Catherine Louise Evans

Evans, Catherine Louise – On August 27, 2022, our hearts were broken with the loss of our beautiful Catherine Louise (Landry) Evans at age 53 after a 7 ½ year battle with cancer. 

She left behind her husband, Peter Evans; mother, Christine Landry (Dodsworth); father, Al Landry (Elaine); brothers, Michael and his son Christopher W. and Christopher (Leilani) and his daughter Marlina, also numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

She was predeceased by her grandparents, Bill and Eunice Dodsworth; Oscar and Lillian Landry; aunt, Millie MacLeod; and uncles, Peter and Roger Dodsworth.

Born in Santa Monica, California, she later moved to Nova Scotia, then onto England. She met wonderful people in Leamington Spa and Warwick and made some incredible friends at her workplace at Message Pad.  Here, she met the love of her life, Pete.  They were married in Belize on March 20, 2008, and permanently settled in Nova Scotia in the November of that year.

Always innovative and creative, Cathy and her husband started the renovation of rental properties that they had purchased.  Cathy could handle any job and any power tool. She was particularly talented at dry wall and her crowning glory was a professional rounded wall.  She once said that she should have been a carpenter, but Cathy was so talented that she could have been anything.  Eventually, they decided to move on from owning rental properties, and farming became their new adventure.

Moving from Truro to a beautiful hobby farm in Great Village, Cathy and her husband began to raise sheep.  In the past, Cathy had spent many summers in Great Village with her grandparents; cousins, Lynn and Vince; and Uncle Peter and Aunt Pat.

With no knowledge or experience in raising sheep, Cathy, together with her mother, attended classes at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro.  Her mother was to be educated as a sheep babysitter.  Never ones to sit idle, Cathy and Pete purchased eight sheep before the course was completed and it will come as no surprise that the next thing that Cathy said was, “What do we do now?” What started as a small sheep farm expanded quickly to raising chickens, turkeys and pigs.  Cathy learned on the job skills, such as lambing, building fences and chicken coops and how to protect animals from wild predators. 

During this time, Cathy was diagnosed with cancer. That devastating diagnosis did not stop Cathy in her pursuits.  Unfortunately, most of the animals had to move on, but now Cathy began painting, taking lessons from several artists, including locals, Leonard Paul and Joy Laking.  She also started rug hooking, felting, weaving and famously rekindled her interest in knitting.

Always looking to make things beautiful and memorable, Cathy and Pete planted a lovely flower garden with flowers given to her by her aunt, Katherine.  Cathy created so many things; she made beautiful paintings, amazing, felted pictures, and an incredible sweater that she knitted while receiving chemo that took more than two years to knit.

A lover of dogs, especially German Shepherds, she raised many.  The latest addition Gizmo was only recently welcomed into the household.  Cathy designed his fenced enclosure, that Pete built under her watchful supervision.  Cathy also befriended the crows, who would even walk up to their door with their mouths open hoping for a fresh egg.

While receiving cancer treatment, she was supported by Dr. Rowe, Julia and the wonderful team of chemo nurses at Truro hospital.  They all kept her spirits up and, in many cases became more like friends. They, and especially Dr. Rowe fought for her right to the end.  The Palliative Care unit was the last place of Cathy’s journey and the dedicated team of doctors and nurses helped control Cathy’s pain and reassure and support her family.  Visits, phone calls and well wishes from the Landry family, Dodsworth family and her close friends were appreciated beyond words.  Your caring words and hugs made this time much more bearable.  Thank you everyone, family, friends, nurses and doctors at both Truro and the QEII in supporting Cathy through her final days.

Cathy was adamant that people should make charitable donations, rather than buying flowers and if you wish to make a donation, the hospital that treated her throughout her illness has a donations button at the top right hand corner of their website at CEHHCfoundation.ca, or please feel free to donate to a charity of your choice.

An informal gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday September 4th at 408 Lornevale Road, Great Village between 1pm and 5pm, hosted by Lynn Dodsworth-Lush and Mark Murphy. All are welcome.

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

Carmen Walter Baker

Baker, Carmen Walter – Age 67 of Shubenacadie, passed away peacefully August 29, 2022 in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro.

Carmen was predeceased by his father, Chester and mother, Vera.

Surviving are daughter, Melissa (Ben) Perry; grandchildren, Tyler, Morgan and Emma; best friend, Lisa Cooper; siblings, Clyde, Sydney (Gail), Carrie and Shirley-Ann.

