One of the important changes that Abbeyfield experienced by the end of the year was the farewell to Betty Cartlidge, one of its regular employees. After 10 years working in this home, this popular staff member and a good friend of the residents, announced her retirement from her duties as a cook and house keeper.
“I am retiring because of health reasons,” she explained.
At an emotional and meaningful program, the Abbeyfield community got together for a farewell party to thank her for her dedicated work and friendship to all. “Betty is a wonderful lady and friendly to all of us”, said Bertha Levesque, president of the Residents Society.
Cartlidge, who was born and raised in Port Alberni, has been married for more than 46 years. She and her husband are the parents of three children and nine grandchildren. She lived in the Cherry Creek area until she got married.
Before Abbeyfield, she worked in different places doing various types of jobs, from waitressing and performing janitorial duties to working as a chamber maid, while looking after her family at the same time.
“My connection to Abbeyfield began in early 2000 through Jacci Garcia, manager of Echo Estates and Abbeyfield board member at the time, and whom I had gone to school with,” Cartlidge recalls.
“At first, I worked with one of the residents and soon after I was interviewed for a job position in the newly opened home.”
Her working experience in Abbeyfield began a few months after the arrival of the first residents to their new home, and three months after the official opening of the Abbeyfield Port Alberni by the local and provincial authorities. She was among the longest serving employees of this home.
Throughout the years Cartlidge became a popular employee, especially among the residents, who enjoyed her friendly personality and good disposition as well as her love of music.
“She is a friendly and caring person,” says one of the residents. “Betty is the kind of person that will always greet you with a smile every time you see her in the hallways,” adds another.
“I am sure that she can sing for hours,” comments another resident.
“I love music and I think that my interest and like for music comes from my grandfather, on my mother’s side. He was a natural musician,’ says Cartlidge. “I always remember that as a young girl I used to sing along at family parties and get-together functions, especially at summer picnics.
“Once in Abbeyfield, one of the residents, Mary Ella Newberry, who loved singing, invited me to be part of her Friday sing-along session. And the House Mother at that time introduced me to Mr. Bob Hudson, the pianist of the event,” she says.
After that, Betty became an important volunteer singer and leader at this weekly program. She also assisted in the production of the Abbeyfield songbooks and the Christmas carols.
“We are going to miss her,” says Marlene Dietrich, president of the board of directors. “Fortunately, we will continue seeing her on a weekly basis as a volunteer.”
Cartlidge’s passion for music and her beautiful voice have continued being part of the traditional Friday morning sing-along sessions with residents and visitors for several years.
Singing along with Dietrich and Hudson at the piano, they have provided enjoyable hours of music to the senior population of this home.
“I have enjoyed my work in Abbeyfield and my volunteer musical contribution. The residents have taught me a great deal about life, and for me it has been a pleasure serving and helping them,” says Cartlidge.
