CHUTE, Thelma Ermina – age 88, Berwick, Kings Co., passed away peacefully with family by her side on Friday, February 26, 2016, in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born in Berwick, she was a daughter of the late Douglas L. and Bertha E. (McNeil) Chute. After graduating from the Berwick School, Thelma attended Acadia University to study Secretarial Science, later moving to Halifax working for an insurance adjusting firm and then at the Department of Public Welfare at the N.S. Training School in Truro. She then returned to Acadia University, obtaining her B.A. Degree in 1958 and then worked with the Family Service Bureau in Halifax. Thelma then attended the Maritime School of Social Work, graduating with a Diploma in Social Work and then the Degree of Master of Social Work from Acadia University in 1962, completing work placement at the Nova Scotia Sanatorium, Kentville. She then worked with the Department of Public Welfare at the Nova Scotia School for Boys, Shelburne, Family and Children's Services in Kentville, Halifax County Hospital, Cole Harbour and then finally back at the Nova Scotia Sanatorium, Kentville, until her retirement. Thelma's great passion was her love for her cottage at Donnellans Brook, no place brought her more joy. She loved to travel and traveled far and wide to England, Paris, New York, Greece, Iceland and Finland as well as all parts of Canada. Thelma enjoyed the architecture and history of Berwick and was a member of the Berwick Baptist Church. She loved to attend the Berwick United Church Camp Meeting in the summers, when she was able to reconnect with many friends and relatives. Being a life-long learner, she was always educating herself on decorating, politics, pet care, landscaping, gardening and health issues. Thelma was an avid reader and was a faithful reader of many newspapers. She also spent her time shopping, visiting friends and attending family gatherings. Surviving are her sisters, Shirley (the late Bernard) Irvine, Berwick; Lillian (Lewis B.) Irvine, Hantsport; brother, Lewis (Inez) Chute, Berwick; nieces and nephews, Randy (Patricia) Irvine, Gordon (Susan) Chute, Wanda (Alex) McGillivray, Kathryn (Robert) Morse, Brenda Irvine (James) Simpson, Brian Irvine, Sheila (Randy) Veinotte; several great and great-great nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by nephew, Gregory Irvine; brother-in-law, Bernard Irvine; and her dear friend, Father David Stokes. There was no visitation. Memorial service and reception took place at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 2, in Berwick Baptist Church, 265 Commercial St., Berwick. Rev. Sarah Scott officiated, with Interment in the Berwick Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to the Lung Association of Nova Scotia. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., Middleton, N.S., toll free 1 (855) 825-3448. On-line guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com