Carmen was a die-hard Toronto Maple Leafs fan and in his last few years in retirement, he enjoyed tinkering around the yard. In younger years, he enjoyed fishing with his father in West Jeddore and talked about it after.

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

A private graveside service will be held in West Jeddore Cemetery at a later date.

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William John Redden

Redden, William John – It is with great sadness that the family of Bill Redden announce his passing on the morning of August 23, 2022 in Braeside Home for Special Care at age 88.

Bill was determined since the day he was born in Caribou Gold Mines that he would be a fighter for life. Weighing under 2 pounds, he spent his first cold winter in a shoebox in the top drawer of the dresser beside the woodstove.

Bill spent 25 years in the Navy at sea until moving to land to become a Physical Educational Recreational instructor, keeping people in tip top shape moving from town to town with the love of his life, Pauline and children in tow. He was very decorated and proud of his accomplishments, and everyone knew not to mess with the Golden Glove boy. Bill always said being in the Navy was a job he loved and enjoyed going to work every day.

Bill had a great love for golf. He even built his own 9 hole course in his front yard and family tournaments were one of his best memories. One of his greatest accomplishments was that he designed the original crest for the Musquodoboit Rural High School. That big painting you saw on the gym floor, that was designed by yours truly.

Bill will be forever remembered by sons, Bradley (Carol), Adam; daughter, Candace (Paul); grandchildren, Nicholas (Kayla), Ashley (Danny), Lindsey (Trevor), Myles, Michael, Adrienne, Jenna and William; great-grandchildren, Charley, Danielle, Joel, Luke and Jaxon; sister, Sue.

He was predeceased by his parents, Earl and Erma; his loving wife, Pauline; son, Andrew; brother, Doug; and sister, Marlene.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Bill to Alzheimer Society of Canada or Musquodoboit Valley Health Foundation - Hospital.

The family wish to send a special thank you to the staff at Braeside for the great care and compassion they showed during Bill`s stay and always making him feel at home. They will never be forgotten.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 11 a.m. in Middleton United Church, Middle Musquodoboit. The family requests that masks be worn for the service.

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Gordon William LeBoeuf

LeBoeuf, Gordon William – Age 88, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2022 after a series of challenging health issues over the past few years.

Gordon began his journey from East to West to East from his birthplace in New Brunswick, moving to Montreal in 1942 then on to Calgary in 1977, retiring in the beautiful Creston Valley, BC in 1991 and finally back to Nova Scotia in 2017. He longed to return to the Atlantic Ocean in his circle of life journey.

Gordon married his soul mate and love of his life, Shirley White and recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Shirley; son, Gary (Joanne Teed); daughter, Karyn (Peter Hollasch); grandson, Mathew; and brother, Bill.

Gordon’s career was at CNR starting in 1955 thru 1989. The last 25 years he served proudly as a Constable with the CN Police and retired as a Lieutenant in Calgary. His range of interests and pleasures began with hunting, fishing, vegetable gardening, running 1/2 marathons, bicycling thru the Rockies, music (harmonica, blues and country), Reiki master, catholic church/faith, Calgary Flames and winning at the Creston hockey pools.

Our family is eternally grateful and thankful for the care, attention and love he received from the doctors, nurses and staff at Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital, Musquodoboit Harbour.

Gord’s last request that in lieu of flowers, cards or gifts that each of you to raise a toast to his life with a chocolate covered ice cream cone.

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Edna Mabel Benvie

Benvie, Edna Mabel – Age 94, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2022 in Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital. She was born to the late Edward and Ethel Dares in Vanguard, Sask. and moved to Elderbank as a child.

Edna married at an early age and became a farm wife and mother, raising 13 children, and helping out on the farm when she wasn’t looking after household chores. Her cooking and baking were bragged about by many, especially her fresh homemade bread and rolls, and her famous spudnuts. Edna was a coordinator for the United Church suppers for many years, and ran the refreshment booth at the Halifax County Exhibition for 25 years. Most would agree it was by far the best food ever served on the exhibition grounds. Her entrepreneurial talents included sewing for Suttles and Seawinds, making wreaths that were shipped to the US, and selling her delicious pies to the cookhouse at the Ex. Those skills were passed on to many of her children. Edna always had a knack for making a few extra dollars, but the one she was most passionate about, was when she started taking in boarders; some from as far away as Sri Lanka, Lebanon, St. Lucia and many US states. She formed many friendships over the years, and could tell you interesting stories about each of them.

