Jean-Pierre Lacourse

Lacourse, Jean-Pierre – Age 73 of Stewiacke, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2019 in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born in Middleton, he was the son of the late Jean-Marie Lacourse and Regina May (Quinn) Lacourse.

Pierre worked with the Canadian Coast Guard for 26 years. He was a loving husband and enjoyed spending time with his family. He also enjoyed playing cards with his friends and cooking delicious meals and desserts for his family.

Pierre is survived by his loving wife, Margaret; his children, Jon (Taina) MacDonald, Trevor (Faithann) MacDonald, Jocelyn Durham, Marc Lacourse (Heidi), Aimee (Brian) MacAdam; grandchildren, Cameron, Natalie, Brynn, Connor, Jean Luc, Quinn, Elly, Sadie; sibling, Suzanne (Paul) Cameralli; and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 1, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. in Ettinger Funeral Home, 2812 Highway 2, Shubenacadie. Donations in Pierre’s memory may be made to the IWK Foundation.

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Brenda Mary Therese (Larkin) Erskine

Erskine (Larkin), Brenda Mary Therese – The family of Brenda Mary Therese (Larkin) Erskine is deeply saddened to announce that she passed away on November 27, 2019 at the age of 84, but grateful that she did so peacefully and surrounded by love.

Brenda was predeceased by her loving husband, Hugh; her brothers-in-law, Willard Erskine, Raymond Atwood, Keith Fancy; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Fancy. She is survived by her children, Sean, and Tara (Brent Culligan); grandchildren, Katherine, Anya, Maeve and Declan; sisters, Patricia Larkin, Ireland; and Sheena Larkin LaBrie, Bedford; brothers, Greg Larkin (Deirdre), Ireland, and Maurice Larkin, Halifax; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Atwood, Jean Erskine, Colleen Larkin; and many nieces and nephews.

Born in Port Rush, in County Derry, Northern Ireland, Brenda grew up in Magherafelt and Belfast. She followed her brother, Maurice to Canada in 1966 and planned to stay for a year, but stayed for over fifty. A registered nurse who loved working in the O.R., Brenda did her training at the Mid-Ulster Hospital in Magherafelt and worked at various hospitals including the South Tyrone Hospital in Omagh; the City Hospital in Belfast; Charing Cross Hospital in London, England; and later the original Halifax Infirmary and the Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital.

Ever kind and patient, Brenda will be remembered for her warm smile, generous nature and interest in others. A passionate community volunteer, Brenda dedicated her time and talents over the years to many organizations, including the Women’s Institute, the Pony Club, as a founder of the Fellowship Club for seniors in Upper Musquodoboit (long before she was a senior), the building of the largest wooden playground in Nova Scotia, the establishment of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, various political campaigns, and many roles with Holy Cross Church. An accomplished pie maker, it was Brenda’s idea to sell pies at the Halifax County Exhibition to raise the funds to build Holy Cross, which became known as “the church that pies built.”

An amateur dramatist, Brenda will be remembered for her leading roles in Arsenic & Old Lace by the Musquodoboit Valley Players and more recently in the Wizard of Oz by the Parkland Players, where she was the Wicked Witch of the West, acting alongside her Corgi, Shane, who played Toto.

Six years ago Brenda moved from Upper Musquodoboit to Halifax to be closer to her family. She loved her time at Parkland at the Gardens where she was an active member of the singing, poetry, and drama groups and a founding member of the cribbage club.

Cremation has taken place. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 2 in Holy Cross Catholic Church, 11645 Hwy. 224, Middle Musquodoboit, Father Michael Walsh officiating. A reception will follow downstairs in the church. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Upper Musquodoboit. An Irish Wake and Celebration of Life will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, December 2 in the Royal Artillery Park Officers’ Mess, 1575 Queen St., Halifax. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of NS or a local charity of your choice.

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

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Lois Margaret Hetherington

Hetherington, Lois Margaret – Age 81 of Dartmouth, passed away November 26, 2019 at home. Born in Halifax, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Ann (Purcell) Hetherington.

