AMHERST - Beth Clinton knew something was amiss when Betty Rolfe didn't show up to work in time at the Cumberland Regional Library.
"She was on vacation for two weeks and I thought it was unusual that she was running late," said Clinton. "I called her home and they said she had already left. When we heard about the accident we were in a state of shock."
The 59-year-old Amherst woman was struck by a vehicle while crossing East Pleasant Street at the intersection of Albion Street at around 8:40 a.m. on Monday. She was taken to hospital at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre and transported via LifeFlight to the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, where she died Tuesday evening.
"We just can't believe it, everyone here is just in a state of shock. We really miss her," said Clinton, the head librarian.
Rolfe worked in the regional library offices on the second floor of the Four Fathers Memorial Library as a page, repairing and replacing the covers on library books while running a number of errands including trips to the post office.
"Everyone knew her at town hall and at the post office," said Clinton.
Lynn Jones worked with Rolfe since she joined the library staff in October 1973. She described Rolfe as being "one of the library girls." She had a great sense of humour and a tremendous laugh.
"We already miss her a lot," Jones said. "It's just not the same not having her around."
Jones is finding it hard without Rolfe considering they worked so closely over the last 26 years.
"She would run all sorts of errands for me without so much as a complaint," said Jones. "She really loved her job and loved coming to work. She was always so cheerful. It's been so quiet here without the last few days."
Jones described Rolfe as a huge Elvis fan and bowling was a big part of her life.
Police, who have yet to release Rolfe's name as the victim, are continuing their investigation of the incident and no decision has been made on whether charges will be laid.
There was conflicting information from witnesses to the incident and Staff Sgt. Scott White of the Amherst Police Department said Wednesday that investigating officers are still trying to sort through the information.
"We're still trying to go through it because there's conflicting information," White said.
Further details, including funeral arrangements, were not available.
dcole@amherstdaily.com
