HERMAN, Betty

(1935-2019) Of Clearland, passed away in Mahone Bay Nursing Home on July 22. Born in Italy Cross, she was a daughter of the late Samuel and Lois (Llwellyn) Herman. At the age of sixteen, Betty started working at the "Sperry Nursing Home" in Petite Riviere and very quickly took the youngest son of the Sperrys' (Johnny) under her wing, whom she cherished a great deal, and he her, for the rest of her life. She briefly worked at the nursing home in Liverpool, then at the "Inlet Café" in Mahone Bay followed by employment at the Mahone Bay Nursing Home. During the 20 years she worked in Petite Riviere, she took an active part in the "Young People's Group", joined Wesley United Church, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and when she moved, became an active member of Trinity United Church Mahone Bay. Betty took oil painting lessons from John Cook (Petite Riviere) and joined the art program when she became a resident of the nursing home. Betty always felt that her greatest accomplishment in life was getting her education on her own, through the correspondence course program. She loved to garden, as attested by the flower garden in her backyard. Baking was another passion of hers, and being a very generous person, she would often bake a birthday cake for family and friends on their birthdays and visit them. On her 80th birthday, she had a coconut cream pie made for all those invited to her party to take home with them! Betty loved animals, and especially her cat "Snowball": he was her greatest love. But most of all she LOVED to play cards, hosting many "Auction 45" parties with friends at her home, which became a bit noisy at times! A vibrant and caring soul, Betty Herman touched many lives. Betty was predeceased by half-brother Gerald and brother Samuel Jr. Those mourning her passing: sisters Marjorie (Leon) Bush, Barbara Whynacht, Diane Cook, and Jeanette Nauss; brothers Raymond (Joan), Max (Mona), Johnny (Lola), Ronald (Linda), Jack (Susan), Judson (Connie) and Basil; also the Sperry family. A graveside service was held at Wesley United Cemetery, Petite Riviere on Friday, August 9, conducted by Rev. Vivian Moores. Many thanks to the staff of the Mahone Bay Nursing Home for their professional and compassionate care given to Betty during her stay there.