She grew up in the Village of Imperial Oil with her brothers, Frederick “Ted” and Wayne; and sister, Carol. At the age of 16, Lois was stricken with polio and lost the use of her legs. She never let that stop her from enjoying life to the fullest. She worked at the Nova Scotia Hospital for ten years where she made many lifelong friends. She loved to travel, going for drives and spending time with friends and family. Lois was a pillar of strength for anyone who knew her; no matter what life threw her way, she handled it with such strength, grace, dignity and love.

She is survived by brother, Wayne; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brother, Ted; sister, Carol; sisters-in-law, Linda and Donna; niece, Kim.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, 6-8 p.m., in the Dartmouth Senior Centre, 45 Ochterloney St. Memorial donations may be made to Huntington Society of Canada Atlantic Chapter or Dartmouth Senior Centre.

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Harold Graham Pearce

Pearce, Harold Graham – Age 75 of Musquodoboit Harbour, passed away November 22, 2019 at home. Harold was born and raised in the small fishing community of Musgrave Harbour, N.L.

Surviving are wife, Donna (O’Callaghan); daughters, Johanna (Chris) Smith; Julie (Quentin) MacDougall, Jennifer Kormendi; grandchildren, Heidi, Oliver, Jackson and Jake; sisters, Nina Roberts, Verna Clarke; his beloved four-legged companion, Tunder. He was predeceased by father, Ralph Garfield Pearce; mother, Muriel Minnie Way; stepfather, Peter Abbott; brothers, Garland James and Clyde Charles.

Harold moved to Nova Scotia when he was 17 years old and began a life-long career in the construction industry. He was a hard-working mentor and employer to many friends and coworkers of small business ventures, including window and door companies, Newfie’s Grocery and various other endeavours. Harold, a.k.a “MacGyver”, was ingenious and imaginative in his workshop creations. He was a jack-of-all trades, always amazing family and neighbours with a new invention or design. Harold, “The Newfie” was an avid fisherman, hunter, dog lover, boater and general outdoorsman. He lived for many years in Lake Echo, and was an active Lions Club member and community volunteer.

He was married to Donna for nearly 40 years and they did so much together. They loved their innumerous woodworking projects, camping, renovating, gardening, and in later years, grandparenting. They spent the last 20 years in Musquodoboit Harbour. Harold always enjoyed a great story, good joke and feasting (usually on strange meats or fish) in the company of close friends and family. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by many.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation.

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

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Gage Robert Harpelle

Harpelle, Gage Robert – Age 82 of Milford Station, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2019 in Glasgow Hall, Dartmouth, with family at his side. Gage was born in Kingston, Ont.

Gage was predeceased by his wife, Priscilla (Locke) of Bell Island, N.L.; and is survived by his sons, Robert (Susan), Paul (Amanda), Joseph and Patrick (Kym).

Gage graduated from Ryerson in Toronto in 1958 and then joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. After serving for 25 years, he worked with West Hants School Board for 15 years. Gage loved listening to music and puttering outdoors at his home in Milford and cottage in Noel. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Gage was an active member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Shubenacadie for 30 years and Milford Volunteer Fire Department for many years.

Cremation has taken place. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 30 in St. Bridget's Catholic Church. A reception will follow in Campbell Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Bridget's Cemetery Fund.

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

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Edward “Butch” Lorne Peters

Peters, Edward “Butch” Lorne – Age 64 of Dartmouth, passed away November 17, 2019 in the V.G. Site, QEII, Halifax. Born in Halifax, he was a son of Doris (Carroll) Peters and the late Carl Peters.

Besides his mother, he is survived by son, Edward; daughter, Tina; granddaughter, Jossie; brothers, Dave, Keith (Hilda); sisters, Susan, Joyce (Keith); sister-in-law, Marg. He was predeceased by brother, Wayne; brother-in-law, Donnie Martin.

Cremation has taken place. In keeping with Butch’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.

