Meredith Ann Merriam Boyd Layton, of Great Village, Colchester County, passed away peacefully at age 94, surrounded by family at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro on Wednesday June 17th, 2026.  Born in 1932 in Lower Five Islands, she was the daughter of the late Robert Percy and Christena (Wells Merriam) Boyd. 

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, Robert Francis Layton (2014); brother, Robert Wells Boyd (2025) and sister, Grayce Kathleen Merriam Boyd (2023).  Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her in-laws, Raleigh Hull (1971) and Flora (Stanford Flemming) Layton (1985).

She is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Sarah) Layton, Concord, MA; grandchildren, Bennett and Calder Layton; sister-in-law, Rose (Guimond) Boyd, as well as loving nephews, Stephen (Sheila), Andrew, Peter (Boyd), Marc (Elaine), Neil (Leeann), and Ian (Pellerin).

Meredith was proud to call Great Village home, and she spent her life making it a better place. Through her work and community efforts, she operated with a desire and drive that was admired by many. She was a woman of strong convictions who stood up for what she believed was right and was never afraid to speak her mind. It was her strength of character that allowed her to help others in countless ways: as a nurse, a business owner, a volunteer, and a tireless supporter of her community. To know Meredith was to know someone who showed up year after year, for the people of the Village.

Meredith was formally trained as a nurse at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, graduating in 1954. She went on to serve patients at the Truro hospital for a number of years before returning to Great Village to care for her aging parents as well as Robert’s parents.

For 53 years, a big part of her life was Layton's General Store, which she operated alongside her husband, providing groceries, hardware, feed and supplies to the community. She was a member of the Great Village Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary for over half a century, whose fundraising allowed the Brigade to operate. In all areas of her life, she focused on helping others, as many do in small communities, including assisting the long-time local physician Dr. Aubrey Johnson in local emergency situations.

She was devoted to many other community groups, including St. James United Church, United Church Women, Elizabeth Bishop Society, Garden Club, Women’s Institute, 4H and Great Village Historical Society. Her passion for local as well as family history ran deep; she possessed a remarkable memory and could effortlessly recall generations of families throughout the area.

In 2023, Meredith's decades of service were recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, presented to Nova Scotians in honour of their outstanding contributions to their communities and province.

Meredith leaves behind a community made richer by her presence, a family made stronger by her love, a legacy of service, and a life that was purposeful and well-lived.

The family would like to thank her doctors at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Great Village and District Fire Brigade and Sam Cormier for the care and support that Meredith received.

The family invites all who knew Meredith to come together in the spirit she cherished most: for good company, warm conversation, and stories shared between friends. Please bring a favourite memory or a story either new or old to share with others. 

The visitation will be on Friday, June 26th, from 4-6 PM, at Great Village Arts and Entertainment Centre (formerly known as Saint James United Church) located at 8729 Highway 2, Great Village.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 27th, from 1-3 PM, also at Great Village Arts and Entertainment Centre. A short service will begin at 1 PM, followed by a reception and time of fellowship until 3 PM.

Private burial will take place at Mahon Cemetery, Great Village.

Donations, in remembrance of Meredith, can be made to Great Village Fire Brigade or Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 72, Great Village. Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com