Obituary of Elizabeth Anne Ballantyne-Webber

With gratitude for a long life well-lived, the family of Elizabeth Anne Webber (Betty, Betty Anne, Anne) announce her death at the age of 94, which occurred peacefully in the home she grew up in Cape George on Friday, July 17, 2026. With hummingbirds outside her window, and sunlight sparkling on the bay, she left this place she loved and began a new adventure, reunited with family and friends in life beyond death. For, as she said, “I’m going to be awfully cross if there’s nothing!" 

She was the daughter of Elizabeth “Bessie Mama” (MacPhie) and Ernest Ballantyne, and a sister to four brothers (Forbes, William, Gerald, Harold) and five sisters (Violet, Eleanor, Helen, Mabel and Jean). Betty Anne was loved and cherished by her grandparents, Kate and William MacPhie, and aunt, Peggy MacPhie, who raised her. Betty Anne spent many wonderful years in Cape George attending a one room school. Even in her final days, she and her sisters Mabel and Jean were able to share memories of their early years at the Cape, including recitations and songs from Christmas concerts of days gone by.

When Betty moved to Dartmouth for further education and work, she met the Rev. Ralph Webber, who proposed after a two week courtship. They were married in 1951, and settled in Sherbrooke/Aspen. Ralph’s ministry then took them to Camp Borden, Calgary, Brookfield, Lunenburg, St.John’s, Halifax and Antigonish. In all these congregations, at a time when the role of a “minister's wife” was a job unto itself, Betty was known for her hospitality and service to others. Both in the church and in her home, food was her love language. She embodied this hospitality and service as an active member of the United Church Women.

Together Betty and Ralph raised 6 children, whose childhood memories include camping with cousins in The Intervale, camping across Newfoundland, spending summers at the cottage at the Cape, and hearing mom recite “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by heart every Christmas before being tucked into bed.

An early childhood educator at heart, Betty was the inaugural director of Headstart in St. John’s, as well as Director of Bedford Creative Play Centre. As a volunteer, she led Guides, Explorers, CGIT, Cubs, and the Cape George Teen Group.

When Betty and Ralph retired to Cape George, Betty continued to contribute to her community of Cape George and to St. James and St. David’s United Churches. If she had a vision, Betty worked tirelessly to bring it to fruition. Her legacy lives on in the Cape George Heritage School Museum, the Cape George Hiking Trail, and the Community Hot Meal Program and Community Christmas Dinner at St. James United Church.

Betty found joy and beauty in gardening, feeding the birds, and setting a bountiful table for guests, both family and friends. There was always room for one more at the Webber table. She is survived by five of her beloved children: Andrew (Linda), Timothy (Cindy), Gordon, Carolyn (David), and Mary (Jim). She was predeceased by her husband, Ralph, and daughter, Susan (Richard). She is also lovingly remembered by her grand- and great-grandchildren.

The family expresses gratitude to her caregivers (Judy, Josie, Krista, Roseanne, Margaret and Cheryl), the staff of Palliative Care, VON, and Continuing Care for making it possible for Betty to die at home, as was her wish.

Her body has been donated to the Human Donation Program of Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Medicine. A celebration of Betty’s life will take place on Sunday, August 9 from 1-3 at 5875 Highway 337 Cape George, with a time of remembrance at 2:00. Burial will take place at a later date at St. David’s United Church Cemetery, Cape George.

To honour Betty’s memory, donations may be made to the Cape George Heritage School Museum, St. James Hot Meal Program, Antigonish Town and County Palliative Care Society, or a charity of your choice.

      “The soul takes flight to the world that is invisible, but thereupon arriving she is sure of bliss,

                                             and forever dwells in paradise.” (Plato)