Lavers, Harriet Leota, Truro. We are saddened to share news that Harriet Lavers (nee Mattatall) age 90, died peacefully with family by her side on April 23, 2013 in the Palliative Care Unit of the Colchester East Hants Community Hospital following a massive stroke. Mum, Grammie, GG will be missed by her daughters, Sandra (Milt) Larsen, (Upper Tantallon) and Beth (Stephen) Johnston (Truro), 5 grandchildren, Allison, Mike, Scott, Daniel and Emma and 2 great grandchildren, Sarah and Sean. She is survived by her sister Margaret Parker (Kentville) and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 51 years Murray Lavers in 1998, her parents Spencer and Matilda (Tilly) Mattatall (Truro), sister Marion Giddens (Great Village) and brother Logan Mattatall (Truro)
Born in Westchester Station and raised there and in Truro, she lived many years in Dartmouth before returning to Truro in 1966 to look after her aging parents. Family was everything to Mum, a homemaker, always willing to lend a hand when needed. In her younger years she was an avid golfer and curler, who enjoyed playing bridge and the organ. She loved nothing better than extended family gatherings around a piano and singing the “old songs and hymns” in harmony. She and Dad spent many happy summers at their cottage in North Wallace where she loved sitting on the mower smelling the fragrant fresh cut grass and their winters travelling south or involved in activities of K40”s & Kinettes. Even into her 80’s she was an active member of the UCU at The First United Church and the IODE.
Harriet has been cremated and in accordance with her wishes, there will be an internment service at The Bible Hill Cemetery, for immediate family, under the direction of the Mattatall –Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Later this summer, family and friends are invited to gather at the Balmoral Kirk, The Falls with their memories, stories and pictures joining Rev. Valerie Kingsbury of The First United Church for an informal service of remembrance and a reunion picnic in her honour. This will be announced at a later date.
We would like to thank so many people for the exceptional care both Mum and our families received over the past 11 days, the staff at the Palliative Care Unit and D wing of the Hospital along with Dr. Henderson, Dr. Feltmate, and Rev. Valarie. Our sincere appreciation to our cousin Brenda for her faithful, gentle presence on the “morning shift”. A special thank you to all those special people who arrived with delicious meals, and kind words of encouragement by phone, email and text, they helped out in so many ways. Finally, we would like to thank Dr. Bower and the staff at Parkland Truro for providing a safe and comfortable home for Mum where she lived contentedly these last 4 years. If so desired, donations in Harriet’s memory may be made to a charity of choice. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Harriet’s obituary on-line and selecting “Send a Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com