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Helen June Sophia (Archibald) Higgins

Higgins (Archibald), Helen June Sophia – Age 95 of Higginsville, passed away at home on November 8, 2019, with her family beside her. She was a daughter of the late Laurie and Margaret (Norton) Archibald and step-daughter of Jennie Warner Archibald of Higginsville.

Helen graduated from Higginsville School and later attended Maritime Business College in Halifax, where she received a Business Certificate as a secretary. She worked for several years in Dalhousie Public Health Clinic – Psychiatry Department. Helen married Gordon Higgins in 1946, six months after his return from the Second World War. Together they raised daughters, Wendy (Don Himelman), Dawn Doyle, Jeanne, and Melanie (Rob). She is also survived by grandchildren, Jeff (Jocelyne) Himelman, Sarah Himelman (Joel), Laura (Jason) LeClair, and J.J. (Stacy) Doyle; and great-grandchildren, Cassie Henderson, Kian Doyle and Ruari Doyle; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Gordon, in December 2015; son-in-law, Gerry Doyle, in July 2019; as well as brothers, Joseph, William; and sisters, Mary, Sadie, Jean and Edna.

Helen was an excellent cook and made family dinners special. She was a talented craftsperson and exhibited and judged at many provincial exhibitions. She was pleased to be chosen as Fair Person of the Year at the Halifax County Exhibition in 1994. She enjoyed growing vegetables, playing cards, dominoes and visits to the Casino. Helen was kind and caring, with a great sense of humour. She loved spending time with her family.

Thank you to Lynn Gillis (Palliative Care), and Sonya Parlee-Harder, Wanda, and Marina of the Continuing Care Team at Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital for helping make the journey easier. Special thanks to her niece, Cheryl Scott Dickie, for her care and support over this last difficult week. Gratitude also to Dr. Helika Adams and Joanne for the excellent care over the years.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. A family graveside service will be held for Helen and Gordon in the summer of 2020 in Higginsville Cemetery.

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                            A life well lived is a precious gift

                            Of hope and strength and grace,

                            From someone who has made our world

                            A brighter, better place.

                            It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad

                            With smiles and sometimes tears,

                            With friendships formed and good times shared

                            And laughter through the years.

                            A life well lived is a legacy

                            Of joy, and pride, and pleasure,

                            A living, lasting memory

                            Our grateful hearts will treasure.

                            - Author Unknown

                          “Love You Forever Mom”

Daniel Joseph Pyke

Pyke, Daniel Joseph – Age 71 of Enfield and formerly of Meaghers Grant, passed away at home on November 8, 2019. Born in Toronto, he was a son of the late Ernest and Alice (Melanson) Pyke.

Dan enjoyed hunting, fishing and was a bow hunting instructor at one time. He had a story to tell every time he had an audience. Dan retired from Department of Transportation in 2015.

Surviving are his wife, Anne (Dickie); sons, Joey, Jason (Shelley), both of Alberta; Steven (Rebecca), Hilden; Justin, Bible Hill; daughter, Kalika (Matthew), Great Village; brothers, Harvey (Deborah), Grand Mira North; Brian (Connie), Alberta; grandchildren, Nicholas, Jayna, Alexandra, Danica, Maddison, Nova; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Alice Kublek.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 16, 1-4 p.m. in Meaghers Grant Community Hall. Memorial donations may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Canada or Colchester East Hants Palliative Care.

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

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Valerie Annette (MacWilliams) Gillis

Gillis (MacWilliams), Valerie Annette – Age 76 of Middle Sackville, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2019 in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in O’Leary, P.E.I., she was the eldest daughter of the late Elmer and Helen (Adams) MacWilliams.

Valerie leaves behind her children, Gina (Richard) Perigo, Jennifer (Mike Kivell), and Matthew (Ingrid Fjeld); and granddaughter, Jessica Perigo. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and church family, as well as her former husband, John. She was predeceased by her brother, Clare.

