Rhodena Mary (Rockwell) Fraser, RN
Lieu de naissance : Glace Bay, Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Date de naissance : 3 août 1917
Lieu de décès : Baddeck, Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Date de décès : 27 avril 2012
In acknowledgement of a wonderful full life, it is with profound sadness that we, Rhoda’s family, announce the death of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin and good friend at home, surrounded by her devoted family on Friday, April 27, 2012.
Born in Glace Bay, Aug. 3, 1917, she died as she lived, with dignity and grace.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Allister, for whom she dedicated personal care for 21 years following his stroke until she was 90. She was also predeceased by her parents, Ernest and Rhodena (Nicholson) Rockwell, brothers, Kenneth, Donald and Neil, sisters, Katie and Bertha (Welch), and five siblings who died in early childhood.
Her kindness, understanding and unconditional love will forever be missed by her children, son David (Debbie), Baddeck, and daughter Anne, Halifax; granddaughter Heather Urquhart (Ian MacNeil); stepgrandson Ryan; her pride and joy — great-grandchildren Matthew and Kate; step-great-granddaughter Jesslynn; several nieces and nephews, in particular, nephew Brian Mason and his wife Joyce, Baddeck, who called daily and were a constant source of love, support and friendship; several great nieces, nephews and other cousins, particularly the Middle River and Margaree relatives who held a special place in her heart.
Rhoda lived a life of unwavering faith and we have been blessed as a family to have had her special presence for these many years. Rhoda grew up in New Waterford, became a registered nurse in 1940 after attending the Glace Bay General Hospital. Following graduation, she worked at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, where she also became an X-ray technician. She returned to Cape Breton to care for her ill mother; later working as a public health nurse in Sydney and throughout Cape Breton. She met Allister whom she married while living in Sydney, then moved to Baddeck where they built a home in which they lived happily for 60+ years until their deaths.
Rhoda was kind, generous, and conscientious, but family came first. She was always there to provide guidance, support and a loving hand, but Rhoda also loved every moment of her nursing career, including the Victoria County Memorial Hospital, Baddeck, where she worked for 25 years. She was an intelligent, kind, dedicated, and compassionate registered nurse who provided comfort and peace to those for whom she provided care. She always demonstrated respect and a generosity of spirit whether she was at work or otherwise. She continued her interest in and passion for nursing for many years past retirement by regularly reading many healthcare journals/newsletters. We will always cherish her wisdom and insights, her good common sense, her laughter, sense of wit and most of all, her dedication to her family.
She taught us to appreciate all mankind and treat others as we ourselves would like to be treated. She had a strong faith and was initially a member of Calvin United Church, New Waterford, and later a devoted member of Greenwood United Church and a lifetime member of the United Church Women. She was also a former member of the Order of Eastern Star.
Thank you to the staff at Victoria County Memorial Hospital and Drs. C. Chow, J. Ritter, D. Heughan and especially Dr. R. Genge. We would also like to acknowledge the support and kindness of the staff with Home Care and Home Support Nova Scotia and to Shawn and David Dunlop, MacAskill’s Funeral Home.
The funeral will be held 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at Greenwood United Church with Rev. Alison Etter presiding. In accordance with Rhoda’s wishes, there will be no visitation; however, a reception will be held following the funeral service at Greenwood United Church Memorial Hall. Burial will take place at the Middle River Cemetery following the reception.
Family flowers only by request. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Greenwood United Church Women, Victoria County Memorial Hospital or the Victoria Highland Civic Centre.
