Obituary of Marguerite Shiach

SHIACH (Smith), Marguerite "Rita" - 87, Dartmouth. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Rita, on the morning of February 18, 2008. She was born in Dundee, Scotland, on May 1, 1920. Rita passed away peacefully in Dartmouth General Hospital following a period of prolonged illness. She was a daughter of the late Frederick and Margaret (Keith) Smith. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Harry Wargent Shiach (originally of Elgin, Scotland); daughters, Nancy Macdonald of Cole Harbour and Beverley (Douglas) Mader of Mandeville, La.; brother, Raeburn Smith of Falkirk, Scotland; grandchildren, Amanda and Duncan Macdonald, at home, and Stephen, Jennifer, and Jonathan Mader in Louisiana; several nieces and nephews in the United Kingdom. Rita was predeceased by her one year old infant son, Harry Keith Simpson Shiach, and older brother, Frederick Smith. Rita was called up to the British Army and trained as an electrician for the Auxiliary Territorial Service (A.T.S.) from 1942-1945. She met her true love in Gainsborough, England; they married June 30, 1944, where-after Harry left on a troopship for two years service in Italy and Austria. Looking for greater opportunities after the war, Rita and Harry immigrated to London, Ont., in 1951. This is where she started her family and her business of hairdressing. The family was transferred to Halifax in December of 1973 and remained there until 1978 when they were transferred back to Waterloo, Ont., until Harry's retirement in 1983, when they retired to West LaHave. During retirement, Rita spent her summers in LaHave with her family and her winters strolling New Smyrna Beach with her husband in Florida. Rita had a warm inviting smile and she was quick to make you a cup of tea. She had a talent for needlework, knitting, cooking, and enjoyed music, laughter and dance - all things Scottish. She was cared for at home by Northwood Home Care and the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) to which the family is grateful. Cremation has taken place and a service will follow at a later date and all are welcome to attend. Donations in memory can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or Victorian Order of Nurses. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at: www.coleharbourfuneral.com