Darrell Sullivan Holt

Holt, Darrell Sullivan – Age 81, of Elmsdale passed away in Vimy Court, Bible Hill on December 29, 2020.

Darrell was a son of the late Richard and Lora Holt. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Darrell loved to tell stories, play pranks and always remembered his siblings birthdays and gave them a call. He loved his family.

He will always be cherished and missed by his wife, Claire Elaine Holt; son, Steven Michael Holt (Rachelle); grandchildren, Rhiannon, Shae Lynn and Blaise; his chosen granddaughter, Justine Currie and her daughter, Avery.

He was predeceased by brothers, Eric, Malcolm, Levy and Stanley; sisters, Jean, Isabel, Marian and Shirley.

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

Due to health restrictions at this time, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

A message of condolence for the family may be left by posting your comment as a guest in the area below.

Eileen Susy Mae Watson

Watson, Eileen Susy Mae – Age 88, passed away December 28, 2020 in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro.

Born in Fox Harbour, she was a daughter of the late Clarence “Clarrie” and Catherine (Fraser) Monk.

For 66 years, Eileen was the light of Dalton’s life. She was kind, generous, humble, and loved by everyone who knew her. She loved and cared for all animals and fed every bird in sight. Eileen was an accomplished amateur golfer, a four time ladies champion, twice at Mountain Golf, once at Greenfield and once at Fish Pond.

Surviving are her husband, Dalton; son, Gilbert and his companion, Joye Palmer; sisters, Ruth Watson (Reg), Rita Atzler (Ulie), Joye Palmer (Dale).

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by son, Burton.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. There will be no visitation or funeral service. Burial will be held at a later date.

No more to suffer from poor health, she has gone to be with her Lord, and will be loved forever.

A message of condolence for the family may be left by posting your comment as a guest in the area below.

Sandra Joann Gault

Gault, Sandra Joann - Age 76 of Upper Musquodoboit passed away December 20th, 2020.

A wonderful Mother, Gram, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Neighbour and Friend. 

Stubborn, independent, determined, loyal and fierce are just a few of the words you could use to describe her.

If you found yourself in her kitchen being served the largest slice of homemade pie that you have ever seen, with a little wink and a chuckle followed by “eat it or wear it”, you knew you were loved by her. Or if she wrapped her arms around you and gave you the biggest hug ever it was the best place to be.

 She gave unselfishly of her love and time to the local church and community.  Her laughter was infectious, and her eyes sparkled with the merriment of life.   Her family was her everything and she loved to draw people into that circle and treat them like family too.   If you were one of those lucky ones (and you all know who you are), there was no better feeling in the world.  Her home was always open and a place that many took comfort in over the years.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff and care workers at Oceanview Manor for their care and compassion over the past three years.  Your hugs and kind words of encouragement helped us get through the hard days and your support and love on the good days did not go unnoticed.

She will always be loved and remembered by daughter, Sonya  (John); grandsons, Cody Hiscock (Samantha); Dexter Hiscock (Natasha) & their children, Brantley and Emilia; Samuel Hiscock (Pauline & Ben); son, Wallace (Karen); granddaughters, Danielle & Odessa; siblings, Marina, Frances, Donna, Lloyd “Bud”, Calvin and Doris.

She was predeceased by her husband, Aubrey; parents, Lloyd & Verna (Kindervater) Brown; sisters, Sheila, Goldie & Sylvia.

Cremation has taken place. 

                                       “She Loved to Dance and Dance Again She Shall”.

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Minnie "Jean" Nickerson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Minnie “Jean” (McCaul) Nickerson, age 88, on December 17, 2020. She was born in Lockeport to parents, Freda (Williams) McCaul and Clifford McCaul. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Clinton Nickerson.

Before she married, Jean moved to Halifax to work as a Nanny. Later she ventured further from home to Toronto, where she worked at the Mattel toy factory and then on to base Camp Borden to visit her sister and work in the canteen. This is where she met the love of her life, Clinton Nickerson. They were married November 27, 1954 in Jordan Falls, Shelburne County. She was a loving, devoted mother and caregiver. She lived for her family, they were the most important part of her life.

You could never leave the house without either eating something or taking food with you. She enjoyed baking and cooking, and was always up for trying a new recipe. Another love of hers was quilting, she was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. She has created beautiful quilts over the course of her lifetime, many babies have been swaddled in them. In her later years she worked as a seamstress.

