NELSON (Patterson), Marjorie Elizabeth – 82, Amherst and Halifax, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2013 at Northwood Centre in Halifax, NS. Marjorie was born in Five Islands, Colchester County, to the late Bruce Trevon and Phyllis (Taylor) Patterson.
Marjorie was a dedicated school teacher, teaching grade two students in West Highlands School in Amherst for 33 years and influencing many young lives. With husband Ken, Marjorie led a busy, happy life. They spent many years square and round dancing, even going to New Zealand and Australia on a square dancing tour.
Marjorie and Ken co-owned Nelson and Nelson Maple Products in Fenwick, Cumberland County, on a family property that had been worked by Ken’s father. She was involved with the Maple Producers’ Association of Nova Scotia, the Federation of Nova Scotia Naturalists, the Pythian Sisters and in an Amherst seniors’ bowling league and rug hooking club. She and Ken enjoyed summers on the Minas Basin in Lower Five Islands.
Creative in many ways, Marjorie was always ready to try new crafts and adventures. She painted in watercolours, hooked rugs, helped organize many family reunions and enjoyed bowling. She loved having bonfires at the beach and making twisters dipped in honey for anyone there. She welcomed everyone with open arms--at the maple sugar camp and in the summer days at Port Howe and Five Islands.
She is survived by her husband Harold Kensil Nelson; siblings Donald Patterson (Patricia) and Ruth Van Iderstine; daughter Donna (David) Holt and son Jeffrey (Suzanne) Nelson; adored grandchildren Laura Nelson, Claire Holt (Nathan King), and Ben Holt; Doris (Harold) Patterson and Margaret Bentum; sisters- and brothers-in-law from her Nelson family; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her siblings Shirley (Art) King, Harold Patterson, Bernard (Ethel) Patterson; beloved grandchildren Alex and Eric Nelson; and brother-in-law Fred Van Iderstine.
A celebration of Marjorie’s life will be held at the Northwood penthouse Friday, August 2 at 6:00 pm.
Special thanks to the staff of the third floor of Northwood Centre for their dedication and compassion throughout her stay. Donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Society (NS).