Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Norrad was born on April 22, 1925 in Sussex, where she called home for the next 89 years. She was the 2nd child of the marriage of Harry Wallace and Mary Agnes "Mae" (Heenan). Betty's parents were married in Sussex in 1918 and had four children: Betty, Walter who was reported missing in action during WWII, Bob and Jean. When she was 15, Betty got a new bike and decided she wanted to meet Gordon Willard Norrad, fondly known as Doad. She hoped to catch his eye; so she decided to ride down past his house to see if he was out. Sure enough he waved her over to talk and they soon fell in love. Betty graduated from Sussex High in 1942 in the middle of WWII. Life for the Wallace's was filled with love, compassion and a strong sense of family. Betty continued her education at Mount St. Bernard in Antigonish, NS, where she studied business and music. After graduation Betty became a stenographer for Wallace Manufacturing. On the 16th day of June, 1948, at the age of 23, Betty married the love of her life. They were wed at St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church by Fr. Francis Walker, witnessed by Doug Norrad and Jean Wallace. Soon her babies start to arrive, first Pat in 1949, followed by Gord, Nancy and Tom. In the beginning Betty wasn't the best cook and one day Ruth Spurr, a family friend, had come by for a visit and Betty was telling her that she found a dead mouse in her oven and Ruth told her it was because it knew it would be safe in there. Over time, Betty became a fantastic hostess and wonderful cook, especially her brown bread, her jams and her gravy. Betty had a tremendous faith and was an active member and Choir Director of St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church and a devoted member of the Catholic Women's League. Betty loved and taught music for many years. She enjoyed entertaining and playing the piano for her family and wonderful friends. Doad was on the road every week, so when he would arrive home on Fridays Betty had the children fed and put to bed with a treat, so they could have their Friday night date night. In later years, as the children grew Betty was able to travel with Doad on many business trips. She enjoyed playing golf, bridge and spending time with her family. One evening after playing bridge with friends, Betty got in her car, put in the key, but couldn't get it to turn, after several attempts a neighbour came out to help her and realized it wouldn't turn because she was in his car. One Christmas, after mass, there was some confusion about who was taking Betty to Pat's. When Nancy and Bill arrived at Pat and Murray's, everyone was asking, "Where's Betty?" They soon realized that Betty was still at the Church. Bart and Jane kindly rescued her and delivered her safely. It was hilarious!! Betty and Doad traveled out west a few times, once in 1983 to see Gord and Pat and their two grandbabies. They stayed with them for a month in the logging camp where they learned all the daily routines of camp life. Again, in 1995 they visited their cottage on Vancouver Island where they enjoyed the grandchildren, sailing, and fishing. "Don't lose hope. When the sun goes down, the stars come out." This is quote by an unknown author, but could have been written for Betty Norrad, She always had a twinkle in her eye and a gracious spirit. Betty was the first to put anyone at ease, with her soft voice, her keen questions and her ability to laugh with you and at herself. A beautiful, kind and loving woman with a steely resolve who truly was the matriarch of her family. A leaning post of life to her children and grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Betty was a woman who had a tremendous life and her greatest love was her family. She will always live on in the hearts of her daughter, Nancy Swift of Sackville, NB; her sons: Gord Norrad and his wife Pat of Courtney, BC and Tom Norrad and Maureen O'Reilly of Lower Sackville, NS; her brother, Bob Wallace and his wife Connie of Quispamsis; her son-in-law, Murray McGibbon; her grandchildren: Caran Seward and her husband Sheldon of Red Deer, Alberta, Brandy McGibbon of Sussex, Coleen Gibson and her husband Morgan of Sussex, Sam Norrad and his wife Elsie of Victoria, BC, Sarah Norrad of Victoria, BC, Luke Norrad of Montreal and Cale Norrad of Lower Sackville, NS; her great grandchildren: Liam, Blake, Riley and Nate Seward, and Connor, Bailey and John Paul Gibson; as well as several nieces and nephews. Betty also suffered many losses and is predeceased by: Doad, her beloved husband of over 51 years, who passed away in 1999; her brother, Walter; her daughter, Pat McGibbon; her sister, Jean Owens and by her son-in-law, Bill Swift. The family will receive relatives and friends at Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176) on Friday from 6-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 11:00am followed by a private family interment in Wards Creek Cemetery. The family will be returning for an opportunity to visit with guests in the Church Hall. The family would like to thank the staff of the Sussex Health Centre who took such special loving care of our mom. She will be missed by all who knew her.