CROWELL, Avis Eleanor of Middleton, Annapolis County passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 10, 2011 surrounded by her family and in the loving arms of God. Born in Bridgetown, August 5, 1930 she was the youngest daughter of the late Raymond Franklyn and Grace Muriel (Ricketson) Bent. Avis graduated from Bridgetown High School where she served as President of Student Council and as Captain of the Ladies Hockey Team. She attended Acadia University (Class of ’52) where she studied music and played with the women’s hockey team. She was employed as office manager for Doctors Stone & Annand and later with M.W. Graves & Co. prior to her marriage to Kenneth L. Crowell Q.C. (later Judge). They moved to Middleton where they constructed their home and raised their family. She was involved with St. John’s United Church where she served as Social Convener, as a member of Session and on several committees. She was a member of the IODE and for a number of years owned and operated her own clothing business, The Shelly Shop. Upon her husband’s appointment as a Provincial Court Judge they established a second residence in Halifax for a few years until their return to Middleton. Avis was a kind and compassionate person who always put others ahead of herself. She was blessed by her church family at Emmanuel Congregational Christian Church in Middleton where she served on the Board of Deacons and on several other committees. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth, sister Yvonne Johnston (Paul) Fort Kent, Maine; her sons Kenneth Lee (Cathy) Amherst, NS, Bryson (Ingrid) Middleton, NS and daughter Michelle Oxner (David) Lower Sackville, NS. Seven grandchildren Kenneth Lee, Lisa, Colin, Sarah, Jason, Ryan, Melanie and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Avis was predeceased by her older sister Adele (Bent) Patterson, Bridgetown, NS. Avis loved a good game of Bridge, working in her gardens and reading historical and other novels. She possessed a true contralto voice and sang and recorded many times with her sister Yvonne and other groups. Cremation has taken place. By her request there will be no visitation. A brief memorial service took place on Thursday, July 14 at Emmanuel Congregational Christian Church, Middleton. Reception followed. Family interment service at Pine Grove Cemetery. By request, family flowers only. Donations in memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., (902) 825-3448. Online condolences may be made through: www.middletonfuneralhome.com