December 9, 2007 to December 15, 2007 continued

Russell Howard Farrell, 87, passed away Dec. 14, 2007, in Digby General Hospital, Digby. Born in Bordentown, N.J., on May 18, 1920, he was the son of the late Joseph and Grace (Bunten) Farrell. He served with the U.S. Marines in the Second World War in the South Pacific, and was present for the battle on Iwo Jima, and recalled his relief in seeing the American flag flying over Mount Suribachi while fighting down below. He was a well-decorated veteran, awarded the Asian Pacific Medal, American Campaign Medal, Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and as he was wounded three different times in battle, he was the recipient of two Purple Hearts and a Gold Star. He worked for many years as a machinist in Burlington, Mass. After retirement in 1976, he moved with his wife Alice to her childhood home community at Parker's Cove. They moved to Digby several years ago where he continued to reside since her death in 2006. He was predeceased by his wife, Alice (Anderson), and by sisters Lillian and Helene; brothers Joseph, James and Vincent He leaves to mourn his two children: daughter, Judy, son, Russell Jr. (June); a grandson, Matthew, also his children's mother, Barbara, all of California, as well as nieces and nephews in the U.S.A. and Canada. He was an avid reader and a great sports fan, faithfully watching his baseball and football games. Russ will be remembered for his devotion to Alice, his love for his children and the brave and sometimes humorous stories of his youth and war experiences. Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held in the summer of 2008. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kaulback Family Funeral Home, Annapolis Royal. In the words of the U.S. Marine Corps motto: ‘Semper Fi’ (Always Faithful).

Nancy Irene Wright Fraser - 74, Wolfville, died at home on Saturday, December 15, 2007. She was born in Wolfville on July 7, 1933, to Anna (Gunn) and Rev. J.P.C. Fraser. She attended schools in Halifax, Regina and Ottawa and obtained a BA ('55) and B Ed ('56) from Dalhousie University. From 1956-58, she taught school music outside Oxford, England, and studied organ performance at Oxford University. Back in Canada, she became Assistant Organist at All Saints Anglican Cathedral in Halifax and engaged in a multitude of musical and cultural activities. She returned to England from 1965-67 to continue organ studies in London, obtaining the diplomas of LRAM and ARCO. Subsequently, she taught school music in Dartmouth, and returned to Dalhousie for an MA in English literature. In 1980 Nancy moved with her spouse to Calgary where she played an active role with the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO), helped to organize many organ recitals and entertained visiting organists from around the world. During this time, she was organist and choir director at Knox Presbyterian Church. In 2000, Nancy and her husband returned to Nova Scotia where she continued her music activities as organist, teacher and choral performer. She inaugurated the Annapolis Valley Centre of the RCCO and served on program committees and boards of music festivals and societies. She also served as music director at St. John's Anglican Church in Wolfville. Nancy was known for her humour, sparkling personality, and for her sharp and inquiring mind, all of which she employed both as a listener and master storyteller. She had the gift of drawing warmth and trust from friends and strangers alike. She was a caring, cheery person, always enthusiastic about some project or subject, whether human or intellectual. Nancy cared deeply about the welfare of others and worked diligently for charitable organizations, social justice, and church and community outreach programs. She passionately loved classical music, fine literature and gardening. She faced her impending demise from cancer matter-of-factly, with sparks of humour showing through to the end. Thankful for many rich years with Nancy are her husband, Dr. Ian McKittrick Harris; her sister, Catherine Verrall; nieces, Krys, Ann and Elizabeth Verrall; nephew, Martin Verrall; cousins, Grace Anne Cochrane, Robert Wright and Bob Gunn; Ian's sister, Carol and brother, Paul, their families, and a host of colleagues and friends. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Valley Hospice Foundation, 46 Chipman Dr., Kentville, NS B4N 3V8. A memorial service will be held in St. John's Anglican Church in Wolfville at 2 p.m., Wednesday January 9, 2008. Funeral arrangements are under the care of H.C. Lindsay Funeral Home, 568 Main St., Wolfville (902-542-2151). On-line condolences can be made by visiting: www.hclindsayfuneralhome.ca

