Age 87, Valley, Colchester County, passed away with family present on Friday, January 4, 2019, at Vimy Court, Bible Hill, where she has resided for 9.5 years. Born in Truro, Reita was raised in Salmon River and was the daughter of the late (Freda) Pearl and (James) Watson Ripley. Reita studied jewellery making at NSCAD in the mid-1950s before settling on a career as an RN. She worked during her career in the maternity ward of Colchester Regional Hospital for 36 years. She pursued creative projects and hobbies, such as cake decorating, ceramics, fine art painting, wood carving and gardening, including becoming a flower judge. A woman of strong faith, she was active as a founding member and leader at St. George’s Anglican Church, active and supportive in her community, and a loving wife and mother. After retirement she continued her lifelong love of learning by pursuing Education for Ministry program in the church and was an accredited as lay reader in her Parish. She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Bernard Hugh; daughters, Judith and Elizabeth; granddaughters, Brittany and Cienna; brother, Don Ripley; nephew, Michael Ripley. She is survived by her son, Mark (Candace) MacPherson; granddaughter, Jessica; brother, Bill (Ruby) Ripley; sister-in-law, Silvia MacMillan; nieces, Heather Nowen, Susan Burgess, Iola Crowe, Darlene MacFarland; nephews, Steven Ripley, Wayne Ripley, Robert Ripley, Jimmy Ripley, Paul Ripley, Ricky Smith, Royce Smith, Randy Smith, Vincent Smith, Wayne MacMillan. The family thanks the staff at Vimy Court for being part of Reita’s family these past years; your service has been invaluable. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Reita’s family will receive friends from 12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m., Saturday, January 12, 2019, followed by a celebration of her life at 2 p.m., The Reverend Lori Ramsey officiating. Reception will follow. Spring interment will be held in Watson Cemetery, 1997 Prince Street, Truro. Donations can be made to St. John’s Anglican Church, Truro or Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Reita’s obituary on-line and selecting “Send A Condolence” at:www.mattatallvarnerfh.com