It is with deep sadness that the family of Ethel I. Black, 89, of Lunenburg announces her passing at home on Saturday, September 25, 2021.
Born in Kentville, on October 27, 1931, she was the oldest daughter of the late Albert and Alice (Bezanson) Arnburg.
Ethel is survived by daughters, Heather (Oran) Hyson, Lunenburg, Linda (Donnie) Cail, Westville; Carolyn Forsythe (Lyle), Cold Lake; Alberta; grandchildren, Trevor (Dashia), Tami (Matt), Gregory (Veronica), Brandon (Allie), Micayla (Matt), Nicole (Adam) and Brittany; great grandchildren, Brandon, Logan (Jade), McKenna, Jonah, Bella, Lucas, Lily, Aria, Owen, Kendall and Keanu; 1 step great grandson; sisters, Marjorie, Marie and Sheila; brothers, Gerald, Ernie and Stanley, numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, John; son, Kendall, granddaughter, Janelle; son-in-law, Doug Forsythe, sisters, Bernice, Jean, Doreen, brothers, Lawrence, Arnold, Everette, Lloyd, and Shirley.
Ethel was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a self- taught sewer from the age of 5 when she started making doll clothes for herself and her sisters, by age 8 she was using her mother’s trettle sewing machine and by the age of 14 started to make her own clothes. By age 18 she left home and came to Bridgewater to work in a restaurant, where she met our Dad. They married on May 12, 1951. In October of 1951 along came Heather followed by Linda four years later, and Kendall three years later and Carolyn four years later.
She was a stay at home most of her life raising four children. She worked at the factory for the Kadecka’s where the Dockside is now. They were a family from Chechsolvakia now known as Czech Republic and was head seamstress there. She taught sewing classes 4 nights a week at Centre School for approximately 22 plus years.
In 1981they moved to Oshawa, ON, where they lived until November 1993 and she worked as a seamstress in a dry cleaners. Returning to Lunenburg she started sewing again. She made whatever you wanted, many times without a pattern, or used a pattern and altered it to suit the individual, from wedding dresses, prom dresses, coats, covered furniture, pillows, etc. There was “nothing” she wouldn’t try to make or alter. She taught her three daughters to sew. Heather still sews on her own projects, 2 other sisters not so much. But Heather would never tempt anything her mother did. She sewed for people from Annapolis Royal all around to Halifax and all across the Valley. She never said “no” to anyone. She was a sewing” icon” in this town and beyond. Almost everyday people were coming to her house or calling her for something, Saturday and Sunday included. Some of her creations she made were breathtaking to say the least. She made nearly all the clothes for her children when they were little.
She was a member of Branch # 23, Royal Canadian Legion for many years and was Sergent at Arms in the Auxiliary until they folded in January 2020, one of the first member of the Lunenburg Fire Department Auxiliary.
She enjoyed several trips south and a few cruises especially the Alaskan Cruise being her favorite, and enjoyed going with her daughter, Heather to Bridgewater whenever she wanted to go. Poor mobility issues recently have stepped her somewhat but she kept on sewing for as long as she could.
Family would like to thank Drs. Zwicker, who she missed so much, Drs. Fraser, Dr. Roy Newton and Dr. Bown. Also special thanks go to the Palliative Care, Kim Berkley and her amazing team, the V.O.N. and their team. We could not have done without them and their help and the amazing support.
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213, Hwy. # 3, Lunenburg. Funeral service to celebrate Ethel’s life will be held on Monday, October 4, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Anglican Church, Lunenburg, Rev. Laura Marie Piotrowicz, officiating. Private immediate family interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Lunenburg.
Covid-19 Restrictions to apply for the service with Masks and providing Proof of Vaccination
Flowers from the immediate family only, donations may be made to St. John’s Anglican Church, Lunenburg Fire Department or the Poppy Fund of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 23, Lunenburg.
www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ethel Irene Black Saturday September 25th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Lunenburg, Province: Nova Scotia