Obituary of Violetta Mugglestone
Violetta Mugglestone, known to all as Betty, left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those she encountered throughout her remarkable life. Betty passed away peacefully just after midnight on April 14th at the Saint John Regional Hospital. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Frank Mugglestone in 2019, and her adored grandson Christopher Robin Bedard in 2000.
Born on February 4th, 1924 in Ackworth, England. Betty was the daughter of William Strang Fletcher and Annie Vera (Thompson) Fletcher. She attended Hemsworth Grammar School. Growing up in England she developed a profound love of art, music, painting, and theatre. It was there she completed her studies in Education at Avery Hill College - a branch of London University. She went on to be Headmistress at Sutton Cheney School in Market Bosworth before emigrating to Saint John, NB in 1958. She completed her B.Sc. and B.Ed. at the University of Massachusetts in 1968. That being said, Betty was never interested in academics as she was a profoundly creative person who had her own innovative methods for teaching all students in many subject areas, her favourite being music. In the final 6 years of her career, she taught English, French and Theatre Arts at Westisle Composite High School in PEI where she directed many plays and musicals including The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, My Fair Lady, Oliver, and Cinderella.
Betty was an exceptional singer and was involved in many choirs in Saint John over the years. A highlight for her was performing as a soloist touring the Maritimes with the Atlantic Symphony Orchestra’s production of A Midsummer’s Night Dream in 1978. She continued to sing and perform well into her 70’s.
Betty touched many lives through her generosity of spirit, acts of kindness, forgiving nature, and her massive sense of humour. She welcomed many people into her home over the years, some living with the family for various lengths of time. She touched people’s hearts with her endless capacity to love.
Betty is survived by her two daughters Philippa Mugglestone (Shane), Anne Mugglestone, and her grand-daughter Amanda Bedard, along with several nieces, nephews, and their families.
Thanks go out to those who helped her in her last two years of declining health, especially her “adopted” son Stephen Alexander, carers A.J. Foote, Sherri Doherty, Jeannine Scott McCullum, and Samuel Roy.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Castle Fallsview Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave, Saint John, NB (506-634-1701).
There will be a celebration of Betty’s life at a later date. To be notified of the date and time of the celebration, or to leave a comment, please go to:
Celebration Of Life - Betty Mugglestone
Alternately, you may send an e-mail to: pmugglestone@icloud.com
