Greta’s Obituary
Dow, Greta Mabel Van Buskirk Leahey – of Pugwash, was born on August 5, 1922 and died on March 17, 2020 at the age of 97. She was the daughter of the late Ida (Dingle) and Aubrey Van Buskirk of Pugwash, Nova Scotia. She married Francis Gerard Leahey in 1941, separated in 1946, and married Jim Dow of North Attleboro, Massachusetts in 1962. Greta is survived by her loving twin sons, Stephen (Dennice) and Douglas (Maureen), her cherished grandchildren, Douglas and Adrienne Leahey Setchell (Chris) and great grandchildren Griffin and Spencer Leahey and Alex and Mary Kathleen Setchell. She was predeceased by her husband, Jim, her sisters Bessy Brownell (Fred), Gladys Atkinson, Donalda Jamieson (Leo), Delia Reid and brother Charles (Lola). Brother-in-law Ches Atkinson and many nieces and nephews are saddened by her passing. Raised on a small Pugwash farm during the depression, Greta learned the importance of hard work, focus, and determination. In 1946 she and her four year old sons moved to Forties Settlement, Lunenburg, to work as a housekeeper. She completed her Grade 12 through correspondence. Later that year they moved to Truro where she graduated from Teachers Normal School. Greta and the twins then returned to Pugwash. The life lessons and guidance Greta provided as a teacher in the one room, 10 grade, South Pugwash School and later at the four room Pugwash School are remembered by many students. Once her sons graduated from Pugwash high school, Greta taught in Halifax and Dartmouth. In 1961 she moved to North Attleboro, Massachusetts, married Jim, became a US citizen, earned a Bachelor of Science in Education at Bridgewater State University and completed courses for a Masters in Library Science at the University of Rhode Island. She taught school for a number of years in Attleboro and Norton, Massachusetts and then joined the Attleboro Public Library progressing to Senior Research Librarian. As a volunteer, genealogy became her passion, but she was also active as a Director of the North Attleboro Red Cross and Historical Societies. She and Jim retired to Pugwash in 1989 where she continued her genealogy work and volunteering with the North Cumberland Historical Society (Pugwash) and the Cumberland Historical Society (Amherst). Greta was a Past Noble Grand of Silver Spray Rebekah Lodge and was involved with the Pugwash Baptist Church. In later years she found much delight in her dog and good friend Chum. Above all else Greta was a devoted mother to her sons and their wives upon whom she showered much attention and affection. They were the centre of her life. We wish to express our many thanks to the dedicated staff at East Cumberland Lodge, Pugwash, for the care and comfort they afforded our mother in her last years. Funeral arrangements are with Mundle’s Funeral Home, Water Street, Pugwash. A celebration of life will take place at a date and place to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to East Cumberland Lodge, Friends of the Pugwash Estuary, North Cumberland Historical Society or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family bu visiting the funeral home website at www.mmcfunerals.com
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August 05 1922 March 17 2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Greta Leahey Dow August 05 1922 March 17 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Pugwash, Province: Nova Scotia