THURBER Clara Marion Thurber - 97, a resident of Evergreen Home for Special Care, Kentville, left us to join her many family and friends. Born in Weymouth in 1910 she was the daughter of the late Wilfred & Charlotte (Lottie) Campbell. She was the widow of Winslow Thurber. Surviving are sons: Baden (Clair) Thurber, Kingston, N.S.; Roy & Kenny Thurber, Weymouth; daughter, Joan Robicheau, Coldbrook; brother, Clifford (Betty) Campbell, Weymouth; sister, Oreata Pettipas, Dartmouth; 33 grandchildren, many great grandchildren & several great, great grandchildren. Clara was predeceased by sons: Byard (Mickey); Clifford (Buddy); daughter, Elaine Igo; several grandchildren, brothers, Franklin & Richard Campbell. Cremation has taken place under the care & direction of the Annapolis Valley Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook. No visitation by family request. A graveside service was held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 18, 2007 in the United Church Cemetery, Weymouth. Her grandson, Rev. Gordon Thurber officiated. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Evergreen Home for Special Care for a garden water fountain in Clara’s memory. This was a special wish of hers. On line condolences may be made through www. annapolisvalleyfuneralhome.com God’s Garden God looked upon His garden and saw an empty space, Then He looked down on earth, and saw your tired face He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest, Gods garden must be beautiful, for He only takes the best He saw the road was getting rough, and the hills were hard to climb. He closed your tired weary eyes and whispered "Peace be Thine" It broke our hearts to let you go mom, but you do not go alone. For part of us went with you to Gods Garden your new home.

Myrtle Adelaide Duncanson - on December 11, 2007, five days past her 91st birthday, Mrs. Myrtle Adelaide Duncanson (nee Dennison) passed away in Evergreen Home for Special Care, Kentville. She was predeceased by her husband, Victor Leonard Duncanson as well as 7 sisters and 3 brothers. She is survived by brother, Robert (Anne) Dennison, Ottawa; several nieces, nephews and numerous grand-nieces and grand- nephews. She was a special great-aunt to Margaret and Carolyn Graves. Born in Kentville, she moved to Wolfville following her marriage to Victor in 1940 and lived there until her hospitalization this past summer and subsequent move to Evergreen. She was a member and past Ladies’ President of the Wolfville Curling Club and a Lioness. She was a long time employee of Herbin’s Jewelry and Gifts and a fabulous baker of pies, cookies and cakes. She loved giving and wrapping gifts and the birthdays and holidays that occasioned them. Very much missed by family and friends, and those special times will not be the same without her. Thanks to the staff in Soldiers Memorial Hospital and Evergreen for their kind care and attention. Arrangements were entrusted to the Annapolis Valley Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook. The remains has been cremated and there will be an interment ceremony in Willow Bank Cemetery, Wolfville at a date to be announced. No flowers by request, donations in Myrtle’s memory may be made to a charity of choice. On line condolences may be made through www.annapolisvalleyfuneralhome.com

HIMSL, Mary (Fortune) – 87, died Dec. 15/07 in Grand View Manor, Berwick NS. Born in Florence, Cape Breton to Frank and Marion (MacNeil) Fortune. Mary grew up in Sydney Mines and graduated from Mount St. Bernard College She was predeceased by ex husband Lt. Cmdr. Frank Himsl Dec.4/07. She is survived by children Frank, William and wife Tince, Paul, Edward, Clara and grandchildren Jason, Amanda, Will, Lara, Helen, Kurt, Roberta, Warner, Erika and several great grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters Judy and Teresa and predeceased by sisters Zephyrina and Henrietta and brothers Cyril, Reg, Frank, Austin, John and Daniel in infancy and by grandaughter Angela. No funeral/visitation or service by request. Donations can be made to Grand View Manor, Berwick.