Juanita “Nita” Christine Rushton, 97, of the Shiretown Nursing Home, Pictou and formerly of Martha St., Pictou, occurred August 20 in the home.
Born in Pictou, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Jane (Redpath) Heighton.
In early years, she worked at Pine Hill Divinity Hall, Halifax, where she was the pastry cook and made many lifelong friends. During this time she assisted in the rescue of four boys in the Northwest Arm. After years in Springhill and Pictou she moved to Wolfville where she was employed at the Acadia Student Union, where she was chosen as an honorary graduate by the student body. She returned to Pictou and was a member of the St. James Anglican Church, a member of the choir and ladies guild for many years. Nita moved to the Shiretown Home and became a loyal volunteer and enjoyed singing in the Shiretown Minstrels choral group and reciting verse for special occasions. She took part in many lobster carnival parades and made wonderful costumes that won her prizes in the comic category. Her greatest gift was serving others as was shown in her love and compassion to others at the home; whoever needed a comforting word, a helping hand, or just to sit and listen, Nita was there. She always thought of others ahead of herself. As an elder member of a large family, she was a tower of strength and a role model to each one, young and old. She was able to take care of all effortlessly cooking for large gatherings.
She is survived by daughter, Irene (Phil) Beeler, Halifax; daughter-in-law Paulette Rushton, Wolfville; grandchildren: Stephen (Gail) Wentzell, Sask; Maureen (Tamir Weiner) Wentzell, Halifax; Nicholas Rushton, B.C.; great-grandchildren, Evan and Mark Wentzell, Dartmouth. Nita is also survived by sister, Janet Heighton, Halifax; brothers: Lloyd, Toronto; Gordon (Mary), Guelph, Ontario; Bruce (Eleanor), Pictou; and Vincent (Florence), Halifax; special cousin, Betty Perry, family friend, Hughena Hubley, both of Halifax; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by husband, Isaac; son Robert; grandsons, Joseph Rushton, Alan Wentzell in infancy; sisters: Irene MacKenzie, Hazel Ireman, Joyce Whorrall; and brothers: Almour, Robert, Vernon, Gerald, and Anderson.
Special thanks to the staff of Shiretown Nursing Home for the wonderful care given to Nita and for the thoughtfulness and compassion shown to her family.
At Nita’s request cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. Funeral service will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. from St. James Anglican Church, Pictou, with Rev. Aidan Kingsbury officiating assisted by Rev. Bill White. A reception will follow in the church hall. Burial will be in St. James Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. James Anglican Church or a charity of choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of McLaren Funeral Service, Pictou.