HARE, ELMA MARY JANE - Elma Mary Jane Hare, age 88, passed away peacefully at the W.G. Bishop Nursing Home, Minto, N.B. on Tuesday, July 5th, 2011, where she resided the past two years of her life. Elma was born November 1, 1922 in Hardwood Ridge, N.B. the daughter of the late Reatha (McNamara) Barton and Boyd B. Barton. Born in a large family, she was the fourth of eight children, being survived by her sibling twins, Gretchen Betts, (Marven), and Gwendolyn Tompkins. Elma married Cleveland (Cleve) Hare from nearby Chipman in 1941 and they raised three children. Elma and Cleve were long-standing members of the Minto United Baptist Church & they were also enthusiastic workers in the Gideon Bible Society. For most of Elma's married years, she lived in Minto and operated her own Beauty Salon. Later years she studied at Woodstock Community College and Ontario School of Electrocardiography and was employed for years as an E.C.G.
Technician at the Dr. E. Chalmers Hospital. Following her husband's death, Elma moved to Fredericton where she lived with her sister Gretchen. She was a member of the Greenwood Drive Baptist Church while residing in Fredericton, N.B. Elma's generosity was evident in her love of family and friends. She never went anywhere empty-handed, whether bringing cookies and treats to her grandchildren or dropping in on friends with homemade soup, a book or card. She had a zest for life, always ready to go, whether to a local yardsale or off on a trip – just let me “Grab my Hat” was her typical response. Red as well as blue were her favorite colors and she delighted in adorning her outfits with jewellery and hats. Elma will be sadly missed by her sisters, Gretchen Betts and husband Marven, Gwendolyn Tompkins; her daughter, Janice Steeves, her husband, Keith of Douglas, N.B.; her daughter, Donna Cormier, her husband, Ernie of Keswick, N.B.; her son Earl Hare, his wife, Marilyn, of Dartmouth, N.S. Grammy Elma will also be sadly missed by her nine grandchildren, Kim (Steeves) Snow, Moncton, N.B.; Terry Steeves, Henderson, Nevada; Deborah (Arnold) Clements, Dartmouth, N.S.; Danny Arnold, Ottawa, ON.; Charman (Hare) Cross, Calgary, AB. Belinda (Hare) Adams, Fort McMurray, AB.; Nicole (Hare) Murray, Dartmouth, N.S., Michele (Hare) Mobarrez, Calgary, AB.; Jason Hare, Halifax Co., N.S. and her 18 great grandchildren. A woman with an infectious personality and a big heart, Elma was blessed throughout her lifetime by the unfailing devotion of nieces, nephews & special friends, whose fellowship meant the world to her. The family wishes to express deep appreciation to them and to her special care-giver, Susan Ann Hunziker who gave beyond measure for her aunt Elma. The family also wishes to recognize the kind care, friendship and support provided by the W.G. Bishop Nursing Home Staff.
A graveside committal service for family and friends will be held Friday, July 8, 2011 at 12 noon at the Second Chipman United Baptist Cemetery, Chipman, N.B., followed by a Memorial Service Friday, July 8, 2011 at 2p.m. at the Minto Baptist Church, 124 Pleasant Drive, Minto, N.B., with Mary Thurrott officiating. Memorial tributes may be made to the Gideons or a charity of the donor's choice. www.mintofh.com