Graham, George William

Graham, George William – Age 86, Truro and formerly of Newton Mills, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2014 in Elk Court, Brookfield. George was a son of the late Willis and Annie (Hartling) Graham. He was born in Waltham, Mass., October 4, 1928, and moved with his family to Upper Stewiacke when he was 12 years old. George had a diverse employment background: he farmed, delivered milk in Halifax, had a Watkins route, worked on bridge construction, and was a school bus driver in the Stewiacke Valley. George was a very sociable person. He enjoyed working in the church and was an active member and Elder of Sharon Presbyterian Church, Dean. After moving to Truro in 2008, due to failing health, he was an adherent of St. James Presbyterian Church, and a member of its male choir. He particularly enjoyed music and gardening, especially growing dahlias. He won numerous awards at exhibitions for his flowers. He was a member of the Middle Musquodoboit Agricultural Society, the Dahlia Society of NS, the American Dahlia Society, and the NS Association of Garden Clubs. He was a founding member of both the Stewiacke Valley Garden Club and Arimathea Funeral Co-op.

Surviving are his wife of 59 years, the former Ruth MacDonald, Truro; daughter, Kathryn Graham, Edmonton; granddaughter, Elewyn Epp, Vancouver; grandson, Alden Epp, Australia. He was the last surviving member of his family, and was predeceased by siblings, Vernon, Freda, Eileen.

Visitation will be 6:30-9 p.m. Saturday, and funeral will be 3 p.m. Sunday, both in Sharon Presbyterian Church, Dean, Rev. Michael Henderson officiating. Burial to follow in Eastville Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to a charity of choice. A special thank you is extended to all the staff of Elk Court for the excellent care given to George.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.

Rogers, Gloria Jane

Rogers, Gloria Jane - Middle Musquodoboit. It is with great sadness that the family announce her peaceful passing, on October 22, 2014, in Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Born on April 21, 1928, in Hamilton, Bermuda, she was a daughter of the late Henry and Clara (Tumbridge) Foster. She immigrated to Canada in 1946 as a war bride. Most of her married life she was a homemaker. In recent years, she enjoyed most of her day playing on the computer.

Surviving are children, Clyde (Helen), Shirley (Dave), Archie (Debbie); 9 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Billy (Marie) McCudden; numerous nieces and nephews; and special aunt, Harriet Grimes and family in Bermuda. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Austin; son, Keith; grandson, Joshua.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held Monday, 7-9 p.m., and funeral service will be Tuesday, at 2 p.m., both in Middleton United Church, Middle Musquodoboit, Rev. Marjory Cornelius officiating. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.

Cox (Boutilier), Thelma Marie

Cox (Boutilier), Thelma Marie – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Thelma Marie Cox (Boutilier), on October 20th, 2014, in Dartmouth, at the age of 81. Born in Mushaboom, on December 4, 1932, she was a daughter of the late Clarence and Nora Boutilier. Thelma was an amazing wife, mother and grandmother and had a special relationship with her paternal grandmother which formed the foundation of the wonderful role she played in the lives of her grandchildren. Leaving Mushaboom at a young age, Thelma moved to Ontario where she worked full-time and went to school in the evenings. Several years later, Thelma and family moved back to Nova Scotia. A true animal lover, Thelma rescued many animals, wild and tame, including her last calico cat CeeCee. Thelma was a fabulous cook who loved to feed family and friends and host gatherings at their home in East Petpeswick. Over the years, Thelma enjoyed the company of her special girlfriends, Myrt Sydney and Dorothy Jahn. She spent the majority of her working life with her husband Mike at their business Cox’s Auto Parts in Musquodoboit Harbour. Involved in the first Food Bank on the Eastern Shore, Thelma was an unfailing support for her husband and family. Spending her retirement years in Grand Bahamas Island with Mike, they made many good friends.

Survived by her children, Michelle (Andy) Gregory, Brent (Tillie Chase), Carol Anne (Dave Courtney); grandchildren, Timothy and Jamieson Fougere, Sara and Jane Courtney; step grandchildren, Sandi, San Francisco, Steve MacPherson; brothers, Harold (Grace) Boutilier, Hubert Boutilier. Predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Michael, who she missed desperately and loved dearly; brothers, Almon, Daley, Ronald, Daniel, Godfrey.

