July 26 1934 November 30 2023
The world lost a kind and compassionate soul on November 30,2023 with the passing of Bette-Ann Helen Hinton Branch. Bette-Ann’s love and kindness were a gift to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for her thoughtful and happy spirit. Bette-Ann was predeceased by her husband Frederick Walter Branch and son Gary Branch of Guelph. She was a loving mother to Steven Branch and his wife Georgina of Baillieborough and Leah Smith and her husband Bruce of Toronto. Bette-Ann’s spirit for fun will live on through her cherished grandchildren Jake, Sean, Jennifer, Brittany and Colton and her great grandchildren Bailey, Carter, Amethyst, Sydney, Dylan, Charlotte and Jackson. She is also predeceased by her parents Gladys and Lee Hinton of Bathurst, New Brunswick.
Bette-Ann was an avid traveler, gardener and badminton enthusiast. She enjoyed music and was a passionate member of the Over Tones Barbershop Singing Chorus and the Dunfield Choir. She worked at City Hall in the tax department in Guelph. She enjoyed decorating her home and had a great affinity for the sparkle of crystal. She grew up on the shores of beautiful Youghall Beach on the Bay of Chaleur in Bathurst New Brunswick. Her childhood was filled with the love of her parents Gladys and Lee Hinton as well as the love of her dear aunties, uncles, cousins and friends. Her days in Bathurst were always counted amongst her happiest and she took pride in reminiscing about the east coast people and the hilarious adventures that inevitably seemed to follow them around.
Bette-Ann’s gentle kindness touched the lives of many but her children and grandchildren were the essence of her life. Her love was constant, genuine and compassionate. Bette-Ann’s advice for a happy life would be to love your children, help others and always” keep a little song in your heart.”
Bette-Ann’s family would like to recognize the entire staff at the Dunfield Retirement Home, the caregivers from the VHA and her personal caregivers for nine years of devoted and loving care. A very special thank you to Vanessa Manaois (her primary private caregiver) for her magical touch, intuition and warm heart. Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we do but we make a life by what we give.” His words epitomize the work and kindness of all of the people that cared for Bette-Ann. Together you did make a life by what you gave and Bette-Ann and her family thank each of you from the bottom of our hearts.