Mom was very proud of her beautiful gardens and yard at her farmhouse. She also loved feeding and watching the birds outside her windows. Some of her other hobbies included reading, sewing, bowling, dancing and listening to country music. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays were the two sports teams she followed, and she could always tell you the final scores, the next day (after she asked Google). She was fortunate to be able to travel with her daughters and had many stories and memories about her trips with Carol and Bob. They shared numerous adventures over the years. Her trip to Hawaii was also quite eventful starting with her sitting in the cockpit. Mom enjoyed her summer trips with Sharon and family to Maine and Vermont. Her last major trip was when Irene drove her to Florida when she was 84. They left early due to a hurricane forecast thinking they could beat it, and ran into a blizzard. You can figure out the rest. Mom loved her travel days, and cherished the overnight trips and day trips too.

Nothing made her happier than a houseful of family and friends. Everyone was always made welcome and left with a full belly. She was able to stay in her home until the age of 90, and then moved to the Villa where she resided until her short stay in the hospital. She was blessed to have kept her quick wit and remarkable memory right until the end.

Edna is survived by children, Carol (Bob), Freda, Sharon, Debbie (Joe), Irene, Ralph, Kathy, Nancy, David (Nancy), Jeannette (Laurie), Terri (Mark), Greg (Nancy), Tim (Margo); brother, Ross (Jean) Dares; sister-in-law, Shirley Dares; brother-in-law, Harold Wellwood; several nieces and nephews; 32 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild.

She was predeceased by her husband, Douglas; infant son, Earl; brother, Gordon; sister, Phyllis; son-in-law, Scott; daughter-in-law, Joyce; sisters-in-law, Marion Dares, Dorothy Inkpen and Marion Galloway.

Cremation has taken place.

A funeral service will be held Friday, August 26 at 2 p.m. in Middleton United Church, Middle Musquodoboit. The family will meet friends for a reception in the Bicentennial Theatre, Middle Musquodoboit.

The family would like to thank Dr. Giffin and Dr. Laurette, as well as the nursing staff, for their exceptional care and advice concerning Mom’s health issues. The VON were Mom’s lifeline during her last months. A special thanks to Laura Lee, Felicia and Shannon who took the time to chat and share stories with her. We would also like to thank the Northwood caregivers who enabled Mom to stay at home as long as possible. Our sister, Nancy was also vital as a step-in caregiver for Mom whenever she needed it.

Donations in Mom’s memory may be made to Middle Musquodoboit Cemetery Committee, Musquodoboit Valley Health Foundation – Hospital or Cystic Fibrosis Canada, Atlantic Chapter.

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Lester Robert Dole

Dole, Lester Robert – “He was always there”, is how a loved one described him, and it is so true. Les was a rare man and at his core had a fierce loyalty to work, community, friends, and family. He had a warm smile and would tell jokes to push through his shyness which gained him fast friends.  You felt like you knew him right away and came across like an old friend.  His hugs were the best, like a big teddy bear.

Les grew up in Marshfield, Massachusetts where he showed off his athletic talents in football and in general athletics, winning the Gurney Sportsmanship Award which earned him a place on the permanent plaque at the school. 

Most know him as an incredibly hard worker even when he was young. One of his jobs was building homes with his brother, David. This would be helpful in later life when he owned a beautiful Victorian home that was often in need of a handyman. He could never watch the movie “The Money Pit” for fear of flashbacks. 

Les graduated from Acadia in 77’ with a BSc in Geology. From his time at Acadia he leaves behind a dear friend of over 50 years that we consider family, Dave (Dr. MacKinnon), who only has kind words about the person he was, and how people spoke of him. 

At Acadia, he was on the swim team and the diving club. He was the Nowi diving instructor there, not to be confused with PADI which he considered to be more of the tourist version of diving.  He was proud of flunking his new German Professor. This was a little awkward for his daughter, Jennifer, when he was also her professor, but I’m happy to report they both passed the course … barely. He loved the ocean, and worked as a hard hat diver for a time. In his later years he continued that love by moving to Nova Scotia to a home on the Ocean. The home coincidentally, ended up close to where his great grandmother, Lida Mae Weston grew up and he visited as a child.

