Elizabeth Baird Eaton, 2004

Elizabeth (Betty) (Jamieson) Baird Eaton was born 30 May 1925, at Greenspond, NL daughter of Dr Dougald and Elizabeth Jamieson. When still a young child, the family moved to St. John’s. Growing up on Patrick Street, she attended Holloway School and Prince of Wales College, where she enjoyed a variety of physical activities, with the encouragement of her father, who according to Betty was a “fresh air fiend”.

After completing school, she attended Memorial University College, St. John’s where she was a member of the college basketball team. She continued her education as a occupational therapist at the University of Toronto, completing internships in Winnipeg, MN and Woodstock, ON.

Upon returning to Newfoundland, she worked at the orthopedic hospital for a year. During this time she enjoyed playing tennis and golf recreationally. In 1949, she married Hugh Baird, with whom she had eight children. She continued to play golf for a short while after the birth of her first son, but gradually her athletic involvement faded as the needs of her growing family took precedence. She and her family did swim regularly in swimming pools owned by several family members and spent large amounts of time involved in outdoor activities.

Her first husband, Hugh Baird, passed away in 1985. She remarried in 1988 to Campbell Eaton, combining their families for a total of 14 children. Although she did not resume her own involvement in sporting activities, she strongly supported her children in their various sports, speaking of their achievements with pride.

Interviews

"Fresh Air Was Everything"