BETHEL, Grace Edna (Curtis)
Age 99, of Truro, died Monday, August 19, 2013, peacefully at home with her beloved nephew Christopher by her side. Born in Riversdale, Colchester County, on Jan. 15, 1914, she was the eldest daughter of the late Laurie Muir and Gertrude Edna (MacLean) Wright. She was a graduate of Colchester County Academy and the Victoria General Hospital School of Nursing, where she received the St. Mary’s Medal. She nursed for a short time at the Nova Scotia Sanatorium in Kentville and then at Colchester County Hospital in Truro. In 1946, she graduated from McGill University specializing in Teaching and Supervision. She returned to Truro and became Superintendent of Nurses at Colchester County Hospital. She was a very active volunteer for the Canadian Red Cross Society for 45 years, receiving a Distinguished Service Award from that organization, and served as president of the Ladies Auxiliary of Colchester County Hospital. She was a long-time adherent of St. Andrew’s United Church, Truro, and a member of St. Andrew’s U.C.W. She is survived by sisters, Margaret Harcus, Edmonton, Alberta, and Alexa E. MacKay, Halifax; brother-in-law Curtis Clarke, Truro; several nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. She was predeceased by her first husband, Merle E. Curtis, and her second husband, Harold F. Bethel; her stepdaughter Mildred Bethel; brothers, Henry, in infancy, and Dr. James R. (Jean) Wright; sisters Phyllis (Lawrence) MacKay and Ann Clarke; brothers-in-law, Jack Harcus and Dr. W. Andrew MacKay. Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 22 at Mattatall Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young St., Truro, Pastor Bruce Steeves officiating. Reception to follow. Family burial will be in Old Barns Cemetery. Family flowers only, by request. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank Dr. Frank Slipp and the staff at “Bethel General” for their excellent care and compassion. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Grace’s obituary on-line and selecting “Send A Condolence” at: www.matttatallvarnerfh.com