Edith Bent
September 20, 1913 – December 25, 2017
Edith Mildred Bent (nee Foster) passed away on Christmas night at the age of 104. She was the youngest child of George William Foster and Annie Evelyn (Barnes) Foster born on the family home in Beaconsfield, Annapolis County in 1913. She was predeceased by her husband, Murray Alton Bent, son, George Foster Bent, grandson, Nicholas Oliver Bent, as well as her brothers and sisters, Bill Foster, Everett Foster, Beattie Bent, Alfred Foster (WWI), and Lucretia Foster (infancy). She is survived by sons Lynn (Faye Harrison) Graysonville, Maryland, and Alfred (Callie Johnson), Brookfield, NS. She is also survived by grandchildren Aaron, Leah, Sarah, Tiffany, Christian, Jillian, and Nathaniel, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Mom was an educator and her teaching career started in Clementsvale at age 16 after finishing Grade 11. She later completed high school in Bridgetown and a year at Normal College in Truro. Her most significant pupil was Murray Bent, who took his Grade nine from her at age 24 in Beaconsfield, Nova Scotia, after which he went to Horton Academy and then Divinity School at Acadia University. They were married 6 years later. Mom played piano and organ for church services while she took time off from teaching to have her children. After 4 years in Saskatchewan politics and religion the family moved back to Middleton in 1949. She resumed her teaching career in Nictaux in 1950 and later moved to MacDonald Elementary School in Middleton where she taught Grade 6 for 20 years and was principle for 18 years. Her school pupils remember her as a stickler for discipline and severe at times, but very fair. Outside of school hours she was a dedicated, loving mother, devoted sister to her life-long best friend, Beattie, and a wonderful person to be around. Most of her retirement revolved around family. She did not pressure her sons for visits when they were far away. She was never critical of her daughters-in-law, and always receptive to her grandchildren but never interfering in their upbringing. She was most dedicated to her husband and his care in his later years. She was ready anytime for a game of cards well into her 90’s. In 1990 the family home in Middleton was sold and she and her son, Foster, moved to Paradise where she celebrated her 100th birthday with a great party of 33 people. She was driving her car up to age 91. She was very determined to stay in her Paradise home, which she accomplished until 2 weeks shy of her 102nd birthday.
Born: September 20, 1913 Death: December 25, 2017
In later years she received much help from her son Foster who lived next door in the adjoining apartment for 15 years. Several nieces, grandnieces, and one special nephew, Wayne, visited and brought goodies and cheer to the household. Her sister-in-law, June, spent a lot of time with Mom, including two driving trips to Maryland to visit family. June also kept the card games going, especially hand and foot. We are most grateful for the 9 years Barbara spent in providing care and love to our Mother. She regularly canvassed the library for all those talking books and kept records of the titles. She never took a holiday and treated Mom with uncompromising affection. We are also thankful to Lisa and her team at Cedarstone for the care provided over the last two years. Mom was talkative and fun to be around, a real bright spot in the nursing home.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in lieu of flowers to CNIB, Alzheimers Society, or charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., toll free 1-855-825-3448. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Edith Bent 2018.source
Death notice for the town of: Middleton, Province: Nova Scotia