Audrey Leah (Newton) Rector-Akerman
1921 - 2014
Audrey Leah (Newton) Rector-Akerman
Service Information
Service Date
Saturday November 29, 2014
Service Time
1:00 PM
Service Location
Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro
Burial Information
Burial Date
November 29, 2014
Burial Location
Riverside United Church Cemetery, Bass River
Requested Charity
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or Charity of Choice
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Audrey Leah (Newton) Rector-Akerman – 93, Cedarstone Enhanced Care, Truro. After a valiant battle against old age and in the presence of her daughter, Audrey's spirit was released Home to happily rejoin her departed family and friends, on Monday morning, November 24, 2014. Born June 21, 1921, in Parrsboro, she was a daughter of the late Charles W. and E. Maude (Yorke) Newton.

Audrey spent her early years in Fox River and then moved to the USA with her parents where she began school and where her two sisters, Kathleen Rose and Lilyan Mae, were born. In 1928 her family returned to Economy where her mother died of TB. Audrey was then lovingly raised and guided by her Aunt Lila and Uncle Churchill Newton, along with her father and extended family. On her 18th birthday, she married her true love, H. Borden "Bordie" Rector; for 38 years they shared the ups and downs of life together.  She lost Bordie on November 4, 1977, and remained a widow until June 12, 2010, when she married Harland B. Akerman at his beach cottage. She and Harland enjoyed travel, fishing and much laughter during their courtship and subsequent 20 months of marriage, ending with Harland's passing on February 12, 2012. Since then, Audrey has lived in long term care, first at Valley View Villa, Pictou County, then at Cedarstone, Truro, where she received excellent, loving care from staff at both facilities. Thank you to all, especially Lisa, Rebecca and Christine and also a special thank you to Gary and Colleen Newton.

Despite the difficulties and grief she had in her life, Audrey kept a positive outlook and was well known for her quick wit and loving ways. She was a wonderful mother, friend and citizen. She was a lifetime member of Riverside United Church, Bass River, their UCW, and was a member of the Rebekah Lodge, holding all levels of office, plus many other volunteer activities. A wonderful cook, an avid dancer and one born to entertain, she was the life of any party and was never happier than when surrounded by family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Colleen Rector, Dartmouth; granddaughters, Kelly Rector, Woodstock, Ontario; Kimberly (Rick) Koch, St. Thomas, Ontario; great-grandchildren, Josh Rector, Tim Koch, Jessica Koch, all of St. Thomas, Ontario; sister, Lilyan M. Gadsby, Holland Landing, Ontario; nephews, David Gadsby, Craig (Laura) Gadsby, Glenn (Anne) Gadsby, and their children; brother-in-law, Vance Wilson; nephews, Greg Wilson, Dennis Wilson; niece, Lynette Wilson (Anne), Hamtown Corner, New Brunswick; several close cousins (Newton/Yorke) and stepchildren, Gail, David, Wayne (Akerman) and Iris, Juanita, Helen, Wayne (Roberts) and their families in Ontario and Quebec; former daughter-in-law, Sharon (Rector) Rogers, Oxford, and her sons, Corey and Karl (Andrea) Hansen; several grand-nieces/nephews (Archibald, Fillmore, Tramble and Carr families). Predeceased by her mother, Maude (Yorke) Newton (1928); father, Charlie Newton (1972); sons, Vaughn (1965) and Elston Rector (2012); first husband, Bordie Rector (1977); second husband, Harland Akerman (2012); sister, Kathleen R. Wilson (1992); uncle, Churchill (1984); aunt, Lila Newton (2005); brother-in-law, Albert Gadsby (2003); stepmother, Mildred (Colburne) Newton (1994). 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where the funeral service will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, November 29, 2014, Reverend Florence Antle-Brison officiating. Reception will follow. Interment in Riverside Cemetery, Bass River. Family flowers only. If lieu, donations in Audrey’s memory to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or charity of choice are most welcome. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Audrey’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com

Audrey Leah (Newton) Rector-Akerman