She will be dearly missed by her six children, Richard (Barb), Wanda (Gerald Dillman), Pamela, Darlene (Ken Farrell), Marion (Jim Mackie), and Paula; her grandchildren, Garett (Emily) Dillman, Randall (Megan) Dillman, Christopher (Nicholette) Nickerson, Robert (Alex) Nickerson, Thomas Nickerson, Ian (Heidi) Kerr, Tracy Kerr, Aaron (Ashley) Farrell, Ryan Farrell, Laura (Rodney) Croft, Amey Farrell; her great-grandchildren, Katrina Kerr, Milla Kerr, Emmett Kerr, Claire Dillman, Jack Dillman, Simon Nickerson, Sylvie Nickerson and Reese Croft. She is survived by her sister, Carole Smailes (London, Ontario).

She is predeceased by her brothers, Hubert McCaul, Clifford McCaul, Sinclair McCaul; her sisters, Marion Holden and Hazel Nickerson.

We would like to thank the palliative nurses, doctor, home care workers and Dr. Barnes for their excellent support in caring for our wonderful mother.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Donations may be made to the Meaghers Grant cemetery or the Lower Musquodoboit Pastoral Charge in her memory.

A message of condolence for the family may be left by posting your comment as a guest in the area below.

Thomas "Gerald" Usher

Usher, Thomas “Gerald” – Age 95, passed away peacefully in Dartmouth General Hospital on December 16, 2020.

Born in Dominion, he was a son of the late James and Sara Belle Usher.  He was the last survivor of four children, Mary Susan, Naish and Gregory. 

He was predeceased by first wife, Theresa (Peori); second wife, Laurine (Fetter); sons, Thomas and Gregory; daughter, Gail; grandchildren, Anita (Baker) Courtois and James Loth.

He is survived by children, Julie (Aubrey) Thorne-Deslatte, Geraldine (Wayne) Baker, Joseph Blair (Cheryl) Usher, Thomas Gerrard Usher, Darlene (Paul) Loth and Mary Susan (Mike) Seftel; ten grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Dad grew up in Dominion and was an assistant manager of NSLC. He moved to Toronto, Ontario and worked at Husband Transport for a few years then moved to Cambridge, Ontario and worked at Woods Transport for a number of years.  He also worked as a security guard and a bartender before retirement. 

Gerald had lots of jokes, stories and songs to share with others and bring out laughter.  He was very much a people person. 

Thank you to Arimathea Funeral Cooperative for all of your help and guidance during this difficult time.

A very special thank you as well to the staff at the Berkeley in Dartmouth for their love and care of Gerald.

Dad will be missed dearly by everyone who knew him.

A Funeral Service and Interment will take place at Memory Gardens in Breslau, Ontario hopefully by summer 2021. 

A message of condolence for the family may be left by posting your comment as a guest in the area below.

Bertha Agnes Jeffers

Jeffers, Bertha Agnes – Bertha passed away on December 14, 2020 just short of her 83rd birthday. She was the second youngest daughter of Edwin and Jessie (Higgins) Mitchell. Arriving in the world a little earlier than expected, she was placed in the warming oven of the wood stove and fed with an eye dropper. She married Ivan Jeffers in 1955 at her family home in Murchyville. She became a wife and mother at an early age devoting her life to the family. Her famous biscuits, pickles and making anything apple was a trademark in the home for family and friends. As a member of the United Church Women, she participated in all their events and loved singing in the Elderbank Church choir. The farm and the animals were important to her along with all the birds that appeared in the apple orchard. Friends were made far and wide because they saw the horses and cows in the pasture and came by to chat. A lunch or meal was always made no matter what time of the day or night that someone dropped in, always making everyone feel welcome.

Surviving are children, Sheila (Joe Fisher), Ray (Daniela Savelkoul), Cheryl (Lee Johnson), Carolyn (Stephen Fudge); grandchildren, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Fisher, Emily (William) Jackson, Jessica, Kathleen & Craig Johnson, Ruby Fudge; great-grandchildren, Elaina, Elizabeth and Landen Fisher. Also surviving are sisters, Velma Howlett, Emma Geddes (Don) and Grace Oickle; sisters-in-law, Bessie Lake, Marlene Mitchell and Alberta Woodworth.  She was predeceased by her husband, Ivan Robert Jeffers (February 2019); siblings, Alice Whitenect, Margaret Mills, Florence McFetridge, Eva Sibley, Jean Dillman, Ervin Mitchell and Cecil Mitchell and two siblings in infancy.

