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