Langille (Putnam), Reta Mae – of Central Onslow, passed away March 13, 2017 in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro, with family at her side. She was born in Masstown in 1930, a daughter of the late Albert Arthur and Gladys Marjorie (Rath) Putnam.

Rita received her education in the one-room school in Masstown, Colchester County Academy in Truro, and earned her teacher’s license from Provincial Normal College in Truro in 1949. She taught school in Lantz and Middle Musquodoboit. Reta lived her married life in Amherst, Oxford, Sydney, Dartmouth and Charlottetown before coming to Truro in 1975. She was always involved in the communities where she lived through the schools that her family attended; the United Church, having joined Masstown United Church in 1948, the Rebekah Lodges, having joined Colfax Rebekah Lodge in Oxford in 1954.

After coming to Truro, she was a devoted member of Valley United Church, actively involved on various committees, sang in the choir and served on session. She was very interested in United Church Women, serving as president many times, and received a life membership in 1986. She did some work at the UCW Presbyterial level and attended the first UCW national celebration in 1987 at the University of Waterloo. Reta served six years on the Children’s Aid Society and Family Services Board of Colchester County and represented them on the United Way board. She was chair of the Member Agency Council, and was a very active volunteer with Glenview Lodge when the Canadian Mental Health Association set up a program in 1977. In 1986, she received a provincial volunteer certificate of appreciation in recognition of outstanding volunteer service benefitting our community. She was a member of Charles Street House board of directors for several years, an active member of the Good Time Senior Citizens’ Club, serving on the executive until her health caused her to resign, but she continued to attend the dances. After Roy’s retirement in 1989, they enjoyed 12 winters in Florida and spent most summers at their cottage at Shaw’s Lake.

Reta was devoted to her family, and was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, always interested and concerned about the things they were involved in. She had a strong faith and moral character. She had great determination, endurance and acceptance in facing illness. She loved dancing, playing cards, knitting, gardening, cooking and working on her picture albums.

Reta will be sadly missed by her husband of 64 years, Roy; sons, Dwayne (Rosanne), Lower Onslow; Douglas (Janet), West Cove Head, P.E.I.; Darren, Quispamsis, N.B.; grandchildren, Kyra (Tyson) Peters, Brodie (Melissa) Langille, both of P.E.I.; Paul Langille, Lower Onslow; Darianna and Halen Langille, N.B.; stepgrandson, Keith (Christa) Driscoll, Lower Onslow; great-granddaughter, Sylver Peters; great-grandson, Nash Langille; step great-granddaughter, Madison McQuaid, P.E.I.; sisters, Marina Fisher, Masstown; Carole Evans, B.C.; brother, Lorne (Letitia) Putnam, Masstown; sisters-in-law, Ellen Putnam, Masstown; Claudia Putnam, Hartt Lake; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers, Merle, Gene; brothers-in-law, Jerry Fisher, Norman Evans.

Thank you to Colchester East Hants VON for all their help for the last 12 years, and to Dr. Slipp for his wonderful care.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, and funeral will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, both in Valley United Church, 110 Salmon River Rd., Rev. Mary White officiating. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to Valley United Church, Canadian Cancer Society or Colchester East Hants VON.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. www.arimatheafuneral.ca