Burial will take place in Upper Stewiacke at a later date. The family would like to thank the staff at Twin Oaks Hospital and the Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital for all their care. Donations may be made to St. Andrew’s United Church, Elderbank or Musquodoboit Valley Health Foundation-Hospital, Middle Musquodoboit in Mom’s memory.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Next spring, everyone is asked to plant some pansies in Mom’s memory, her favourite flower.

A message of condolence for the family may be left by posting your comment as a guest in the area below.

Barbara Maude Patterson

Patterson, Barbara Maude – Age 87, of Lake Charlotte, passed away peacefully at home on December 12, 2020 with family by her side.

Born in Halifax, she was a daughter of the late James and Lillian (Thomas) Giles.

Her kindness and generosity will be missed by all who knew her, as well as her infectious laugh.

Surviving are her husband, Bert; sons, Raymond (Barb), Gary (Sandra-Lea), Robert (Gayla), Neil; grandchildren, Katie, Cassie, Joshua; great-grandchildren, Riley, Lincoln, Oakley, Zack; many nieces and nephews.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family having been predeceased by sister, Doris; brothers, Walter and Billy.

Cremation has taken place.

In keeping with her wishes there will be no funeral service.

Memorial donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society.

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

Many thanks to Northwood Homecare and the palliative care nursing staff for all their kindness and support.

A message of condolence for the family may be left by posting your comment as a guest in the area below.

Beverly Ann Latter

Latter, Beverly Ann – Age 73, of Musquodoboit Harbour, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2020 in Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital. 

Born in Meaghers Grant, she was a daughter of the late James and Marguerite Dunbrack.

Bev had been a dedicated employee of Nova Scotia Power for 33 years. She had a heart of gold and her family was her world.

Surviving are her husband, James; son, Stephen (Amy); grandsons, Dawson and Coedy; sister, Teen (Wilfred) Riley.

She was predeceased by brothers, James and Wayne; sisters, Joan and Shirley.

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

In keeping with Bev’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.

A message of condolence for the family may be left by posting your comment as a guest in the area below.

Bertie Vernia Day

Day, Bertie Vernia – Truro, passed away December 5, 2020 in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro.

Bertie was the last surviving member of her immediate family having been predeceased by brothers, Beverley and Lyle.

She is survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place.

Burial will be on Grand Manan Island in the spring.

A message of condolence for the family may be left by posting your comment as a guest in the area below.

Claire C. Castle

Castle, Claire C. – With gratitude for a wonderful life filled with earthly gifts, we announce the passing of Claire Castle on November 12, 2020 at Elk Court Nursing Home, Brookfield, Nova Scotia.

Born in Middle Musquodoboit during a major snowstorm February 1949, Claire was the daughter of Ivan and Alice Cook. Predeceased by her parents; brother, Douglas Cook; and husband, David Castle.

Claire will be missed by family and friends and particularly by her daughter, Michelle (Alan); son, Darrin (Candace); and grandchildren, Rielly, Riverdawn, and Raynes.

Claire and her husband David owned Castle’s Gardens for a number of years, combining an entrepreneurial spirit with a love of gardening and landscaping.

Throughout her life she was active in the community, assisting with the Riverside 4-H Club, Duke of Edinburgh Award Program, Musquodoboit Valley Tourism Association, Musquodoboit Valley and Area Business Association, Halifax County Exhibition, Moose River Gold Mines Museum, Santa’s Letters, and various Church Committees.

Claire was a proud Graduate of OHD, University of Guelph, member of the TIANS Honour Roll, and the recipient of a provincial volunteer award.

Claire found joy in a number of hobbies ranging from embroidery/counted cross stitch to the all-consuming hobby of scrapbooking! A proud member of the Cinnamon Tarts (Red Hat Society Chapter) she enjoyed the activities and chance to connect with a group of strong and supportive women.

Claire has asked we express her appreciation for the support of the Castle family, Ralph Leck, Arleigh and Marjory Cornelius, Mary Ann and Don Parker, and other friends who assisted her and David throughout his illness and her subsequent move to Truro and then Elk Court in Brookfield.

