Obituary of Bertha Kathleen Buyting

PLEASE SEE UPDATED INFORMATION CONCERNING THE FUNERAL SERVICE

BUYTING, BERTHA KATHLEEN (HAWKES)

The passing of Bertha Kathleen (Hawkes) Buyting, wife of Gerald Buyting, occurred Sunday, April 19, 2020 at Windsor Court Retirement Residence. Bertha was born in Stanley, NB to the late Wilfred and Kathleen Hawkes and moved to Taymouth where her heart remained and expanded to include Devon. She was deeply loved by Gram and Grampy Barry. Bertha was a wonderful and generous mother to her five children and a loving grandmother to her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A strong, courageous woman who enjoyed a full life; she was passionate about family, friends, fun, ballroom dancing, card games, movies, bridge and even more bridge. Over the years, she and Gerald enjoyed making many happy memories with family and friends at their Maquapit Lake Cottage. She started her hairdressing career with salons in Fredericton and then Sarnia, ON.  Many years later, she opened another salon upon moving to Oromocto. Bertha ended her long hairdressing career as the Registrar and Treasurer for the NB Hairdressers Association.  Deeply committed to the Girl Guides of Canada, she frequently reminded us all to “Be Prepared”. Her faith was important to her; highly valuing her faith community at St. Anthony’s and Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Parish.  Her daily prayers included the “Serenity Prayer” and her "Thank you God” prayer. We will miss Bertha Kathleen, her motherly wisdom, her great sense of humour and the beautiful sparkle in her eye. 

In addition to her loving husband Gerald, she is survived by her children, Patsy (late Lou Lomski) Mckee, Hugh (Darlene) McKee, Theresa (Al) Mattoon, Michael Mckee; daughter-in-law, Maureen (Don Buck) Mckee; grandchildren, John, Christopher, Dylan, Leanne, Jill (Gary), Mathew (Danielle), Sean, Alyssa, Jaime, John (Allison), Gerald (Ellen); great-grandchildren, Lisa, Makayla, Vincent, Dominic, Violet, Alice, Miles, Kyla, Kohen, Scout, Lily, Megan; cousin, Rose Sullivan (late Richard); and many Buyting family members. Besides her parents, Bertha was predeceased by her first husband, Hugh Mckee; son, John Edward McKee; sister Helen “Honey” Whitlock.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of York Funeral Home.  A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 from St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church at 12 Noon with Father Charles Udeh as celebrant.  Interment will take place in St. Vincent de Paul Cathoilc Cemetery.. We are grateful to everyone at Windsor Court, or as she referred to it, “Windsor Castle”!  A special thank you to Marjorie and to Sister Charlotte Lockhart for their love and care.  Donations can be made to Our lady of Peace Parish/St. Anthony's Church Fredericton NB. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com