Charlotte Jean MacQuarrie (née Layton), a lifelong resident of Truro, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at the age of 95. Born in Truro in 1930, she was the daughter of Dr. N. MacGregor Layton and Isabel (MacDonald) Layton and a proud fourth-generation Truro native, descended from Francis Layton.
Charlotte was predeceased by her loving husband of over 60 years, C. Malcolm MacQuarrie (d. 2014). Together, they raised their family in the close-knit community of Truro, where Charlotte’s lifelong devotion to family, faith, music, and heritage left a lasting legacy.
A graduate of the Royal Victoria Hospital School of Nursing (Class of 1951), Charlotte brought compassion and dedication to every aspect of her life. Her deepest roots were in First United Church, where she actively participated from her youth through her senior years. She sang joyfully in the choir, served as Church Archivist for more than two decades, and contributed to preserving the church’s rich history. She was also a committed member of the Music Under the Steeple Committee and Capital Campaign Committee, helping lead a major restoration project for the church’s centennial.
Charlotte was a gifted musician who played clarinet with the Truro Concert Band, one of the first women to do so. She taught clarinet to young students, many of whom went on to play in Truro’s school and town bands. She played a pivotal role in launching instrumental music programs in Nova Scotia schools, working alongside community members to advocate for music education.
In 1978, Charlotte co-founded the Cobequid Arts Council, serving as its first president. Through this organization, she played a central role in nurturing the arts community in Truro, including initiating violin programs for youth, organizing concerts, and leading a campaign to build the J. Arch Fraser Bandshell in Victoria Park. Her vision culminated in the creation of the Marigold Cultural Centre, where she served as a board member.
Charlotte was also a tireless advocate for local heritage. As Chair of the Truro Heritage Advisory Committee, she helped document and preserve significant sites such as the Normal College and Zann House, and produced records and publications on Truro’s Victorian homes and historic churches. Her enduring commitment helped secure the future of many of the community’s treasured landmarks, including the transformation of the former Normal College into the Truro Public Library.
She served on the Truro Recreation Committee, was a board member of Musique Royale, and contributed extensively to the Colchester Historeum, where she shared her own family’s deep historical roots in the region.
Charlotte’s life was marked by service, humility, and a passion for community. She leaves behind a legacy of leadership, culture, and heritage that continues to enrich the lives of those in Truro and beyond.
Her family remembers her many quiet contributions: her unrecognized work in the family business, her unbeloved homemade granola, her unofficial but trusted role as a golden retriever midwife, her supervision of the backyard skating rink, her worm-based composting experiment, her enthusiastic love of backyard birdwatching, and her hosting of countless family events, bringing together several generations of participants.
Charlotte’s contributions to the community were recognized through receipt of many awards, including the Cobequid Arts Council Lifetime Achievement Award, the Provincial Volunteer of the Year Award, the Colchester Historical Society Truro Sesquicentennial (150) Award and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
She was also predeceased by her sister, Elma (Edward) Lank; sister-in-law, Dorothy (Gordon) Harrity and niece, Charlotte Louise (Fred) Jones.
Charlotte is lovingly remembered by her children, Charles (Linda), and son Matthew; Rod (Danielle), and children, Connor, Chloe and Rylie; Martha and children, James (Leah) great grandson Lincoln, Samantha (Ben) and great grand-daughter Mac; Jon-Luc; stepchildren Sarah, Jeff (Ulrike) with son Samuel, and Emma; her brother Dr. Norman Layton (Mary) and many nieces and nephews. As well as the many polar bears, right and humpback whales, and salmon that she adopted through various wildlife organizations.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marigold Cultural Centre (Cobequid Arts Council Endowment Fund), or the First United Church Restoration Fund, causes dear to Charlotte’s heart.
A celebration of Charlotte’s life will be held 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at First United Church, 711 Prince Street, Truro, Reverend Cathy Crooks officiating. Reception will follow in Memorial Hall from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Livestream of the service will begin at 1:55 pm by clicking the link at the top of the obituary.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com