We wish to thank the staff of Elk Court for the excellent care that was provided to Claire and the support they offered throughout her illness and passing. We are eternally grateful to you.

A scattering of her ashes will occur at a later date.  

A celebration of her life will be held via Zoom on November 28, 2020 at 1:00 pm (Atlantic Standard Time). Please follow this link to attend.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84128673302?pwd=VHNHTDhPdmNYaThvRytRYk5TT1VWZz09

Meeting ID: 841 2867 3302

Passcode: 078634

Dial by your location

         +1 647 558 0588 Canada

         +1 778 907 2071 Canada

         +1 204 272 7920 Canada

         +1 438 809 7799 Canada

         +1 587 328 1099 Canada

         +1 647 374 4685 Canada

In lieu of flowers we request that you consider a donation to the Parkinson’s Society of Nova Scotia, the Cancer Society of Nova Scotia, the ALS Society of Nova Scotia or a charity near to your heart.

“A strong woman knows she had strength enough for the journey, but a woman of strength knows it is in the journey where she will become strong.”  Source unknown

 A message of condolence for the family may be left by posting your comment as a guest in the area below.

Watson Byron Beaman

Beaman, Watson Byron – Age 78, of Elderbank, passed away suddenly on November 21, 2020, in VG Site, QE11, Halifax.

Born in Lanesville, he was a son of the late John and Jean (Tomlinson) Beaman.

Watson was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his cherished grandchildren. He had been employed as a mechanic with Department of Lands and Forests for 15+ years. In his spare time he could be found baking in the kitchen with his grandchildren or just spending quality time with them.

He will always be loved and missed by wife, Sandra (Mooring); daughter, Joanne (Chris) MacDonald; son, Timothy; grandchildren, Madelyn, Owen, Dana, Ava; stepson, Brian (Lori) Upham; brothers, Wayne, Gordon, Darrell, Terry, Brian, Donnie; sisters, Linda and Ellen; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by sister, Laverne.

 Cremation has taken place.

Due to COVID19 restrictions, a service will be held at a later date when it is safe to gather.

Memorial donations may be made to QE11 Health Foundation or Lung Association of Nova Scotia.

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

A message of condolence for the family may be left by posting your comment as a guest in the area below.

Daniel William "Billy" Cox

Cox, Daniel William “Billy” – Age 73, of Dean passed away on November 20, 2020 in Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital, with his family by his side.

Born in Upper Musquodoboit, he was a son of the late Leon and Nellie (Brown) Cox.

Billy had been employed at Scotsburn Dairy for over 30 years. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, going to jamborees and dancing. He took many drives on his motorbike or in his Mustang with his dog, Molly in the passenger seat.

He will always be loved and missed by daughters, Kimberley (Lindsay), Pamela; grandsons, A.J. and Benjamin; brother, Richard (Evelyn); sisters, Judy, Betty; sister-in-law, Joyce Cox; many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by wife, Ruth (Creelman); brothers, Leon Jr., Leonard, Jerry, Bobby; brother-in-law, Leonard Dean.

Cremation has taken place.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a family service will be held. Anyone wishing to attend the burial at 2 p.m. on Sunday in Dean Cemetery with Rev. David LeBlanc officiating is welcome.

Memorial donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society.

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

A message of condolence for the family may be left by posting your comment as a guest in the area below.

Ross Cameron Graham

Graham, Ross Cameron - Age 75, of Upper Stewiacke, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2020 in Colchester East Hants Health Centre surrounded by his loving family.

Born on the family farm in Pembroke, he was a son of the late Harold Beveridge and Henrika Annetta Graham.

All of Ross’ working life was spent as a plaster and drywall finisher. He was well-known and respected in the construction industry for his work ethic. His own company was called Grahamco Construction. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, camping, gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren. Surviving are his loving wife of 54 years, Marjorie (Cox); loving children, Michael (Cindy Carter), Patti (Blair Densmore), Todd (Shawna Richards); his pride and joy were his grandchildren, Jeremy (Hannah), Kelsey, Emily, Alyssa, Ethan, Ashley (Peter), Cody (Emily); great-granddaughter, Stella. He is also survived by siblings, Eldon (Joyce), Beverly Sears, Bernice Byers, twin Ron (Alvera); sisters-in-law, Ruth and Mary Graham; many special nieces and nephews.  Besides his parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Kea Benvie, Nan Adams; brothers, Neil and Woody Graham; brothers-in-law, Grant Benvie, Art Sears and Len Adams.

Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held on Saturday at 2 p.m., in Riverside Cemetery, Upper Stewiacke with Marty Clark Ettinger officiating. Rules of COVID restrictions apply and masks are required. Everyone is asked to register with the funeral director upon arrival.

Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society Brain Tumor Research, Springside Community Centre Association or charity of choice. Many thanks to the nurses and doctors especially those on the Palliative Care unit for their compassion and care.

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

A message of condolence for the family may be left by posting your comment as a guest in the area below.

William "Bill" Keith McConnell

McConnell, William Keith “Bill” – Age 96, of Bible Hill. It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro on November 16, 2020. Born in Montreal, he was a son of the late William and Euphemia (Keith) McConnell.

He is survived by his children, Gail (Ross), Jim (Suzanne), Laurie; and granddaughters, Heather and Katherine. He was predeceased by his cherished wife of 72 years, Mavis.

With a dream of the open seas, Bill joined the Merchant Marines at the age of 17. Upon returning home, he embarked upon establishing his photography business in Montreal. In 1976, he and Mavis moved to Nova Scotia and many may remember him from Yould’s in downtown Truro, where he worked until retirement.

Bill was a true gentleman who approached life with great humour. He was quick witted and loved to make others laugh. He will be remembered by family and friends for his resilience, vast knowledge, his ‘sweet tooth’ but most of all, for the immense love he had for Mavis.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. There will be a private family gathering at which time his ashes will be scattered, uniting him with his beloved wife.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation, Hope for Wildlife or a charity of your choice.

A message of condolence for the family may be left by posting your comment as a guest in the area below.

“And when the great call comes, I’ll walk beside you to the land of dreams.”

Trent "Tony" Cavanaugh Taylor

Taylor, Trent Cavanaugh “Tony”- Age 60, of Rines Creek passed away November 14, 2020 at home with his wife at his side.

Born in Amherst, he was a son of the late Theodore and June Taylor.

Tony was always ready to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed teasing others and carrying on at their expense. He was a hard worker, and had been employed with Scothorn Farms for over 30 years.

Surviving are his wife, Raylene; daughter, Melissa; stepdaughters, Cissy and Megan Rector; six grandchildren; two brothers and six sisters; several nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place.

For those wishing to pay their respects, you may go to Shubenacadie Community Hall, 2848 Main Street, between 2 and 4p.m., on Saturday, November 21. Rules of social distancing apply.

Memorial donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society.

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

A message of condolence for the family may be left by posting your comment as a guest in the area below.

Roseanne Marie Laidlaw

Laidlaw, Roseanne Marie –Age 67, of Middle Musquodoboit, passed away peacefully in Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital on November 11, 2020 with family by her side.

She was a daughter of the late David and Bertha (Bates) Ross.

Roseanne was predeceased by her husband of 27 years, Wilfred “Junior” Laidlaw.

Surviving are her daughter, Darci (Shamus) O’Leary, Lantz; her son, Gregory (Kelsey Cunningham), at home; her stepson, Brad Laidlaw (Tracey Holmes), and his son, Justin, Muskoka, Ontario; sister, Judy (late Earl), Taylor; as well as Junior’s extended family; several nieces and nephews; and best friend, Janie.

Roseanne started her working career in Halifax in the VG finance department and left to raise her family. She was presently employed as postmistress in Middle Musquodoboit Post Office where she thoroughly enjoyed her chats with all the people who dropped by.

In 1982, after her dart team placed second in the Women’s Provincial Dart Championships, she and her teammates (Geraldine and Sue MacCulloch and Sheila Preiss) went to Montreal to compete in the Canadian Dart Championships, which was quite an accomplishment for four girls from the Shubenacadie Legion Dart League.

Roseanne loved her cats, Colby, Casey, and the late Carmen. She devoured books and had her favorite TV shows, such as The Curse of Oak Island which she watched with Gregory; and Chicago Fire and her “Severite”, which she and Darci watched. She especially looked forward to the two weeks in August which she spent at the cottage in PEI, which she had been doing for the last 30+ years.

We would like to thank Dr. Daniel Rayson, Mallory Daly, Dr. Barry Giffin, and all the staff of MVMH for their exceptional care of our Mom.

