Elizabeth (Arbuckle) Hawley

Elizabeth (Arbuckle) Hawley, 83, passed away peacefully at home on August 29. Known by many as “Wee Betty,” she was a cherished mother, grandmother, aunty, sister, and friend who spread joy and laughter to all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Born in a small mining village (Newton) in Scotland to Thomas and Agnes Currie Arbuckle, Betty was the eighth of ten children (five boys and five girls). When she was five years old, her family moved to Cambuslang, Scotland–the happy place she always knew as her home and remembered with great affection. Her fondest memories included a lively household filled with family and friends, the excitement of having an indoor bathroom and bathtub, playing “football” for the Hooverites, and being crowned the “Personality Queen” at Rolls Royce, where she was employed at the time.

Betty dreamed of immigrating to Canada, but her father would not allow it until she was 21. So she bided her time and when she turned 21, she and her best friend Jean set sail across the Atlantic from Glasgow, Scotland to Quebec, Canada, where Jean had family. Betty loved every minute of the seven-day journey and the adventures that followed.

She adored Canada and believed she would have never left had she not met Ron–her future husband (and fellow Scot!). They married and lived in various cities before settling in Glen Burnie, MD, where they bought their first home, raised their family, and welcomed friends and relatives with open doors and open hearts. In 2018, Betty moved “down the street” to Pasadena, MD.

Betty is survived by her sons, Ronnie and his wife Rosemary (Linthicum, MD) and Gordon and his wife Diana (North East, MD); grandchildren Danielle, Cailyn, Gavin, and Morgan; brother Alex Arbuckle (Bellshill, Scotland); niece Agnes Ellis, her husband Brian (Kirkintilloch, Scotland) and their children and family; nephew William McFadden and his wife Pauline (Kirkintilloch, Scotland); along with countless nephews, nieces, family members, and dear friends from around the world. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald C. Hawley, 8 siblings (Jim, Jessie, May, Thomas, John, William, Nancy, and Eileen), and sister-in-law Cathie Kinner.

Betty lived life with joy and gusto, and loved always being on the go. She treasured time with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren (and granddogs!). She loved sharing laughs and hanging out with friends, bowling, and going out to eat (particularly at the Outback). She had a passion for traveling, returning as often as possible to visit family in Scotland and England. She also enjoyed music, the beach, and a good Maryland crab feast. Betty was rarely without a glass of wine in hand, a joke to tell, and a laugh that filled the room. Even in hospitals and doctors’ offices, she found ways to entertain the staff, reminding everyone that life was meant to be celebrated. Her outgoing and boisterous spirit lit up a room, and she would want all who knew her to remember her with a smile, a cheers, and a heartfelt, “Up yer kilt!”

A visitation will be held at Stallings Funeral Home (3111 Mountain Road, Pasadena, MD) on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a service immediately following at 1:00 p.m. A celebration of life with family and friends will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in her name to Hospice of the Chesapeake Foundation, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122 (please note her name on the memo line) or online at HERE.

As we gather to celebrate Betty’s life, may we all carry forward her zest for living. She will forever remain in our hearts.