Valerie lived a full and active life working as a nurse, a garden centre manager, and a stay-at-home mother. She was passionate about working with her hands, and drew satisfaction from home improvement projects, car repair, and painting. Of all of her pursuits, she devoted countless hours to nurturing her roses, feeding birds, and trying to keep deer at bay – usually without success! On Thursday nights you could count on her being at Fry Daddy’s enjoying a feed of chicken wings. A long-time and devoted member of Sackville Baptist Church, she served the Lord in any way she could – as deacon, choir director, and Sunday school teacher, and through outreach in the community.

Anyway, cremation has taken place. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 14th, in Sackville United Baptist Church, 1240 Old Sackville Rd., Middle Sackville, with Peter Metcalfe officiating. A reception will follow downstairs in the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sackville United Baptist Church.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Arik Drucker, the staff at Cobequid Community Health Centre Emergency Department, and the EHS Paramedic Team.

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

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Edna Mary Lou (Morton) Mitchell

Mitchell (Morton), Edna Mary Lou – Age 68 of Old Barns, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on November 5, 2019, in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born in Kentville, she was the youngest daughter of the late William “Bill” and Edna (Winters) Morton.

Mary Lou studied cosmetology at Kings Regional Vocational School (Class of ’68), and was owner of Mary Lou’s Beauty Shop in Woodville until moving to New Brunswick with her young family. Mary Lou lived in Old Barns for the last 25 years where she made many friends over coffee, baked goods, laughter and song.

Mary Lou was the beloved wife of her partner of 44 years, Terry, Old Barns. Together they raised a beautiful family, Raymond (Jennifer Beaver), Lower Truro; Katherine, Pointe-du-Chenê; and Dale (Emma Gillam), Eastern Passage. Nana will be deeply missed by her beautiful granddaughters and playmates, Chloe and Clara (Jennifer and Raymond); Fern and Sunshine (Katherine Mitchell and Jason Lewis). Mary Lou is survived by her sister, Barbara Morton Winters, Halifax; sister-like cousin, Suzanne Winters, Wolfville. She was predeceased by her brother, Francis “Frank” Morton. The world will never know another like Mary Lou.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Mary Lou’s life will be held on Saturday, November 9 from 11 a.m.-1.p.m. in the community room of Old Barns United Church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary Lou’s name may be made to Canadian Cancer Society or Old Barns United Church.

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

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Joseph Noah Surette

Surette, Joseph Noah – Age 64 of Nine Mile River, passed away unexpectedly on November 3, 2019 in QEII Infirmary Site, Halifax. Born in Yarmouth, he was a son of the late Noah and Mary Blanche (Amirault) Surette.

Joe had a keen sense of humour, was a great family man and always able to lend a hand when needed.

He was a devoted and loving husband of wife, Christine; wonderful father of daughters, Andrea Frank, Jennifer Kilburn; loving grandfather of six grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings, Lloyd, Blanche, Violet, Ruby. He was predeceased by brothers, Dave, Patrick and Ivan.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 17 from 2-4 p.m. in Enfield Fire Hall, 273 Hwy. 2, across from Enfield Esso. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

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Evelyn Victoria Graham

Graham, Evelyn Victoria – Age 85 of Bass River, passed away October 31, 2019 in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born in Little Bass River, she was a daughter of the late Homer Archibald and Susan Maude (Patton) Crowe.

Surviving are son, Randy Crowe (Donna); four grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Jim (Kelly) Barley; four nieces and two nephews. She was predeceased by husband, Aubrey Graham; daughter, Susan Barley; brothers, Arthur (Iona), John (Mildred).

Cremation has taken place. In keeping with Evelyn’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Burial will be at a later date in Riverside United Church Cemetery, Bass River.

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William “Bill” Neil Fleming

Fleming, William “Bill” Neil – Age 66 of Dartmouth, passed away October 29, 2019 in VG Site, QEII, Halifax. Born in Middle Musquodoboit, he was a son of the late William and Stella (Henley) Fleming.

Bill liked living the simple life, loved looking at trees, and had a big heart for horses. He was a singer, songwriter and guitarist who enjoyed playing in his own kitchen as well as with many other fellow players. He was an avid pool player who won many trophies.