Due to COVID-19, there will be no service at this time.

We would greatly appreciate any donations in Mom’s memory to SPCA or Nova Scotia Breast Cancer.

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

A message of condolence for the family may be left by posting your comment as a guest in the area below.

Maureen Marie Russell

Russell, Maureen Marie –Age 86, of Clam Harbour passed away November 6, 2020 in Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital. Born in DeBaie’s Cove, she was the youngest and last surviving member of nine children of the late Albert Barton and Emma Louise (Long) DeBaie.

She left home at the young age of 14 to help care for young families and children in the community. Over the years, she had a variety of jobs where she worked at Seapool Fisheries, Lake Charlotte, preparing product for shipping and also the Clam Harbour Clam Factory. She worked for several years side by side at Webber’s, a family owned store, in Lake Charlotte, as a cook, server and jack of all trades. She also worked at Moir’s Chocolate Factory and in later years, worked alongside her husband delivering mail for Canada Post. She had a deep passion for helping others and had the intuition to know just what was needed at the right time. This was a natural ability used with anyone who would call upon her.

Maureen led a busy life, knitting, sewing, cooking, baking bread and was known to be the best fudge maker on the Eastern Shore. She was an avid reader who also enjoyed doing crosswords, singing and playing guitar, telling jokes and making people laugh and was known to have an incredible “green thumb” and one who would NEVER turn down just one more slip, regardless of the jungle room she already had created.

She was a member of Clam Harbour United Church and later First United in Musquodoboit Harbour. She spent many years as a volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society, joined the Oyster Pond Fire Department, Ladies Auxiliary, and for many years until 2019 volunteered at Memory Lane, Heritage Village, Lake Charlotte.

She was an incredibly strong-willed, compassionate, beautiful lady who had a deep love for her children. Holding her very close in their hearts are daughter, Nancy (Seldon); son, Stephen (Linda); daughter, Colette; grandchildren, Courtney, Stephanie (Shawn), Kelly (Mark), Kyle (Jennifer), Jody and Stacey (David); as well as nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews from Canada and USA.

She was predeceased by husband, Burris “Bub” Franklyn Russell; son, Richard Franklyn Russell; siblings, Douglas (Margaret), Fred (Jenny), Elsie (Ken), Nelson (Annie), twins, Mabel (Jack) and Ambrose (Mary), Nanette (George), Maurice (Frances).

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

Due to COVID restrictions, a private by “invitation only” Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. A larger gathering of remembrance of Maureen's life will hopefully be able to be held in 2021 at a time when it is safe to do so.

A very special thank you to the staff of Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital, Rev. Joan Griffin and Arimathea Funeral Home.  The professionalism and genuine compassion you all have given has helped to pave the road for healing.  Without all of you, this journey would have been so much more difficult.  Thank you from the depths of our hearts.

Memorial donations may be made to Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital or Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia.

A message of condolence for the family may be left by posting your comment as a guest in the area below.

My soul honours your soul and spirit.
I honour the place in you where the entire Universe resides.
I honour the light, love, truth, beauty and peace within you,
because it is also within me.
In sharing these things, we are always united, we are the same.
We are one.

Robert "Bob" Foster

Foster, Robert “Bob” - age 94, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2020 after a short hospitalization at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro.

A longtime resident of West St. Andrews and previously, Stewiacke, Bob was born in Blackburn, England. Together with his parents, Jesse and Gladys, and his brother, Arthur, he immigrated to Canada in 1927, arriving in Halifax aboard Cunard Line’s RMS Scythia.

As a young man, Bob was a member of the militia. Eager to serve his country as WWII unfolded, he enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1945 but the war ended before he completed his training. After working as a machinist in the intervening years, Bob rejoined the forces in 1954 as a member of the Canadian Navy were he would spend the next twenty-two years, reaching the position of Chief Warrant Officer, Marine Engineer. He served aboard many of Her Majesty’s most celebrated Canadian vessels including HMCS Bonaventure and HMCS Assiniboine. His basement rec room and bar area (referred to as the rumpus room to the amusement of his grandkids) would come to be filled with souvenirs of his overseas travels with the navy.

