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!