Surviving are son, Nathan; granddaughters, Madeline and Scarlett, Lower Sackville; Cassandra, Cow Bay; siblings, Esther Higgins, Upper Musquodoboit; Ervin (Norma), Calgary; Sylvia (Fred) Carmichael, Beaver Bank; several nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends. He was predeceased by daughter, Katrina; sisters, Katherine, Rosalie.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations in Bill’s memory may be made to The Sable Island Institute.

Many thanks to Jimmy, Ken, Lester and Carl for all that you have done.

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Audrey (Mitchell) Dooks

Dooks (Mitchell), Audrey – Head of Jeddore. March 16, 1926 – October 26, 2019. It is with sadness that we the family of Audrey Jean Dooks announce the passing of our loving mother and Grammie at her home in Head of Jeddore in her 94th year. Born in East Jeddore, she was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Audrey looked forward to joining her heavenly family; husband, Arthur R.D. Dooks; and their sons, Douglas and Harland; her parents, Owen and Eva (Blakeney) Mitchell; sisters, Iva Day and Velma Arnold; and brothers, Harland, Russell, Lloyd, Donald and Keith; and her great-granddaughter, Nicole Murphy.

The years may have left her tired and frail, but Audrey's kindness and beauty never faded. She was always grateful and would often say she had much to be thankful for, beginning and ending each day in prayer.

In her younger years, Audrey worked at the Ship Harbour Peg Factory, the Clam Factory in Ostrea Lake and Sears’ shoe department in Halifax. In 1943 she married her tall, dark and handsome soldier, Art Dooks, four hours before he sailed to battle for our freedom in the Second World War. Much to Mom's dismay and embarrassment, their Harlequin romance style gang-plank wedding made the newspaper of the day.

With their young family, they lived for several years on Sable Island where her husband was the last Superintendent of the island. It was on Sable Island that Audrey was awarded her Wings for work recording and reporting aircraft sightings over the Atlantic during the Cold War. They settled back in Jeddore where they continued to raise their growing family.

One of Audrey's daily pleasures was watching the view of Jeddore Cove from the comfort of her home. Whether she was soaking up the rays from her sun porch, snuggled up in her bed looking out at the night sky or sitting up during a storm to watch the wind and high tides, she took pleasure each day in the nature around her. Her fondest memories were of times spent as a youth on the beach in East Jeddore.

Due to Mom and Dad working hard, living modestly and saving for the future and with the help of a fantastic support team, we were able to make Mom's wish of staying at home a reality. A special thank you to her loving care givers/companions, Darlene, Helen, Cindy, Geraldine, Jackie, Jennifer, Marlene and Sandra. Thank you for such outstanding attention from her family physician, Dr. Natasha MacInnis and the Twin Oaks Hospital outreach programs of Continuing Care Nursing and Occupational Therapy which further enabled Mom to live in the comfort of her own home.

Audrey is survived by children, Janet Lynch (Michael), Sylvia Higgins (John), Valerie Shears (John), Art Dooks (Donna Groom), daughter-in-law, Geraldine Evans Dooks (late Harland); grandchildren, Theresa Derby, Barbara Day, Michael and Daniel Lynch, Allan, Tim and Doug Murphy, Jacqueline, Jennifer and Joanne Shears, Jessee Sawyer, River Dooks, Kenny and Lisa Dooks, Stephanie, Patrick and Glenna Brown and their families; many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by special nieces, Darlene Mitchell and Helen Arnold, and good friend, Cindy Levy.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life at 2 p.m. on Monday, November 4 in Jeddore United Baptist Church, 8 West Jeddore Rd., with Pastor Aubrey Deslatte officiating. A reception will be held in the church basement following a family committal at Head of Jeddore United Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Head of Jeddore United Church Cemetery Fund, Twin Oaks Hospital or Jeddore United Baptist Church.

"never grow old, never grow old, 

in a land where we'll never grow old "

(George Jones)

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Leonard Claude Thompson

Thompson, Leonard Claude – Age 61 of Enfield, passed away October 24, 2019 at home following a short illness. Born in Elmsdale, he was a son of the late John and Isabel (White) Thompson. 