There will be a service on Friday, October 24th, at 11 a.m. in First United Church, Musquodoboit Harbour. A reception will follow after the service. Donations can be made to your local food bank.

“May she go with God.”

Grandy, Sheila Irene

Grandy, Sheila Irene – October 2, 1954 – October 20, 2014. Nine Mile River. Sheila will be sadly missed by her husband, Randy Moore, but has gone to join her beloved daughter, Brandi.

Rian and Liam McGregor were her precious gifts, and will always be told how treasured they were as her grandchildren. Also surviving are her daughter, Nancy (Sean) McGregor, Regina, Sask.; sister, Shenna Thompson, Lakeside; who were both privileged to be able to hold her hand, as she made her journey. She also leaves behind brother, Merle Thompson, Owen Sound, Ont.; and an amazing group of extended family, affectionately known as “the Moores”.

She was a valued employee of the Holiday Inn Express – Halifax Airport, where she enjoyed her job and co-workers, especially her boss, Judy.

She was predeceased by her parents, James and Nancy Thompson; daughter, Brandi Lee-Ann; brothers, Dale, Leon, and Everett.

Friends are invited to join the family for a Celebration of Life, on Friday, 7-9 p.m., in the Holiday Inn Express – Halifax Airport, 180 Pratt & Whitney Dr., Enfield. Donations in Sheila’s memory may be made to Lung Association Nova Scotia or Colchester East Hants Health Foundation.

A special thanks to the nurses and staff at Colchester East Hants Health Centre for their comfort and compassion during a difficult time.

Fisher-Benvie, Joyce Marie

Fisher-Benvie, Joyce Marie – Age 45, Wellington, passed away October 1, 2014, in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII. Born in Halifax, she was a daughter of the late Alvin and Blanche Fisher. Joyce enjoyed reading and camping with the family. She worked in her husband’s business tending to the management of the office.

Surviving are husband, Ralph; children, Cassie and Chance; step-children, Martin and Heather. She was predeceased by her sister, Darlene.

Cremation has taken place. Funeral service will be Monday, at 2 p.m. in St. James United Church, Upper Musquodoboit, Rev. Michael Henderson officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. The family will meet friends downstairs in the church following the service. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.

Cullen, Joseph Carl

Cullen, Joseph Carl – Age 70, passed away peacefully with his family by his side. Born in Charlottetown, P.E.I. on April 22, 1944. Survived by his wife of 47 years, Nadine (Green); daughters, Ellen (Hastings), Toronto; Christine Cullen (Jon Konrad), Boston; Mary Cullen, Toronto; Joe’s most cherished grandchildren, Cullen Hastings, Jacob and Julia Konrad; brother-in-law, Peter Green (Gerrie Masters), Halifax; sisters-in-law, Mary Foley (Paul), Burlington, Ont.; Mae Bresson (late Alex), Christine Elliott (Brian Hastings), Cole Harbour; Deanna Cullen, Porters Lake; several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his brother, Andrew.

Following a successful 40-year career in the electrical distribution business, Joe enjoyed travelling to visit “his girls” and family in Toronto and Boston, as well as many very special vacations in Florida – most recently celebrating his best birthday ever – No. 70! An avid golfer, he enjoyed countless games at Ashburn Golf Club and in Florida. He shot his age in July at Ashburn and was modestly proud of scoring three holes-in-one over the course of his “playing” career.

Joe will be dearly missed by extended family and friends of 50 plus years. Joe’s family thanks each and every one of you for your unending support during this most difficult time. Our memories of good times will live on forever. We thank the staff of Gladstone Family Practice Associates and the QEII Neurology Department for the exceptional care and compassion given during his very brief stay.

Funeral mass will take place 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 1 in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1725 Oxford St., Halifax. Reception to follow in Ashburn Golf Course, 3250 Joseph Howe Dr., Halifax between 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Family flowers only. Donations in memory may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or Canadian Diabetes Association.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.