WELL-KNOWN COLCHESTER COUNTY RESIDENT
PASSES AWAY
Edith Rebecca Ripley – 94, Valley. It is
with great sadness, but immense gratitude for a long and wonderful
life, that we announce the passing of our mother, Edith Rebecca
Ripley, at Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, on Tuesday, April 26, 2022.
Born in Truro, she was the daughter of the late John Lemuel and Esther
Eleanor (Archibald) Seaman.
Left to mourn are her son, Robert, Bedford; daughter,
Margaret (John) MacIntyre, MacIntyre Mountain, Cape Breton; nieces and
nephews. Along with her parents, Edith was predeceased by her husband,
Robert “Bob” (2014); brothers, Jack Seaman (2011), Fred
Seaman (2011).
A descendant of Thomas Archibald, Mum grew up on the old
Archibald homestead in Valley. She attended school in Valley and went
on to further her education at Success Business College in Truro. She
enjoyed her first job, working for Brookfield Creamery, in Truro, a
position she held for seven years before starting a
family.
In later years, she was employed by the late Robert Coates,
Federal Member of Parliament for Cumberland Colchester as his
constituency secretary, a position she held for 14 years. During
elections, Edith worked at Progressive Conservative Campaign
Headquarters in Truro for 30 years. She held the position of President
of PC Women’s Association of Nova Scotia and the former
Truro PC Women’s Association. In recognition of outstanding
commitment to the goals and principles of the PC Party of Canada,
Edith was the recipient on the MacDonald-Cartier Achievement Award. As
well, she held a Certificate of Merit for valued service to the PC
Party of Nova Scotia and was a life member of the PC Women’s
Association of Nova Scotia. She truly was a diehard Tory! She
also served on the Board of Directors for the Truro Branch of
Victorian Order of Nurses.
She spent many hours assisting her husband, Bob, at
Ripley’s General Store, a landmark in Valley for many years.
The store was the place to gather and she enjoyed the fellowship of
the many customers who frequented the store. Edith was great to make
connections with people, often reminiscing about days growing up in
Valley. Grocery deliveries were such enjoyable ones, as she would love
to spend time talking with people. She loved chatting on the phone
with friends and relatives.
Edith loved her church and although unable to attend the past
few years, she enjoyed the fellowship of the people of Valley United
Church, welcoming them to her home and chatting about the life of the
church and community. As a member of her church, at one time she was a
member of the choir and Session. She served as a Steward over the
years and also served as President of the United Church Women of
Valley United Church and received a lifetime membership for her
dedicated service as a member of the United Church
Women.
Our mother loved people and she possessed a kind and generous
spirit, visiting the sick, baking and providing meals in her home for
dear friends and relatives. She cherished the friendship of old family
friends, connecting to the Archibald and Seaman families and went on
to write a History Of The Ripley Family.
At this time, we wish to acknowledge
Mother’s dedicated caregivers for all of their love and care
to Mum over the past years, which enabled Mum to remain in her own
home. This was a wish that she so desired. Grateful, too, for the
friends of Valley United Church, who spent time with Mum each week
prior to pandemic restrictions. Although her memory was failing her,
the visits meant so much to her. The many “checking in”
calls from the church family were always appreciated. Also, deep
appreciation is expressed to April Hart for visiting Mum and providing
the Sacrament of Holy Communion on various occasions. Special thanks
are extended to Dr. Tanya Munroe, Dr. Anthony Adjeh, VON, Rebecca
Brown and JoAnn Beaver for their care of Mum. Heartfelt thanks as well
to Fraser’s Pharmacy in Bible Hill for their dedicated
service and to Scott Joudrey for his unending support. Also, a special
thank you to Aberdeen Hospital, 4N, 4W and Palliative Care team who
provided care for Mum in her last days.
Visitation for Edith will be held 3-5, 7-9 p.m., Sunday, May
1, 2022, at Valley United Church, 110 Salmon River Road, Valley, where
the funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Monday, May 2, 2022, April
Hart and Reverend Curtis McDonald officiating. Interment in Crossroads
Cemetery, Valley. Flowers or donations in Edith’s memory to
VON Colchester-East Hants, Valley United Church or Crossroads Cemetery
are welcomed.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall –
Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of
condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Edith’s
obituary on-line and selecting “Send A Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
As Mum would
say, “If you’re down by the river, drop
in!”
Forever loved, forever in
our hearts, forever missed and forever with the Lord!
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Edith Rebecca Ripley 1928 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia
My sympathies, Robert and Margie, on the passing of your Mother. She was a wonderful, gracious lady and, in my experience, a woman of unfailing and gentle good humour. Whether in the constituency office – where she was patient with and encouraging to an awkward young newspaper reporter – in the store, or out-and-about, your Mom brought a brightness and a lightness that was more than welcome; it was contagious. She was, and had, what my Mum called a beautiful soul. My thoughts are with you and I join the many who count themselves fortunate to have known Edith Ripley.