Maie Theresa Hodges - 94, of Bible Hill, died peacefully and gracefully on Good Friday, March 29, 2024. Born in Bible Hill, she was the 1st born child of the late Charles and Mary Jeffrey (Long).
All that we are is story. From the moment we are born to the time we continue on our spirit journey, we are involved in the creation of the story of our time here. It is what we arrive with. It is all we leave behind. Mom left a legendary, heroic tale of love; a spellbinding story of a pure heart and a humble spirit; one that physically lasted nearly a century, but one that will continue for all eternity.
Her reputation as the "Matriarch of Bible Hill" was well earned. She was a communal mother. Because her generosity was boundless, her home became a perpetual open house. She began life on her dad’s fox-ranch where Maple Boulevard now sits, and completed the cycle of life on Vimy Road where her Maple Lane beckoned to family and friends; a homestead filled to the rafters with warmth and love; a home base where she held court and extended a hand of cordiality to one and all. Mom accepted people for who they were… without judgement, without hesitation, without any expectation of what they would bring. She was eager to give and felt blessed when she pleased a visitor. She was an ambassador of the "Oliver" song: Consider yourself at home; consider yourself one of the family. She was a true Bluenoser, kitchen party girl. It was with exuberance and sheer delight that she would join in any sing along or any chat - big or small; quiet or robust; serious or jovial. She never lost her spirit of innocence and childlike wonder. So it came to pass that whoever dropped by, she offered a sincere embrace or a cozy-cuddle. And what a memory! She knew everyone because she was genuinely interested in everyone. Time with mom was time well spent. Now she has eternity to listen to our chatter. She may not be able to answer in person, but for certain, she is responding in spirit.
With her parents’ encouragement and blessing, she pursued a vocation in teaching. What a teacher! It wasn’t merely a career; it was a way of life. In a classroom, in a kitchen or simply in a circle of friends, she was a gifted giver of love and learning. What did she teach? How to love unconditionally, how to live profoundly and how to smile like the sunshine. When she finished her working life, she took up her gardening life. From helping children glow, to helping her flower garden grow, her life was dedicated to nurturing nature’s wonder: from little children, to tiny birds, to sweet butterflies and beautiful flowers. She encouraged beauty; she created beauty; she was beauty, and so it is with gratitude that we all may say: thank you for making this world a more beautiful and better place by the gift of your life.
We would be remiss if we didn’t share her most profound quality: family loyalty. We knew that although she was a communal mom, her heart was devoted to her immediate family; we three children, the lucky ones around which her world spun just as surely as she was the center of our existence. She is survived by her only living son and loving companion, Robbie (Kim Thompson) as well as her only daughter and life-long friend, Cathy. [She was delighted to welcome into the Cathy-fold her treasured son-in-law, Jon, and her two precious granddaughters, Erin Burton (Jeff, River and Milo), and Claire Meunier (Matt, Hazel Maie, Scarlette and Ruby).] She was predeceased by her beloved eldest son and confidante, Greg, and her cherished husband, Jim, with whom she lived an exciting life in the Royal Canadian Airforce, as well as her little brother, the younger Charlie Jeffrey. With every breath she took, she adored us all. Finally, Maie is further survived by her whole family: extended and extending, as well as an impressive network of friends that defy listing. The outpouring of love from folks near and far: family, friends and all those whose lives were touched by her special love, has been and will remain a source of inspiration for us to "do better". We are humbled by such sincere support and grateful that mom’s legacy is steadfast.
In the end, only kindness matters because love conquers all.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Maie's family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m., Friday, April 5, 2024.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m., Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 669 Prince Street, Truro, Father Jim O'Connor officiating. Reception to follow in Campbell Hall. Interment at a later date in Bible Hill Cemetery, 41 Warren Drive, Bible Hill. Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Maie may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com