GRAHAM, Alta Marie – 64, Truro, passed away peacefully, following a courageous and inspirational battle with cancer, on Saturday afternoon, January 18, 2014, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born February 14, 1949, in Sefferensville, Lunenburg County, she was a daughter of the late James and Bernice (Swinimer) Hughes. Alta worked at Stanfield’s for over 30 years from where she had to retire due to ill health. At one time, she was president of Stanfield’s Bowling League. She loved to bake and was famous for her mincemeat pies that she made the way her mother always did. A true family woman, Alta treated everyone she met with the same love, care and affection as her own family. She was a true character, never afraid to make someone laugh, but never wanted to be the centre of attention. Alta is survived by her husband, Lloyd; daughter, Vicki-Lynn (Tim) O’Brien, Truro; grandchildren, Jonathan McCabe, Morgan O’Brien; brother, Robert Hughes (Angela Starratt), Bible Hill; sisters-in-law, Linda Metlin-Hughes, Carol Hughes, Bible Hill; Bev Power, Bass River; brother-in-law, Alfred Martin, Truro; several nieces and nephews; her “kids” at Cedarstone and many special friends who were with her every step of the way. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters, Juanita Martin, Sally in infancy; brothers, Vernon Hughes, Fontaine Hughes, George Hughes, Carl Hughes. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Robert Graham, Palliative Care Unit at Colchester East Hants Health Centre and Colchester East Hants Hospice Society for their care and support. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Alta’s family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, January 23, 2014, and funeral service 2 p.m., Friday, January 24, 2014, Reverend Brian DeLong officiating. Reception will follow in Masonic Lodge, Pictou Road, Bible Hill. Interment will be held at a later date in Bible Hill Cemetery. Family flowers only. If so desired, donations in Alta’s memory to Colchester East Hants Hospice Society or VON are welcomed. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Alta’s obituary on-line and selecting “Send A Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com