Obituary of Patricia Elizabeth Crowley

Patricia Elizabeth "Betty" (Toole) Crowley passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026 at Shannex, Neill Hall. Born on October 29, 1929, Betty was the daughter of Edgar and Theresa (Wood) Toole.

Betty was Mum to Heather and Karen Crowley, Grandy to Holly Lynn Hagerman, Leah Hagerman (Alex Lank) and Adrienne (Ringrose) Crowley, and Great Grandy to Elizabeth "Lizzie" Smith-Hagerman, the daughter of Holly Lynn Hagerman and Michael Smith.

Betty is survived by her brother, Keith (Cyndy) Toole; sister-in-law, Shirley Toole and many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews that she so dearly loved. They spoiled her with cards, packages, flowers, special meals and often made her own recipes long after she could remember making them but she sure loved that they remembered.

Mum grew up in Oromocto and had many childhood friends that remained friends throughout her life. She moved to Lincoln with her parents and two of her brothers after the Military bought their land to build the Shopping Centre. Mum was working at Family Outfitters and involved in many activities in Fredericton. It was during this time that Mum and Dad met. They were the first couple to be married at the Wesley United Church in Lincoln.

Mum was baptized in the Anglican Church and joined Dad at St. Anne's Chapel-of-Ease and then the newly erected Christ Church (Parish) Church where she was an active member until her health no longer permitted. Thank you to The Rev. Canon Wandlyn Snelgrove for helping Mum stay connected to the church through weekly copies of the bulletins and sermons and for being with Mum everyday in the last week of her life to say prayers and give support to her daughters.

In her early years, she volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross. She was an active member of the Capital Y's Menettes and later the Epsilon Y's Menettes and Fredericton Garden Club.

Having decided to stay home to raise her daughters, Mum returned to work when they were teenagers. She started selling Avon and Dad was her best customer adding Avon Bottles to his collection of bottles. It wasn't long before she went to work at Vey's Import Shop. She loved working in retail and helping her customers find the perfect outfit. Mum loved working for Mary Vey, Jackie (Vey) Bennett and eventually Jackie's daughter Beverlee Bennett. Beverlee became more than a boss to Mum. They remained close even after Mum retired. They joked about her being Mum's "adopted daughter" and Heather and Karen were happy to have another "sister". Beverlee sat with Mum for hours everyday until the end. Her positive energy and funny stories about some of the predicaments Mum found herself in at work brought some much needed laughter to the situation.  

Mum did not slow down after she retired. She volunteered at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital. She pushed the candy cart around and loved visiting the patients until the cart was too heavy for her to push anymore. She started working in The Gift Box until she felt she could no longer hear well enough to wait on customers.

Mum loved to cook for family and friends. Hosting a group of friends every year for a St. Patrick's Day dinner or making cookies for the neighbourhood kids and Heather's Kindergarten Classes were definitely highlights.

After living in Devon for 58 years, Mum moved to a senior's apartment for a couple of years before moving to Paradise Villa. Each move was a new adventure where she joined old friends and quickly made new ones. The staff at Paradise Villa were so good to Mum. She was so happy there. As Alzheimer's was robbing her of her independence she was determined to keep doing things for herself. Thanks to the staff of Paradise Villa Assisted Living and Tranquility Lane for letting her hang onto her dignity and respect.

The final move to Shannex, Neill Hall came at just the right time. The staff was able to give Mum the care she needed in her final weeks of life when she could no longer look after herself. Thank you to all of the staff. You certainly were attentive to her needs.

Mum just loved people. You couldn't get past her without a hug. She will be missed. 

Visitation will be held at McAdam’s Funeral Home (160 York St) on Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. The Memorial Service will be held at Christ Church (Parish) Church on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 2pm. For those unable to attend the service, a livestream will be available at the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/5887570

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Christ Church (Parish) Church, IWK or donor's choice.