Obituary of Nellie Forsythe

FORSYTHE (Giffin, Hancock), Nellie Rowena – 95, of Northwood Ivany Place, Bedford, passed away in Bedford on May 13, 2014. Born in White Rock, Kings Co. on August 15, 1918, Nellie was the daughter of the late John Wesley and Mildred (Leary) Hancock. In her early years, Nellie worked in the hospitality industry, beginning at Harbourview Hotel, Smiths Cove and Campus Lodge, Wolfville, then Dooks Tearoom following a move to Halifax. During the War years, Nellie worked at Eatons and as her family grew, returned to Eatons in the Accounts office, then in the office of BD & LB Stevens Contracting and as a ward clerk at the Grace Maternity Hospital. She was a valued employee wherever she worked, bringing with her a sense of humour and a disciplined, efficient approach to her tasks. As a wife, home maker and mother, Nellie was dedicated, resourceful, and creative. She established a welcoming home with a reputation for delicious meals served, created new outfits from old using her excellent seamstress skills, ensured that her girls were aware of Maritime history and encouraged them to continue their education, was a loyal friend and supportive neighbour. Nellie was a dedicated Christian and served her Lord faithfully at West End Baptist Church as a Sunday School and Explorer Leader, member of the choir, WMS and Ladies Auxiliary. Her home was always open for Youth Groups, Hymn Sings and Quartette Practices. In later years she served in Wolfville Baptist Church. Nellie moved to Halifax and married Stanley Arthur Giffin in 1942 and is survived by their daughters Grace (Philip) Killawee, Bedford and Janice (J.J.) Walsh, Waterville; grandchildren Andrew Killawee, Matthew Killawee, Melanie Walsh (Mark Wheeler), Patrick Walsh, all of Halifax; great grandson Daylan Wheeler. Following Art’s death in 1976, Nellie moved to Wolfville and married Gordon Forsythe in 1984 and is survived by stepdaughter, Carolyn (James) Frost, Dartmouth; grandchildren, Matthew (Suzanne) Frost, Toronto, Heidi Frost, Dartmouth, Craig (Darlene) Parker, Toronto; great grandchildren, Julia and Christina Frost, Madeline and Max Parker; sister, Velma Ibsen, Dartmouth; brothers, Robie Hancock, White Rock; Eddie (Faye) Hancock, New Minas; and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Nellie was predeceased by first husband, Stanley Arthur Giffin; second husband, Gordon Forsythe; sisters, Anna, Elva, Marie; brothers, Albert, Harold, Earl. Her remains have been donated to Dalhousie University, Faculty of Medicine for Medical Science. Memorial service will be held at White Rock Baptist Church on Friday May 16 at 2 pm with Rev. David Watt officiating. Reception will follow in White Rock Community Center. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Serenity Lindsay Annapolis Valley Funeral Home, Coldbrook Chapel. (902)679-2822. Memorial donations may be made to Acadia Divinity College, Wolfville, N.S., B4P 2R6. Our thanks to the faithful staff of Lupin Hills, Ivany Place. On-line condolences may be sent by visiting: www.serenitylindsayfuneralhome.ca