Dr. Hazel IRIS Richards (née Martell) passed away February 10, 2022 at age 100. Iris was born in Glace Bay, NS, to John Thomas and Olive (Townsend) Martell on April 1, 1921.
She attended school initially at Glace Bay and graduated (1939) from Sydney Academy. She went on to the University of Kings’ College, and then Dalhousie where she earned a Masters degree in Classics 1944. She was later awarded an honorary Doctor of Civil Laws (1980) from the University of Kings’ College for her work in literacy and community leadership.
Iris became a lifelong educator, first as the Latin Mistress at the Halifax Ladies College (1942-44) and soon after at public schools in Yarmouth, NS, her adopted home where she spent the rest of her long life. She was best known as the exacting Latin teacher at Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School but she also spent several years developing and patiently delivering curriculum for students with special needs. Even following retirement in 1980, she was frequently asked to serve as a substitute teacher, much to the chagrin of students who mistakenly equated a substitute teacher with a free period.
Never less than a forthright personality, Iris embraced life with gusto. She loved music, learned the fiddle, the guitar, the piano, the organ, and above all singing, whether with the Holy Trinity Church choir, leading its junior choir, or in private chorales. She appeared in musical theatre at Th’YARC.
Many will remember her dancing a jig with the Bishop at her 90th birthday celebration. On that same occasion she was named Yarmouth’s Citizen of the Year and presented the key to the town.
An avid volunteer and generous donor, she gravitated to roles where she felt she could make a difference in the life of the community. These included decades of service with Girl Guides & Scouting, the CNIB, the Yarmouth Public Library, Yarmouth Mountain Cemetery, and the hospital (Auxiliary, Gift shop, Information desk, Hullabaloo, Hospice care), among many others.
An avid crafter, she made her own clothing, knitted, crocheted, did pottery and glass working and scrapbooking, created ceramics, and ultimately found a great passion and many friends in rug hooking.
An avid traveler, Iris visited upwards of 60 countries. She had her favourites, but she was always willing to try something new and exotic. But perhaps her true favourite was local: her cottage at Bird Lake where she hosted many friends, organizations, and events.
And she adored her family and friends. She met and married the love of her life, Albert Richards, in the 1960’s, and they had great happiness together through to Al’s too early death in 1975.
Iris loved a social gathering and belonged to countless social groups from racket sports to bridge, from literary clubs to community groups, from her annual Christmas Eve eggnog party to weekly dinners out with friends.
Iris maintained her independence, purchasing her own house in her own name in Yarmouth and living there for 64 years. Not even sudden vision loss could slow her down. Well into her 90’s, she was frequently seen marching around town.
In the past year, she needed more assistance and ultimately moved into Veterans Place where the staff were marvelous to her. COVID may have limited the celebration, but she very much enjoyed and was appreciative of the more than 300 cards received on her 100th birthday.
Iris was predeceased by her parents and husband, and her sister Laura Dyke. She is survived by her stepdaughter Sharron Richards and partner Mary Hutchings (of Toronto); nieces Elizabeth Lackey and Nancy Dyke and grand-niece Tracey and partner Cody (all of Vancouver); and nephew Richard Dyke and partner Nancy Elliott and grand-nephews Nicholas, Joshua and partner Amanda, and Samuel (all of Brookside, NS).
The family appreciates the great support and kindness shown Iris by so many in the community of Yarmouth who made her ongoing independence possible. We especially thank Shirley Hubbard who was both steadfast friend and critical support to Iris in her later years.
There is no need for donations and the family will take care of flowers, but if desired the family would recommend giving to any Yarmouth based charity — Iris wanted to support them all.
Funeral Service will be Thursday, February 17,2022 at 2 p.m. from the Sweeny’s Funeral Home Chapel. Interment in Yarmouth Mountain Cemetery. Father Doug Chard officiating with a livestream available on the Sweeny’s Funeral Home website. Online condolences may be made at www.sweenysfuneralhome.net
Proof of Vaccination will be required at the Funeral Service.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of H Iris Richards Thursday February 10th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: YARMOUTH, Province: Nova Scotia