Rhoda Moyah Dickson
Date de décès : 27 janvier 2018
It is with sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Rhoda Dickson at Seaview Manor, Glace Bay, NS, on January 27, 2018, one day before her 104th birthday. Born in Glace Bay, Rhoda was the daughter of the late Wesley and Juanita (Cox) Baillieul. Six days after Rhoda was born, her mother died of complications from child birth. Rhoda and her older sister Marjorie were then sent to the mainland to live with their maternal grandmother and aunts. At school age, Rhoda returned to Cape Breton to live in Glace Bay with her newly remarried father and his second wife, Mary (MacLean). Within a few years, Rhoda's brother, Wesley, was born. Because he faced special challenges, Rhoda devoted her life to overseeing his wellbeing.
While still a schoolgirl, Rhoda and her family moved from Glace Bay to Catalone Gut where she worked on the family farm in the days before electricity reached their home. All chores were done manually. Rhoda cared for the farm animals, helped with the planting and haying, cooked and cleaned. She was caregiver for both her father and her stepmother in their senior years.
After the death of her parents, Rhoda married her childhood friend and neighbour, Thomas Dickson. Her brother, Wesley, moved with her to the Dickson family home at Catalone Gut where Rhoda and Tommy spent many happy years together.
Rhoda loved working in her garden looking after flowers. If you drove by you would be sure to see tending to them. She kept in close touch with her relatives, welcoming them into her home. She loved children and they returned that love. As adults, they recall delightful summer vacations on the farm with Rhoda. Rhoda’s life was her church in Catalone and looking after others. She was a life time member of MacMillan Memorial Church, UCW and the church choir. You could always count on Rhoda to be at the church, willing to give a helping hand at every event.
Rhoda is survived by her cousin, Lorena Bethel Forbrigger and family, Robert, Lorena, David and Melodi, cousin, Cathy Wadden, and her good friend, Harvey Gillard. Rhoda was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Beside her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Tommy; her brother, Wesley; her sister, Marjorie, and brother-in-law, John Taylor, and her stepmother, Mary (MacLean) Baillieul.
Visitation for Rhoda will take place on Wednesday, January 31, from 6-9 at MacMillan Memorial Church in Catalone. Funeral will be held on Thursday, February 1 at 2 p.m. at MacMillan Memorial Church with Rev. Emily Duggan officiating. Burial to take place at later date. Reception to follow at the Catalone Recreation Centre.
The family would like to say, "Thank You", to Harvey Gillard for all the kindness and care he has given to Rhoda over the years, and also to Cathy Wadden whose wise and trustworthy ministrations helped make Rhoda's senior years happy ones. Special thanks to Dr. Ley and the staff of the Seaview Manor for their professionalism and care of Rhoda.
Donations in Rhoda’s memory may be made to MacMillan Memorial Church or a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral under the direction of Patten Funeral Home, Glace Bay, NS.
