Obituary of Bette Lynn Ritchie-Meunier

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Bette Ritchie-Meunier passed away on June 12, 2025, at the Saint John Regional Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Bette was born on March 4, 1953, in Halifax County to the late Estelle Rogers and Allan Rogers. She was adopted and lovingly raised by Margaret Helena Ritchie and Alwyn Ritchie.

Bette was predeceased by the love of her life, Edouard Meunier, who passed away on March 1, 2017, and her brother, Eugene Smith, who passed away on May 10, 2025. She is survived by her children, Craig Cormier (Tanya Dugas) and Terralynn Jefferson (Paul Jefferson), whom she shared with her former husband, Philip Cormier. Bette also leaves behind her beloved siblings, Linda Barrett (Smith) and David Ritchie. She leaves behind her grandchildren: Tamara, Jessie, Samantha, Branden, Ashlee, Alex, and 10 more. Great-grandchildren: Dallas, Alivia, Knox, Hunter, Peyton, Emma, Justice, Jaxon, and 5 more. She also leaves behind countless special friends, who she loved like family.

Bette graduated from NBCC in 1981 in nursing and later became an RNA, a role she loved dearly and to which she devoted much of her time.

She was a remarkable, kind, loving, and sociable person, always eager to help anyone in any way she could. Bette would help others even when she should have been focusing on her own well-being. She will be remembered for her kind heart, quick wit, and unwavering love for her family. She had a gift for making everyone feel loved. She was the heart of the family and a source of strength and comfort for all who knew her.

Bette never went a day without her Tim Hortons coffee and everyone who knew her knew that. She also leaves behind her beloved cat, Kitty, who some believe held the top spot in her heart even above her kids (don’t worry, they knew). Bette had a deep love for all things unicorn. If it had a unicorn on it, she had it probably in multiple colours. Her unicorn collection was a perfect reflection of her fun, unique spirit.

Bette always told her grandchildren to “think positive, not negative.” In her memory, we hold onto that simple but powerful truth, and the joy she brought into all of our lives.

Donations in Bette’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the SPCA.

The arrangements are under the care and direction of Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave. Saint John, N.B. E2M 2L3 (506 634 1701). A visitation will take place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Online condolences can be made at www. Castlefh.ca