MacDonald, Erma Christina – Age 80, Timberlea, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2015 in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII, Halifax. Born in Lindsay Lake, she was a daughter of the late Elmer and Leona (Miller) Stewart. Erma led a very versatile life, including childcare, lumber mill cook, housekeeper, store clerk, legal secretary and was also business manager and bookkeeper of Donnie’s many businesses. Many people in the community may remember her as the “Bottle Lady” as she started and ran the bottle exchange, as well as a plant, shrub and topsoil business next to their home in Timberlea. Erma was a member of Trinity United Church where she had been a session member, former choir member and U.C.W. member.
In 1975, Erma was a founding member of Stewart Hill Acreage where the family camp together every year in Upper Musquodoboit. Every five years there is a four-day family reunion where hundreds of family members come together. She was happy to be part of a legacy that the Stewart family will continue to pass on for generations.
Erma was a gentle soul and a wonderful, caring, patient wife, mother, grandmother and mother-in-law. She had a dry sense of humour and could be very funny if you were quick enough to catch it. She also made the best apple pie around. Erma enjoyed planting and tending her vegetable garden, walking and hiking. She loved the outdoors, including the wind and the rain, birds and flowers.
Erma will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Surviving are her loving and dedicated husband, Donnie; sons, Ross (Lisa), Don (Bronwen); granddaughters, Rebecca and Simone, who were the lights of her life. She also leaves behind brothers and sisters, Norma McDow, Loren, Currie (Debbie), Mona Rogers (Carl), Bruce (Cheryl), Calvin (Ferne), Boyde (Jackie), Eric (Ann), Karen Swaine (Graham); sister-in-law, Susan Stewart; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers, Ivan and Bryan; brother-in-law, Kenny McDow; sister-in-law, Lynda Stewart.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., and funeral service will be Friday at 2 p.m., all in Trinity United Church, 67 Trinity Way, Timberlea, Rev. Helene Burns officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Parkinson Society Maritime Region.
Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.
A special thank you to the nursing staff of 8.1 in the Halifax Infirmary for your compassion and care; it was greatly appreciated.