Elizabeth 'Libby' (Howie) Amadio
Born In: Donkin
Born: January 29th, 1932
Passed in: Glace Bay
Passed on: January 9th, 2015
With broken hearts we announce the sudden passing of our mother, grandmother and friend on Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, at the Glace Bay Hospital with her loving family by her side.
Born in Donkin, Jan. 29, 1932, Ma was the daughter of the late Ernest J. and Elizabeth 'Lizzie' (MacLeod) Howie.
After graduating from Provincial Normal College in Truro, she began a remarkable teaching career beginning at a one-room schoolhouse in Big Glace Bay to Donkin Elementary, retiring after 43 years. She was especially proud of her daughter Marlene who began her teaching career at the same school. It was not uncommon for students to approach Ma wherever she was, some with children of their own, give her a hug, and tell her she was their favourite teacher still giving her the deserved respect by calling her Mrs. Amadio.
She loved her students and loved her profession, even returning to college in 1981 (UCCB) to upgrade her licence.
Ma met a handsome hockey player, Leo Amadio, who had recently returned to Donkin for a short vacation. Being love at first sight for both of them, they married and travelled a journey of love and much as total soul mates until his sudden passing in 1991.
Family, friends, and her home were everything to Ma but most importantly she adored her grandchildren. She sincerely was the best 'Nana' any child could have. Her sense of humour was second to none whether it was donning her St. Patrick’s Day hat, marching down the driveway with her Canada Day regalia or simply tantalizing a little bit to get a rise, it was all done in fun and with a lot of love. People came at Halloween to see Mrs. Amadio’s decorations and at Christmas if one light was out in her display she started all over until it was perfect.
Ma’s talent for gardening and great love for flowers was easily recognized by family friends and neighbours who often commented on her beautiful yard to which with little modesty she’d reply, “It is-isn’t it!” You were also notably corrected if you misidentified a bird at her bird feeder and quickly directed to the bird book always by the window near the kitchen table. Always an avid reader, she encouraged her children and grandchildren to capture the enjoyment of a good book. A fabulous cook and exceptional baker it was never a chore for Ma to whip up a pan of squares or an apple pie.
Ma is survived by daughters, Wendy, Michelle (Mark Bettens) and Marlene (Derek Bailey); grandchildren, Scott, Leigh Anne, Jamie Nicole, Morgan, Mitchell, Hunter, Aidan and Coley as well as seven great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Ma was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Besides her parents she was predeceased by the love of her life and best friend, Leo. Also predeceased by a brother in infancy, Arthur, Jamie, and sister Gloria.
Memorial contributions may be made to St Paul’s Parish, Port Morien or a charity of one's choice.
Special thanks to Dr. Stephanie Elerker and staff at 3rd floor Glace Bay Hospital.
Visitation for Elizabeth Amadio will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 14 from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 15 from 2-4 and 7-9 .p.m at Curry's Glace Bay Funeral Home, 775 Main St., Glace Bay. A funeral service will be held on Friday, Jan. 16, 2 p.m. at St Paul's Anglican Church, Port Morien. The Rev Vernon Reid will be officiating. Interment to follow at St Paul's Cemetery.
Online condolences may be sent t the family at www.jmcurryfuneralhome.com.
High Flight by John G. Magee, Jr.
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of —Wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air ...
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark or even eagle flew —
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
