Elizabeth (Betty) Lacey was honoured at the Ouigoudi District Convention, on October 5, 2019, for her 76 years as an Institute member with a Certificate of Service from the Minister of Agriculture, Ross Wetmore

The Honourable Ross Wetmore, Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, presents Betty Lacey with a Certificate of Service for 76 years with the NBWI.

Betty Lacey: 76 Years of Membership

Betty Lacey was born March 2, 1923, on the William’s family farm at Pleasant Villa, Queens County.  She is the eldest of five children of Albert and Gladys Williams.

In 1946, Betty married Fred Lacey and she and Fred established their home in Queenstown.  They raised two daughters (Gladys and Marilyn) and one son (George). Betty has seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A graduate of Provincial Normal School, Betty taught in many parts of the Province and in later years, as a supply teacher for Gagetown Hampstead Elementary School.

Betty is a devoted member of St. Stephen’s Church, Queenstown where she was President of the Sunday School for twenty-eight years.  She also served as a vestry clerk for the Anglican Parish of Gagetown.  She was a Home and School member, as well as a 4-H leader for the Triangle 4-H Club.

Betty first joined the Women’s Institute branch in Juniper in (1943-1945), before moving to the Burton branch (1945-1946), and, finally, Queenstown (1947-1954).  Her Institute career was interrupted for several years while she raised her family and continued her teaching career. 

She rejoined Queenstown in 1969 where she held the office of President for the Queenstown branch, President of the Ouigoudi District, and Provincial Convenor of Education, as well as Provincial President. 

Betty has represented New Brunswick Women’s Institute at the FWIC conference in Charlottetown and travelled to both Holland and Australia for ACWW conferences. Betty has received the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for her community service and was featured as one of UNB’s Women Social Activists of Atlantic Canada.

She is a talented seamstress, gardener, picnic site advocate, maple syrup maker, and much more. She has dedicated herself to her family and community with her positive outlook and generous spirit. 

Betty has taught us all in countless ways and she sets an example we are proud to follow. 


Submitted by Joanie Slipp, Queenstown Women’s Institute