Anita Mary Kiely-Gower
April 07, 1970 – September 23, 2018
Anita Kiely-Gower, 48, passed away peacefully at home with the love of her life on Sunday September 23 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She stood stoic, tall with her shoulders back, and walked with pride into whatever life threw at her—and looked back as if to say “is that all you got?”
Anita is survived by her loving wife Krista Skodje, adoptive family Anne Gower, Grace Gower, Barbara Baird, Joan Smith, David and Phillip Gower, mother in law Laura Skodje, brothers Thomas Kiely, Jeffrey Kiely, Stephen Kiely, sister in law Jenna Skodje and brother in law Kristoffer Skodje and her companion dog Alfie. Predeceased by her adoptive father Gerald Gower, mother Agnes Kiely, father Thomas Kiely, brother Kevin Kiely, and her cherished dog Fred.
Anita will be missed by an army of friends who frequented her home and the Cockwaffle Bar (a space that could be just as easily described as a feeling) for many laughs, shenanigans, and fun memories.
The family would like to thank the many helpful and professional caregivers who provided Anita support through her illness. We would also like to thank the many family and friends who came to stay and provided food and support, notably Krista’s grandma Anita Hennessey.
Anita began her career with service in the Canadian Forces and then went into the protection industry, starting at the Nova Scotia Hospital and later as a Sheriff for the Government of Nova Scotia’s Justice Department. Anita was a proud Sheriff and brought a lot of levity to the serious nature of the job. Anita will be fondly missed by her beloved coworkers and many close friends.
Anita was a loyal and committed friend and partner who loved her home, her impeccable garden, a nice hot bubble bath, and all animals – especially the lucky ones who became her pets. Her legacy exists in many things but above all the ability to make others laugh their hardest even on her hardest days. She was known for her routine: workouts, dog walks, hockey, football and all sports. She never missed a game when the Senators were playing and always watched wearing her Alfredsson jersey. It was on these cozy afternoons she fed many friends with her Ireland inspired home cooked meals, the stew was a standout! She was an athlete who kept herself and many others in shape with her loud techno workouts at home and in gyms throughout the city. She enjoyed music (but not always the kind that was playing) and marched to the beat of her own tunes blaring through her earbuds.
In lieu of flowers, Anita would have been most pleased if you just be kind to pigeons – her friends for whom she always had a handful of seed and a minute to share. She would boldly educate anyone about the significance of doves and their heroic efforts throughout history. Donations can also be made in her name to a Cancer charity, Amnesty International, Hope for Wildlife, or any charity of your choice.
In accordance with Anita’s wishes, she was cremated and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
« Angels with silver wings shouldn’t know suffering; I wish I could take the pain for you.” Depeche Mode
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Anita Mary Kiely-Gower April 07 1970 September 23 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: Dartmouth, Province: Nova Scotia
