Olive May Louisa (Giles) Thomson - 93, of Bedford, passed away in peace on February 3, 2013 at Orchard Court, Kentville. Born December 12, 1919 in Halifax, Mom was the daughter of the late Arthur and Daisy (Pannell) Giles. She enjoyed a happy and unique childhood with her brother and sister, living in Fort Hugonin on McNab’s Island, where her father, as an artilleryman in the army, was in charge of the fort. Mom attended Brunswick Street School in Halifax and daily took the duty boat across Halifax Harbour, often in very severe weather. She recounted many happy stories of picnics, swimming, clamming, sleigh rides and berry picking as a little girl on “the island”. There were occasional frightening nights when rumrunners roamed the shores below the fort. At the age of nine, her family moved to Pavilion Barracks on Brunswick Street, where she enjoyed coasting on Citadel Hill, skating on the Commons and accompanying her Dad to fire the Noon Gun. As a teenager, Mom was a member of Girl Guides and C.G.I.T. In 1942, she married Elmer Burleigh Thomson and moved to Hammonds Plains where she lived for 40 years. He predeceased her in 1955. Her love of reading, music, lawn bowling and travelling gave her great joy. In her later years, we fondly remember her as she sat for hours reading in front of the fireplace, with our faithful dog, Beau at her feet. Mom will be greatly missed by her daughter, Marina and son-in-law, Ian Verryn-Stuart of Kentville; her grandsons, Jason Verryn-Stuart (partner, Cynthia Becker), Falmouth; Brendan Verryn-Stuart, Calgary. Her grandsons were a great source of pride and joy to her. She is also survived by her brother, C. Earl (Sophie) Giles, Pomquet, NS; sister, Maxine (the late Howard) Watkins, Halifax; nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A family graveside service will be held at a later date with interment at Hammonds Plains Baptist Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. Thank you to those who took such good care of Mom while at Orchard Court. Arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.
“There is nothing stronger than gentleness.”