Obituary of Ileana M. 'Nanny' Barrett

BARRETT, Ileana M. 'Nanny' - 78, Lower L'Ardoise, died suddenly Monday, August 16, 2004, in the New Halifax Infirmary, with her loving family nearby. She died as she had lived, with courage and strength. Born in Dartford, Kent, England, to the late Maud (Croft) and Thomas Ellis, Ileana came to Canada in 1946 as a war bride. She worked in the L'Ardoise Co-op and the L'Ardoise Credit Union for a number of years before returning to High School in 1969 to prepare for university. She attended St. Francis Xavier University, where she obtained Bachelor's degrees in Arts and Education in order to pursue a career in teaching. She returned to L'Ardoise in 1975 to teach at the L'Ardoise Consolidated School, where she touched the lives of many young people in the community. After retiring, Nan pursued her love of gardening and creating beautiful art. She was a person of contagious optimism, good humour, enthusiasm and compassion for others and was the heart of her extended family. She is survived by her daughters, Vivian Vogt and Sandra (Lloyd) Oickle, Dartmouth; sons, Anthony (Ewa), Dartmouth; Raymond (Claudia), Point Michaud; grandchildren, Jamie Vogt, Paul (Glenda) Barrett, Dawn (Craig) Humphreys, Jodi Oickle, Martha and Kellen Barrett; great-grandchildren, Emma Vogt, Jacob and Jessica Humphreys, and Kaden Barrett; brother, Reg, Kent, England; sister, Doreen, Kent, England; many nieces, nephews and friends, both here and in England. She was predeceased by her husband, George; son, Billy; sister, Nora; brothers, Tom and Billy. Her remains have been cremated. A memorial service will be held in Holy Guardian Angels Church, L'Ardoise, on Saturday, August 21, at 10 a.m., followed by a private graveside farewell for the family. There will be no visitation by request. A reception for family and friends will take place in the L'Ardoise Community Centre after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, Arthritis Society of Nova Scotia or Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted to Haverstock's Funeral Home. Nanny delighted in being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be sadly missed by all those whose lives she touched, including her little dog, Meelo. We love you, Nan.