Obituary of Elizabeth Stears

Words can not describe the profound sadness felt, as the family of Elizabeth ( Betty) Stears ( nee Sherwood) announces her passing at home, surrounded by her ever loving family, on January 13, 2021. Born in Fairville, City of Lancaster on June 28, 1948, she was the youngest daughter of Colin and Catherine (Cox) Sherwood. 53 years ago she married her High School sweet heart, John D. Stears. Betty and John lived in Westfield for almost 50 years, raising 4 deeply loved children. She was our biggest cheerleader in life. Mom attended every activity her children were in and was active in Parent Teacher and volunteered as a mentor teaching Adults to read She loved to Knit, sew, garden and was a skilled woodworker. As her children were teenagers she worked in Real Estate and finally in corporate sales at Birks Jewelers before retiring and moving to the Bahamas. Althouh maintaining their home in Westfield, Mom and Dad spent nearly 10 years enjoying a magical life in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. They travelled extensively and had an endless flow of family and friends visiting with them as they shared their treasured experiences with loved ones. Their greatest joy was sharing their good fortune by making memories with those they loved. Mom brought her deep love of animals with her as she took it upon herself to feed packs of stray dogs 'Potcakes' as they were called, from the trunk of her car. She joined the local humane society to catch and rehome the hundreds of puppies born on the streets. Her deep love was embodied in her love for animals as we were never without cats, dogs, rabbits, saving baby ducks whatever the case may be. Her favorite place in the world was 'The Farm' where she enthusiastically mucked stalls, sheared sheep, pounded in fence posts by hand and looked after 100 animals all on her own. Mom was fearless and always maintained such a fire for life. Many times she would manage the farm all by herself in these recent years. Her lifelong dream of owning a horse was realized in 2014 when she got Savannah, her beloved Morgan mare. She was so proud of Savannah and treated her like her baby. Betty was such a loving dedicated selfless mother, wife and friend. She spent her life giving to everyone around her and asked for very little in return. For many years before she was Ill she was a dedicated ELF mentor at Westfield Elementary school. She never stopped giving. Her bright spirit and positive attitude never failed her while she fought her courageous battle with Cancer. She wanted to be at home surrounded by her children, husband and her dear friends and that is exactly what she deserved. She had 24/7 love and care in the comfort of her own home. Betty is survived by her dedicated and loving husband John, her 3 children Rob Stears of Westfield, Maryann (Anderson)Stears of Rothesay, Karen Stears-Bagley of Hay River, NWT. Her Grandchildren Matthew Stears ( Marlee) and Emma Stears; Danielle, Robert, Brittany and Michael Anderson; Colin and Bradley Bagley; JD and Gregory Stears. One precious great grand daughter Briar Stears and her daughter in law Karen Anne Stears (Ellsworth) of Saint john. Honorable mentions to her closest and dearly loved sister friends Janet Stewart, Sharon Wilcox and her dearest cousin Kathy McCavour. The last surviving member of her family, Mom made sure she loved her sister Christina Devlin's( Sherwood) children as her own. Cathy Ann Cunningham, Susan Hart, Allison Devlin and Andy Devlin all of Ontario. Bruce Devlin of BC; Her brother in law Art Devlin also of Ontario; as well as 8 great Nieces and Nephews. Betty was predeceased by her daughter Chrissie, grand children Adam and Jillian Bagley; Her parents, her brothers Leonard, Brian and Gary Sherwood and her cherished sister Christina. Thank you to her Oncologist, Dr S Gray; Pam Parsons, RN and all of the angels in the chemo room who made her treatments more like a social event than anything else. Darlene, your amazing humor made all the difference in the world to Mom. Mom eagerly shared your crazy stories. You were exactly what she needed during her treatments. May everyone who goes through Chemo experience such laughter and fun. Arrangements are under the care of Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Avenue, Saint John, NB E2M 2L3, 506-634-1701. Due to Covid there will be no service or visitation. Mom was adamant " No Crying Allowed". She wanted a big party that embodied her passion for life, her devilish sense of humor and love of people. This is what she will get. When covid allows we will hold a party in her honor with music, dancing, laughter and happy memories... and of course white Zinfendel wine.... Donations in Betty's memory can be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be made at www.castlefh.com.