PORT GREVILLE – Ruth A. Allen, (nee Allen) Age 78 of Port Greville "A woman ahead of her time", sadly passed away on June 4th, 2015 at the Halifax Infirmary, QEII Health Sciences Centre surrounded by her loving family.
Ruth was the beloved daughter of the late Chesley and Effie (MacDougall) Allen and born in Port Greville.
She is survived by her loving husband of almost 53 years, James (Jim) Allen; cherished and devoted daughter, Andrea Mckay and adoring son-in-law, John, Ottawa; grandchildren, Courteney, Bronwen and Sutton, the lights of her life; a tight knit family of her sisters, Edith Allen, Port Greville; Estelle Larsen (Olaf), Port Greville; Shirley Cormier, Amherst and brother, Clair Allen (Linda), Port Greville; sisters-in-law, Sandi (Alan Cooper), Joggins; Jean (Murray Berry), Truro. She leaves behind several loving nieces and nephews, cousins and many dear friends and neighbours. As well, Ruth will be greatly missed by 'fur-daughter', Gertie.
Predeceased by brother, Eric; brothers-in-law, Doug Allen, Raymond Cormier, and namesake, her dear niece, Ruth Nichols.
Ruth was a graduate of Normal College, Truro and began her well respected and accomplished career as a school teacher in Apple River. Being community-minded and never shy to join a committee or start one, Ruth was dutiful to many causes and an avid volunteer. Some of her accomplishments (too numerous to mention) include first Chairwoman of the District School Board, first female warden of Cumberland County, one of the original founders of Cape Chignecto Park, President of the F.P.W War Memorial Committee, President of Shore Drive Committee Assoc., as well as having been warden of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Fox River and also heavily involved in the Liberal Association, both locally and provincially.
Ruth was also the recipient of the Confederation of Canada Award, honouring Canadians who were significant contributors in their community.
In her spare time, Ruth was an avid gardener, amazing cook and baker, loved a good game of bridge where she'd be finely dressed as she loved her clothes, a 'beach glass' collector, an energetic walker who took many a beach walk, she went travelling with her daughter on many different adventures and loved nothing more than to host big family dinners at her home over the years.
Known for her 'quick wit' and sense of humour and being very social, she would do anything for a laugh. From pranking her loved ones to dressing up as Dolly Parton at the Living Christmas Tree, you never knew what she was going to do next. Wherever she was, smiles and laughs were always near.
We as a family know that Ruth left the world a better place than when she entered it and her love of family and friends was undeniable. She was a beacon of light for everyone who knew and loved her. Always a champion for the underdog, and a giving, selfless soul she will always be remembered as an inspiration and a courageous spirit. You're finally home...
A heartfelt thank you to the ICU team 5.2 and Neurosurgery 7.3 at the Halifax Infirmary, QEII Health Sciences Centre and to the Fifth floor nurses and staff at the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre, Halifax for your wonderful care and support.
Visitation will be held 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Fox River, where funeral service be held 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2015, Rev. Dawn Léger and Rev. Tory Byrne officiating. Private burial in the church cemetery at a later date. Reception to follow in FPW Community Centre, Port Greville.
Memorial donations may be made to the QEII Health Sciences Foundation in support of spinal injury research or to Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Fox River. Arrangements entrusted to Smith’s Funeral Home, Parrsboro. Online condolences at: www.smithsfuneralhome.com