In 1947, Bob married Shirley Weaver and started a family that would grow to include two daughters, Brenda and Maureen, and - over the years- three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, many cats, several dogs, one skunk and, briefly, a pigeon named Walter. Together, Bob and Shirley enjoyed spending time with friends and family, including many of Shirley’s seven siblings. Card parties were a frequent event but they really went all out for Halloween and costume parties.

Bob was a man of many hobbies. He enjoyed fishing and would often spend whole days following the forest streams of the Stewiacke area, returning home with an impressive catch of trout. He enjoyed picking berries and mayflowers. He became adept at carving, sitting in the kicthen for hours as wood chips accumulated around his chair. Bob was good with his hands and that extended to playing a bit of guitar as well. It was rumoured that he once declined a guitar lesson from Hank Snow, perhaps not realizing the country music star Hank would become.

This talent with his hands would lead to a second career. After retiring from the navy, he completed a precision woodworking course and then turned his garage into a workshop. He began building furniture and kitchen cabinets for friends and family but soon found himself with a steady stream of orders from customers who appreciated his craftsmanship. He often worked with lumber harvested from his own woodlots. Cherry and Oak were his favourites.

For almost thirty years, Bob rarely missed a day in his workshop. As a result, it’s not uncommon for residents of Colchester, East Hants and beyond to spot a bedroom suite or a set of cabinets and recognize the work of Bob Foster. He worked at his craft until he was 82.

Bob will be remembered as a strong man who didn’t need to say a lot, as befitting his British ancestry. He demonstrated his love for his family through his actions and his generosity.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Shirley (Weaver); daughters, Brenda (Richard), Maureen (Terry); grandchildren, Vaughn (Katie), Tyler (Sarah), Breanna (Andrew); and three great-grandchildren, Sierra, Michaela and Camden.

There will be no visitation or funeral at his request.

A message of condolence for the family may be left by posting your comment as a guest in the area below.

Graham Ernest Swaine

Swaine, Graham Ernest – Age 73, passed away November 5, 2020 in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born is Antigonish and raised in Canso, he was second of five children of the late Ernest and Annie (Easthope) Swaine. Graham went to Ontario as a young man and attended George Brown College where he studied to be a sheet metal worker which he did until his retirement.

In 1976, he married his eternal companion, Leona “Karen” Stewart and resided for over 30 years in Cobourg, Ontario.

Graham’s passion for 30+ years was Boy Scouts. His weekends were spent camping and canoeing, making many friends in the Scouting organization. He was also a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; son, Andrew (Charlene Medland); daughter, Megan (Brian Valiquette); daughter-in-law, Christine (David Nairne); grandsons, Justin Swaine, Jayden Swaine; step-grandson, D.J.; brothers, David, Mass.; Brian, Sioux City, Iowa; Barry, Halifax; sister, Brenda, Halifax; nieces, May Docekal, Brittany Rodriquez; great-nieces, Shaunasey Docekal and Rosie Rodriquez; uncle, David Easthope (Jennie); aunt, Marion Easthope (Anita), both of England

He was predeceased by his parents and sister-in-law, Darlene Swaine.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. Due to COVID-19, a service may take place when family can be gathered.

Special thanks to Dr. Kelly and Dr. Nicholson and the staff of 3D of C.E.H.H.C for many months of encouragement and care.

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Eileen Stevens

Stevens, Eileen – It is with great sadness we announce that Eileen has passed away on November 3, 2020 at the age of 64 after a long battle with M.S. with her loving husband, Leon by her side. From Jeddore, Eileen worked at the Halifax School for the Blind for over 15 years where she had many friends and memories. Eileen often volunteered at Robert Jamison Elementary School where her daughter, Angela attended. Eileen enjoyed crocheting, trips to the beach with Angela, drives in the country but most of all, spending time with her family, especially her sister and best friend, Evelyn. Eileen was always laughing and smiling until her final days.

She is survived by her caring husband, Leon Stevens; daughter, Angela Stevens; son, Michael Baird; sister, Evelyn Acker (James); nieces, nephews, cousins and her special aunt, Pearle. She was predeceased by parents, Patrick and Gertrude Daye. A special thanks to Northwood and the nurses at Twin Oaks Hospital for all their care and dedication to Eileen over the years.

Cremation has taken place. A family graveside service will be held in Saint Johns Anglican Church Cemetery in Oyster Pond at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made in honour of Eileen's fight to Multiple Sclerosis Society Atlantic.

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