Obituary of Elizabeth 'Betty' Baggs

Passed peacefully away at St. Clare's Mercy Hospital, St. John's on Friday, February 27, 2026, Elizabeth 'Betty' Baggs of Adam’s Cove, age 86 years.

Predeceased by parents: Frank and Dulcie Parsons; sisters: Marina Broderick, Shirley Mercer, Ella Churchill, Olive Parsons, Gwendolyn Parsons, and Vina Parsons; brothers: Frank, Ewart, Herbert, Douglas, and Allan 'Frank' Parsons.

Leaving to mourn, loving husband of 51 years, Robert 'Ray'; daughter: Renay Baggs (Kerwin); grandchildren: Abigail and Alexander; sister: Vina Rees; also her many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Elizabeth (Betty) Baggs was born on April 1, 1939, in Bryant’s Cove, the daughter of Frank and Dulcie Parsons and one of thirteen children. From an early age, she had a sincere love of learning and a strong sense of responsibility, qualities that shaped both her life and work.

After completing high school, Betty earned her teaching certificate during summer school and began teaching at just 18 years old. She spent her early career in classrooms across Newfoundland and Labrador, where she quickly became known for her patience, her steady presence, and her genuine love for children. Education meant a great deal to her, and she believed deeply in the importance of helping young people grow.

At age 29, Betty returned to her studies, attending Memorial University of Newfoundland, where she completed two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Education. With her university studies finished, she returned to the profession she loved and continued teaching with the same dedication and warmth that had guided her from the beginning.

During her time at university, Betty met the love of her life, Robert (Ray) Baggs of Adam’s Cove. They were married on August 22, 1974. Not long after, she accepted a position at Jackson Walsh Elementary in Western Bay, where she remained until her retirement in 1994. Over her 34 years as an educator, she touched countless lives and left a lasting impression on the many students who passed through her classroom.

Betty was a devoted member of the Blackhead–Western Bay United Church Pastoral Charge, attending church regularly, teaching Sunday School and was a member of the UCW and L.O.B.A. She also contributed to her community through her involvement with the Girl Guides of Canada, leading several groups over the years. Summers were especially meaningful to her, filled with camping trips and time outdoors with her family, moments she cherished deeply.

Above all, Betty’s greatest joy was her family. She was immensely proud of her daughter Renay and adored her two grandchildren, Alexander and Abigail, who brought her endless happiness. She loved her family with her entire heart and soul.

Betty will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her generosity, the warmth and love she shared so freely. Her legacy lives on in the many people whose lives she touched as a teacher, community member, wife, mother, and grandmother.

Visitation at Noel's Funeral Home, Main Highway, Western Bay on Tuesday, March 3 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

Funeral service to take place on Wednesday, March 4 at 2:00 p.m. from Noel's Memorial Chapel, Main Highway, Western Bay.

Interment in the United Cemetery, Blackhead.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Blackhead Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 266, Western Bay, NL, A0A 4J0