Lester was introduced to his beautiful wife, Janet, by his lifelong friend, George, who became his brother-in-law.  Only a year and a half after their meeting they were wed.  He affectionately referred to her as his bride his whole life, and called her JAC as her nickname.  Their dates revolved around building large train sets together. They recently celebrated 46 years of marriage together.  They enjoyed many wonderful adventures on cruises and overseas especially in later years when they retired. The beautiful sunset views across the ocean were times they especially cherished together.  

At home, no one knew exactly what his job was. His answer was always, “Do you have a need to know?”  With that, it was time to learn how to throw a football or play basketball with his only child, Jennifer. Leaving his top secret work life at the shipyard behind where he was a photogrammetry specialist.  He enjoyed the friendships he made over the 40 years at Electric Boat building submarines and retired as a Distinguished Ship Builder.  Les was very touched by the outpouring of support from his friends from work in his final weeks. 

You can’t remember Les properly without talking about music. He thought in music. Every sentence you said if there was part of a song in it he would sing it. He got through studying at Acadia by creating songs that he would write his study notes to. There were the Beatles of course, but you could always be sure if the time was right he would throw in a rousing rendition of themes such as Super Chicken, or the Gummy Bears. At other times he was a proud bass singer with the Boston pops and could always bust out Handel’s Messiah. Trombone, guitar, piano, organ and other various instruments he dabbled with, which were influenced growing up as part of his musically talented mother’s side, the Gilroy family.  He always wanted a fender bass and on his 72nd birthday Janet gave him his prized fender bass for his birthday.  

He was always happy to have “Little Jennifer Dole”, he said having a daughter was so wonderful he could play sports with her and then they could get dressed up and go to father daughter dances.  She grew up to be “Little Jennifer Vey” and at her wedding, danced a viennese waltz with her to The Sleeping Beauty Waltz by Tchaikovsky. That day he felt like he gained a son with Trevor, they shared a special bond. His grandsons, Kieran and Owen gave him a huge sense of love, laughs, and pride.  

As he put it, he finished one of the important jobs of a grandfather … to teach the grandkids to play cribbage. In their last game they beat him, and he could not have been more proud. 

Les was an all around rare person who was so interesting in all his pursuits and loved so much by so many.  He did not want to leave at the end, he felt he had so much left to do, so many moments in the boys lives he wanted to be a part of. He may not have had the peace he wanted, but it was the peace he needed. 

In his memory please be nice to those you meet every day, the people you don’t know just trying to get by in the world and brighten up their day. If you would like to give a donation, please give to the cancer society.  

On August 18, 2022, he left behind his wife, Janet Dole; his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Trevor Vey; grandsons, Kieran and Owen; his brother and sister-in-law, David and Debbie Dole; his loving extended family and friends, George and Linda Greenwood, Kristen Greenwood and Danielle Greenwood, Dr. David Mackinnon, you know who else you are.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Robert Dole and Isabel (Gilroy).

Details on a celebration of life will be available at a later date.

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Robert "Bob" Darrell MacDougall

MacDougall, Robert “Bob” Darrell - moved on from our world Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 9 p.m. at home, surrounded by his wife and two sons who loved him dearly. His life, as it turns out “was more than he ever could have imagined for himself.” May we all have more than we ever imagined. He had a strong love of family, his wife, his home, and a few special friends who filled his cup. He often said his place was God given, as were all things to him, he was full of faith and prayed with all of his might for others and for the world. Bob was born in Nova Scotia to Robert and Irma (MacDonald) MacDougall.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Diane (Higginbotham) MacDougall; his pride and joy, Dean (Jordana) and Ben (Tiffany); and his daughter, Jennifer; his siblings, Gary, Dale (Sheila), and Michele (Phil). Bob also leaves behind a niece, a number of nephews and many cousins near and far. He had a special bond with Emily and his nephew, Sam; we raised our families together and so we grew. He loved everyone, young Gary, Brian, Jeff, David and Evan. His second home was in Morell, PEI where he leaves behind extended family who all enriched his life. Many friends, old and new, I must mention his brothers were his best friends and another noted person to Bob was Murray Bezanson. Bob did it his way, loved his way and ran his show until the curtain closed. Well done, my love. The table is set for a great gathering.

Bob was predeceased by niece, Tess; his parents, grandparents, cousins, friends, and his dear father-in-law and long-time friend, Jack Higginbotham.  