Most of his working life he was employed as a machine operator by Basin Contracting and Dexter Construction. He was always a hard-working man who would help anyone out.

Surviving are nieces, Chelsey, Allison and Jenna; nephews, Nathan, Jonathan (Shanda); sister-in-law, Cynthia Edgett (Tony). He was predeceased by his brother, Charles.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Enfield Legion. Memorial donations may be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada Atlantic Branch.

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John James Ritchie “Jim” Hill

Hill, John James Ritchie “Jim” – Age 70 of Fletchers Lake, passed away October 21, 2019 in Hospice Halifax. Born in Campbellton, N.B., he was a son of the late Leola (Ritchie) Sealy.

Jim was a kind and gentle man who loved his family very much. He was a 26-year member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Surviving are wife, Debbie (Walsh) Hill, Fletchers Lake; brother, Dave Hill; stepfather, Keith Sealy, god daughter, Paula Hill, all of London, Ont.; son, Steven and his family, Fall River; stepson, Shayne Covey and his family, Lantz. He was predeceased by sister, Bonnie Hill; maternal grandparents, Lloyd and Freda Ritchie.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. In keeping with Jim’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Halifax.

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Ruth Elaine (Blesedell) Hayden

Hayden (Blesedell) Ruth Elaine – With gratitude and love for a life well lived, the family announces the peaceful passing of Ruth Elaine (Blesedell) Hayden, 97, on October 16, 2019. Ruth was born in Mira to Rev. John Milford and Annie Rena (Doncaster) Blesedell.

As the daughter of a Baptist minister, Ruth lived in many places including Cape Breton, Shelburne, Grand Manan, Guysborough and North River, P.E.I. After completing a business course at Prince of Wales College, her working life began in Woodstock, then moved on to Moncton and eventually to Halifax.

During those working years, Ruth enjoyed playing badminton, skating, and being a part of a sorority. She studied voice and enjoyed singing in church choirs wherever she lived. While visiting her parents in Sable River in 1956, she met the love of her life, a handsome local bachelor Alburn Hayden, whom she married in 1958. They settled into married life on the family farm in Jordan Falls and welcomed three children in the next four years. After the death of her husband in 1970, Ruth was employed as the administrative assistant to the Supervisor of Schools where she remained until her retirement. Throughout her life in Jordan Falls, she was immersed in raising her family and serving her church. She served in many capacities in the Jordan Falls United Baptist Church including being appointed their first female deacon.

It wasn’t until into her 80s that Ruth eventually left her beloved home on Hayden’s Road and moved to Brookfield to be close to family. She remained living independently in her own apartment until the age of 94. She was affectionately known as “Mrs. Christie” by the residents in her building for the freshly baked cookies or goodies she prepared for each Saturday morning coffee time.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents, her husband; and her sister, Doris (Jelly). She is survived by daughters, Cynthia (Gower) Fiander, Brenda Hayden; and son, Stephen (Anna); as well as her sister-in-law, Margaret Smith, Massachussetts. She will be dearly missed by her three nieces, nephew, nine grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

A celebration of life service, conducted by Rev. Frank Locke, will be held on October 19th, at 11 a.m. in Brookfield Baptist Church. No formal visitation will take place, however, family will be available from 10:15-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Friends in the area are welcome to join Ruth’s family at the committal at 4 p.m. in Locust Hill Cemetery, Hayden’s Road, Jordan Falls.

The family sincerely thanks the staff at both East Cumberland Lodge and Elk Court for the compassionate and exceptional care that Ruth received. If so wished, donations in memory of Ruth may be made to Brookfield Baptist Church or Stephen Hardy Hayden Memorial Cemetery Fund in Jordan Falls.

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

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Freda Laura (Kaulback) Keddy

Keddy (Kaulback), Freda Laura – Our family is sad to announce the peaceful passing of Freda Laura (Kaulback) Keddy of Elderbank on October 16, 2019 in Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital. Freda was a daughter of the late Russell and Edna Kaulback (Middle Musquodoboit).

