Prest (Fahie), Ola Shirley – It is with broken hearts that we, the family, announce the passing of our beloved mother in her 80th year. Mom gently passed away in MacLeod’s Guest House in Hilden on November 18, 2017, completing her love story with Fraser. They are now at Scraggy Lake, sitting on the deck and listening to the loons with their beloved pups, Chico, Satchmo and Tippy.
Ola was born in Moose River Gold Mines, the daughter of Ethel (Hilchey) Fahie-Miller and Albert Fahie. Some years later, just a mere nine miles down the road, was a handsome young soldier, just returned from Korea. One evening, Fraser walked into a dance hall wearing his uniform and it was love at first sight for both of them. Together, they settled in Mooseland, creating a nurturing home for their three children. Mom was “self-taught” everything. Whether as a seamstress, baker, upholsterer or gardener, she was a perfectionist at everything she turned her hand to.
Mom was carried for the first time to Loon Pond as a mere infant, setting the seed for the camp that she and Fraser would build 30 years later at Prest Point, Scraggy Lake. The camp was their favourite place for gathering with their family and best friends, where many a game of cribbage was enjoyed. Oh my, if those walls could only talk!
During her lifetime, Ola was a member of St. Thomas Anglican Church and the ACW. She was very devoted to her community and was always one of the first to lend a helping hand when needed.
One of Mom’s greatest pleasures was feeding us with one of her new recipes, which were always delicious. She loved the outdoors and had many cross-country ski days with her lady friends. She was very health conscious (well before it was fashionable), walking 10K every day and wearing out many a dog and pairs of sneakers. Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates and every exercise video going were some of her favourite things. She took great pride in her appearance and was never seen without her nails and hair done. She truly had a creative flair and loved to putter in her flower and veggie gardens.
Left to celebrate her life are her children, Boyd (Wanda Dahr), Lauraine (David Smith), Derek (Debbie Dunn); and, of course, her favourite grandson, Patrick, of whom she was so proud. Her only brother, Gilbert Fahie, who was a constant source of love and support to her over her lifetime, also survives Ola. She was blessed for the multitude of friends who gave her unwavering support and friendship over the years. Ola was predeceased by her soulmate, Fraser; her parents, and stepfather, Louis Miller.
We would like to thank the staff of MacLeod House for taking care of Mom for the last four years, especially Renae and Terri, with whom she had a very special bond.
Cremation has taken place. Ola’s funeral will be held on Monday, November 27, at 2 p.m. in St. Thomas Anglican Church, Mooseland. Please join us for a reception in the Mooseland Community Centre for refreshments. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to St. Thomas Anglican Church.
Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.
And just at the moment when someone says, “There, she is gone,” there are other eyes watching her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, “Here she comes.”
Please feel free to leave a message of condolence for the family in the Comments area below.