Bob was an adventurer, he loved to be close to heaven, skydiving and flying. He was an inventor and could fix anything with nothing. He was a mechanical wizard. A father who loved like a mother, a back road traveller from one end of Canada to the other but especially Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. An explorer, a treasure hunter, a rock hound, a gold seeker, a life long learner with a passion for the age of sail and pirates. He was a giver not a receiver. Bob loved nature and for a time in his life was an avid fisher and hunter. Bob would help a person in need on the street, if you feel the need to make a contribution, say hello to someone suffering and share what you have with others less fortunate.

       “You, Bob, will be in my heart and I will carry you until we meet again.”

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Beryl Sybil (Brooks) Holder

Holder (Brooks), Beryl Sybil – Age 87, passed away August 10, 2022.

Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, she was the youngest daughter of the late Tom and Edith Brooks.

Beryl was a passionate gardener, avid reader, bingo babe and yard sale entrepreneur. All who entered her home could expect a hot meal of oversized proportions. A talented knitter, her grandchildren always had lovingly made hats and mittens.

Beryl worked at GB Murphy Jewellers for five years and Stanfields in Truro for 17 years missing the friends she made there.

She is survived by her sons and their wives, David (Cindy), Darrell (Kim), John (Lori); brother, Doug; grandchildren, Jennifer (Barry) Hill, Caitlyn Holder (Brenton Davidson), Kelsey (Chris) Lindsay, Courtney (Kory) Snodgrass; great-grandsons, Declan and Jace Hill, Kye Lindsay.

She is now reunited with her mother and father; husband, John; daughter, Darlene; brother, Bob; sisters, Eileen Fraelic, Faye Jodrey; grandson, Darren Holder; nieces, Susan Dillman, Dale (Holder) Bonin; nephews, Ray and Paul Holder; sister-in-law and dear friend, Verlie Hooper.

There will be a private family service in Gays River Cemetery.

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Gloria "Flo" Wanda Stewart

Stewart, Gloria “Flo” Wanda – With gratitude for a life lived to the fullest, we announce the passing of loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, Gloria “Flo” Wanda Stewart at home in beautiful Upper Stewiacke on August 2, 2022.

There is not enough space to accurately describe and fully capture Gloria and the person she truly was to others. If you knew her, you know what I mean. Gloria was a woman of tremendous strength and determination; who could do anything and convince others that they too, could achieve anything they wanted. Gloria made you feel loved and accepted, without prejudice or judgement. She always made others feel at home while in her company. Gloria was always so thoughtful and considerate of others and her impact on those who have met her, carry through with them for life. Gloria was forever grateful for the life she had been given, as she often told others that she would not change her life for anything and that she had lived the perfect life; with a husband who was her best friend, and children (and grandchildren) who, in their own ways, are her legacy.

Gloria was a giant and made her cancer diagnosis look small in comparison since the first battle began at the age of 42. Her drive and determination to not let this disease deter her from what she wanted to accomplish in life allowed Gloria to live the life she set for herself. She became a motorcycle enthusiast after her first diagnosis and she never let cancer slow her down from accomplishing any of her goals. When Gloria wanted to do something or learn something new and challenging, she did it, without another thought. Gloria was a fierce fighter, with great strength and determination, who was compassionate and caring. She was the one to provide support when in need, space when desired and allowed us all who have known her the ability to find our own path.

A Celebration of Gloria’s Life will be held August 15 at 2 p.m. in Upper Stewiacke United Church, 5511 Highway 289, with a reception to follow.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

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Lori Elizabeth Normington

Normington, Lori Elizabeth – Age 57, of Dutch Settlement passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on August 2, 2022 following a lengthy illness.

Born in Hamilton, Ontario, she was a daughter of the late John and Betty Pamplin.

Lori was a dedicated nurse who always gave her all with the patients she tended. Her compassion for her career was felt by those who were fortunate to receive her care. When not working, she could be found in the yard, tending successful gardens and just puttering. Gramz had a vision of building a play palace for her grandchildren, creating many memories and having hours of fun.

She will always be loved and missed by daughter, Tanya, Halifax; sons, Trevor (Jennifer), Durham Bridge, NB; Conner (Caitlyn), Dutch Settlement; grandchildren, Braylon, Nyasia, Trevon, Claire, Autumn, Lucas, Owen, Tanner; brother, Colin Pamplin.

She was predeceased by her common-law husband, Ashley Simm.

Cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Musquodoboit Valley Health Foundation – Palliative Care.

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

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