GILBERT, ADEL E. - It is with a great sense of loss that the family of Adel E. Gilbert, 85, of Springhill, announces her death. She passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at the home of her daughter, “little” Adel Dorothy, in Parrsboro, surrounded by her family. Adel was born and raised in Springhill where she lived for the vast majority of her life. In 2008 she moved to Centennial Villa, Amherst and in 2011 relocated to the South Cumberland Community Care Center, Parrsboro. As a young woman, she worked in Truro at Stanfields. When she met her future husband, Reg, she returned to Springhill. Adel and Reg had four children, and since Reg worked away on tankers for Imperial Oil, Adel was left to raise them. Adel spent much of her life helping others. She made many trips taking both family and friends to the hospitals in Halifax. She also spent untold hours sitting with and nursing family and friends. Adel was a lifetime member of the Phythian Sisters, a Returning Officer for many municipal, provincial and federal elections, and for many years was the Ward 2 Captain for the Canadian Cancer Society. She also was a volunteer for the Terry Fox run. When called upon, she was always willing to bake and volunteer for the Anglican Church and various other organizations. Adel loved to cook, put down preserves, crochet and make crafts. She and Reg always looked forward to spending time at their camp in Harrison Settlement. Adel thoroughly enjoyed scooping blueberries and picking strawberries. Adel loved her family and friends; they were always welcome in her home. She taught her children the values of loyalty, independence and hard work; for that they will always be grateful. Adel is survived by her sons, David of Brantford, Ont.; John of Sussex, N.B.; daughters, Chris Patterson of Tatamagouche and Adel Dorothy of Parrsboro; grandchildren Christopher Gilbert of Brantford, Ont., Jennifer Gilbert of Hamilton, Ont., Daniel Gilbert of Montreal, Que., Timothy Gilbert of Saint John, N.B. and Katie Patterson of Leeds, England; a brother, Lawrence Joseph of Toronto, Ont. and sister Doris Gore of Orlando, Fla.; as well as many nieces and nephews. Adel was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Reg; grandson Mark Gilbert, and siblings, Peter Joseph, Ed Joseph, and Marjorie Shama. Visitation will be held 2-4, 6-8 p.m. on Sunday [January 29, 2012] at Smith’s Funeral Home, Parrsboro, where funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday [January 30, 2012]. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice. Online condolences at: www.smithsfuneralhome.com