Betty McAuley

Betty McAuley passed away on September 15, 2026, at the age of 94.

Born Margaret Elizabeth McAuley on July 7, 1932, in Aurora, Illinois, Betty was the daughter of the late Donald and Alma (Blackmore) Murray. When she was one year old, her family moved to Debec. She grew up on a farm in rural New Brunswick as the only girl in a household with six brothers, an upbringing that helped shape her strength, independence, and practical spirit. Betty attended school in Debec through Grade 8 and, later in life, returned to her studies at Community College to complete her Grade 12 equivalency.

Life on the family farm meant that Betty and her mother spent much of their time cooking for a busy household. From those early years, Betty developed a remarkable skill in the kitchen, one that stayed with her throughout her life and later led her to work as a cook at the W.I. Home. She was known not only for her ability and dedication, but also for the care she brought to the everyday work of nurturing others.

In 1955, Betty married William Clark and moved to Benton, where together they raised their family of five boys. After William’s death, she later met and married Garth McAuley. Betty and Garth shared 26 years of marriage and made their home in Woodstock.

Betty found great joy in sewing, cooking, and quilting. She created many quilts over the years and lovingly made costumes for her cherished grandchildren, whom she adored. She will be remembered as a strong and independent woman, blessed with a dry British sense of humor that remained a distinctive and treasured part of who she was.

Betty leaves behind a loving family who will remember her with deep affection: her sons Paul and his wife Beverly, Peter and his wife Elaine, Billy and his wife Heather, Mark and his wife Francine, Tommy and his wife Sandra, and Timmy; her twelve grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; and her brother Donald and his wife Sylvia of Houlton, Maine. Her family was a central part of her life, and the love she gave through her care, her talents, and her steady presence will continue to be felt for generations.

She was predeceased by her parents, Donald and Alma Murray; her first husband, William Clark Sr.; her second husband, Garth McAuley; her infant sister, Mary; and her brothers Joe, Owen, Leo, Tommy, and Martin Murray.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Carleton Funeral Home, 337 Lockhart Mill Road, Jacksonville, New Brunswick, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gertrude Roman Catholic Church in Woodstock, with interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Betty’s life was marked by devotion to family, hard work, creativity, and quiet strength. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Donations in her memory can be made to the Carleton Manor Fund.