Freda was a homemaker and mother who devoted her life to others. She was a lifelong member of St. Andrew’s United Church where she served the community as a UCW member, Sunday school teacher, and also was a hospital auxiliary worker. She was a very active member of the seniors’group and Lionettes. Freda and Joe loved to attend Saturday night dances with friends. Her wonderful smile would light up the room. She loved to play crib with her husband, Joe, on many evenings before bed. She enjoyed baking and always had something made for her grandchildren and anyone who visited. She connected with heartfelt caring and understanding with everyone she came in contact with. Freda cherished her children, grandchildren and friends and we all adored her in return. She was a compassionate and loving person of steadfast character who inspired her family, as well as the entire community. She will be greatly missed but leaves a legacy of love and caring gathered over her 91 years.

Freda is survived by her sister, Mary; brother, Ralph; sons, Shane (Bonnie), Joel, Troy (Shanda); daughter, Lisa (Brian); grandchildren, Seth, Justin, Holly, Tyler, Spencer, Jordan, Kaitlyn, Avery, Madison; great-granddaughter, Millie Laura. She was predeceased by her husband, Joe; brothers, Aubrey, Earl.

Cremation has taken place. Funeral service will be at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 20 in St. Andrew’s United Church, Elderbank, with Calvin Burt, student minister, officiating. A reception will follow downstairs in the church. Memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew’s United Church.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Fewer and all the staff of Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital for their support and genuine caring, as well as the homecare workers who helped mom through her stay at home.

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Henrik Paattinen

Paattinen, Henrik – Age 78, of Lower Sackville, passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2019 in QEII Health Sciences Centre, Infirmary Site.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Sharron; son, Kari; daughter, Carina Bennett (Gavin); grandson, Damian, all of Fall River; stepdaughter, Colette Jones (Ian); step-grandchildren, Hunter and Ethan, all of Saint John; stepson, Andre Bourque (Wnela); stepgrandson, Evan, all of Gatineau; sisters, Irja Walden, Ritva Wahlroos, both of Finland; and his loving nieces and nephews. Henrik was predeceased by his first wife, Laila Lainio.

Henrik immigrated to Canada from Finland in 1967 and was highly skilled in the steel fabrication industry throughout the HRM area for over 50 years. He took great pride in his work and accomplishments. He had a passion for music and was a gifted musician, helping establish the Fall River Saturday Night Community Jam Session. Henrik possessed “joie de vivre” and could brighten a room with his smile and a warm handshake. He will be sadly missed by his family, many friends, and work associates. Henrik had been a grateful member of AA for over 20 years. He enjoyed the fellowship and support he received in the program.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 24 in St. Thomas Anglican Church, Fall River, 3534 Hwy. 2 Fletchers Lake. A reception will follow. Donations in Henrik’s memory may be made to St. Thomas Anglican Church.

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

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Bonnie Lynn MacKay

MacKay, Bonnie Lynn– Age 73, of Truro. With saddened hearts the family of Bonnie Lynn MacKay announces her passing on Saturday, October 12th, 2019 at home. Born in Middle Musquodoboit, she was the daughter of the late Clyde and Mary (Pineo) Holman.

Bonnie worked at Hermes Electronics, Dartmouth, for many years and after moving to Truro, she was employed with Federal Pioneer Ltd. for 19 years before retirement. After retiring, Bonnie cared for children in her home. She loved each one of them and they all were special to her. She was also a past member of Truro Lions Club where she willingly gave her time and effort to improve her community.

Surviving are her brother, Bruce (Gail), Truro; nephews, Devin, Red Deer, Alberta; Shane (Krista), Truro; grand-nephew, Mason; and grand-niece, Lia Holman. She was predeceased by her husband, Ian.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.

In keeping with Bonnie’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Interment will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank the VON for the wonderful care provided which enabled Bonnie to remain in her home. Memorial donations may be made to Diabetes Canada, VON, or a charity of your choice.

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