paycheques for employees. Upon having her first child, Betty became a full-time mother (government didn’t offer maternity leave then). Mom briefly worked at a local business doing their bookkeeping until raising three sons with her husband David Holland who often worked away throughout New Brunswick on bridge construction projects.

Betty was a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Marysville and St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church in Devon.

We are grateful to her friends who would stop by her home. A special thank you to Mom’s longtime next door neighbours Karen and Duff (Butch) Rinehart for their kindness and companionship over so many years. It meant the world to her.

In her younger years, Betty had a real gift of writing and poetry. She enjoyed reading, listening to music and in these later years wouldn’t miss an episode of Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and Judge Judy! Grammie Holland also loved rocking her great grand-daughters in her chair and singing to them.

Mom’s home was the place for family gatherings. She exemplified making “comfort food”. Beyond the usual staples of turkey, chicken and ham dinners – you couldn’t have just one bowl of her Beef & Barley soup. Her homemade Chinese food, huge Meatballs were also big hits.

Every Halloween night, Mom’s house was a destination! Kids would receive store bought candy while their parents were treated to her different kinds of fudge. Each Christmas, Mom’s veranda had several containers filled with her homemade moco cakes, chocolate topped crunchies, peanut butter balls and other treats. There were always enough sweets to go around until Valentines Day in February!

On behalf of Betty, our family expresses appreciation to the medical professionals for their care and compassion throughout her life. Most recently Dr. Kate Hadley and the nurses and staff at 4 Southeast at the DECRH during her stays since March.  Thanks also to the NB Extra-Mural Staff, Bayshore HealthCare and Ability New Brunswick for providing guidance and support in recent months.

Betty is remembered for having a very warm smile and being nice to people. Her home was  always open for a hot cup of tea and a cookie, square, pie or cake and conversation. Mom always said “there is nothing better than a hot cup of tea!”  So in lieu of flowers or charitable donations, please consider sharing a hot beverage and a sweet with someone close to you.  

Betty will be forever missed and loved more than she will ever know. 

Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 from 6 to 8 pm. A Memorial Service will take place at York Funeral Home's T. Gordon MacLeod Memorial Chapel on Thursday, July 18, 2024  at 11 am. Interment will take place at St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Personal condolences can be offered through www.yorkfh.com