Edith Dianne Muise – 81, Bible Hill, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born in Truro, she was the second oldest of 16 children of the late William and Isabelle (Spencer) Rushton.
Edith worked in the restaurant industry for many years. She went to work for DND Base Camp Debert in the mid-70s until her retirement. Mom had to work, and she always did so, so she wasn’t retired long and went back to work in the restaurant industry. When she finally retired for good, Mom helped her mother in her home. Momma had the biggest heart of anyone I know. She could be a little stubborn when she thought she was right about something and nine times out of ten, she was! If you needed something and Mom had it, you usually left her house with it.
Mom and Ernie were members of Royal Canadian Legion, Debert Branch 106. She was an avid dart player and she and Ernie joined the Legion’s dart team. On Saturday nights, you could find them there dancing the night away; she was an awesome dancer!
In the summer you would find them with their camper parked at Portapique Beach and later they frequented Five Houses Beach. No-one looked forward to camping trips more than their granddaughter, Laura. They nicknamed her their Beach Bum.
Christmas was Momma’s favourite holiday and you knew it as soon as you walked in her home. It looked like Christmas blew up and oh, all our favourite smells. She prepared for it all year long. No-one made Christmas dinner like Momma, and she even made all the pies, various squares, cakes and cookies. One year, she had about 35 dinner guests. Ernie had been out visiting over the holidays and invited almost everyone he saw. Most other holidays there would be anywhere from 10-20 people and no-one ever left hungry. Mom had quite the appetite and could eat anyone under the table.
Momma loved her game shows and she was the "Game Show Queen". She also enjoyed playing Bingo on occasion. Before her eyesight started to deteriorate, Mom loved to read, and her favourite authors were V.C. Andrews and Cassie Edwards. She was the glue that held the family together and her loss will affect all of us greatly.
Left to mourn her loss are her daughter, Colleen Hatfield, and Nan’s fur baby, Sammy, Bible Hill; son, Gregory (Crystal) Barkhouse, Bible Hill; stepsons, John Muise, Ontario; Jason Muise, Ontario; granddaughters, Laura Hatfield (Alex Chisholm), Cassidy Barkhouse, Caitlyn Barkhouse; sisters, Velma Barkhouse (Douglas), Ruth Zimmer (Alan), Doris Ann Davis (Bill), Vivian Goviea, Helen Gill (Lawrence); brothers, Douglas Rushton (Sharon), Gary Rushton (Karen), Keith Rushton (Linda), Reg Rushton (Linda); son-in-law, Ian Hatfield; chosen daughter, Cindy (Paul) Adshade; close family friend, Percy Lindsay; Muise brothers and sisters; many, many nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Ernest "Ernie"; daughter, Patricia Ann in infancy; sisters, Shirley Rushton (Carl), Marie Levy, Gail (Leon) Mattatall; brothers, Paul Rushton (Wanda), Leroy Rushton, Harold in infancy; sisters-in-law, Barbara Rushton, Lorraine Rushton; brothers-in-law, Wayne Levy, Martin Goviea; in-laws, Leila and Brice Barkhouse, Mary and Ernest Muise.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Intensive Care Unit, 3rd Floor Units D and E, Intermediate Care Unit and Palliative Care Unit. Also, a big thank you to the VON Homecare nurses for coming to our home and helping our Momma; many of you became like a friend to her. Thank you! We would also like to extend our thanks to Todd, owner of Bass River Pharmacy, for going above and beyond for so many years, and to Ritchie for delivering Mom’s medication once a month; she really looked forward to seeing you!
All are invited to attend a graveside service that will be held 3 p.m., Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Mahon Cemetery, 8480 Highway 2, Great Village. If so desired, donations in Edith’s memory to Hope for Wildlife are welcomed.
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
Love you more, Momma!