Obituary of Margaret Rhodena Hartson
Margaret “Rhodena” White - 79, Pictou, NS, passed away peacefully December 6, 2017, in the Maritime Odd Fellows Nursing Home, Pictou. Rhodena was born July 4, 1938, in Inverness, NS. She was the daughter of the late Simon White, late Josephine (Basker) Smith, and stepfather, the late Donald Smith. She was retired from Shiretown Nursing Home. In earlier years she also worked at Hamilton's Factory and the Children's Training Center in Pictou. She is a member of the Stella Maris Church, Pictou. Rhodena moved to Pictou and settled down there, later having 5 children. She chose to live in Pictou because she said it was "God's Country", and wouldn't want to live anywhere else. She spent time with family in Cape Breton when she could, but always considered Pictou home. As her children moved on in life, having them visit home as much as they could was an exciting time for her, especially at Carnival in the summer. There was never too much company; it was just another pillow and blanket. As many times as the front door opened there was always a spot for one more. A trait she passed to her children, "The More The Merrier". She loved to travel, watch sunsets at the wharf, and loved being near the water. An opportunity to go dancing was never missed. Long walks were enjoyed with her beloved dog "Heidi-Ho". She enjoyed sitting on the back porch with tea in the evenings chatting with the neighbors and slipping up the road for a quick visit to see her long time friend Juanita. As hard as times were thought to be she could always make her laugh. She is survived by 4 of her 5 children, sons, Vernon (Darlene) Turple, Pictou; Kevin Turple, Dartmouth; daughters, Marilyn (Eric) Hemphill, Wake Forest, North Carolina; Bonnie (Robert) Turple-Kruemmel, Snow Camp, North Carolina. She was predeceased by son, John Turple, Hodson. She is also survived by her siblings, brothers, Arthur (Deanie) White, Port Hawkesbury; Gerald White, Whiteside; sister, Mary Cyrilla (James) Deveaux, Buzzard Bay, Massachusetts. She is predeceased by brothers, Robert White, Roland White, Colin White; step-brother, Melvin White Sr., sister, Christina White; step-sisters, Renda Cyr, Rose, Margaret, and Dorthy. She has 8 surviving grandchildren, Lenny Turple, Krista Clement, Sara Turple, Randy Heighton, Ashley Turple, Martin McGrath, Brandon Heighton, Morgan Turple, and 6 great grandchildren, Justin Turple, Olivia Clement, Gracie Turple, Grady Clement, Chloe Turple, & Abel Heighton. Mom always loved music. Her favorite singer was George Jones. Every time she heard his voice on the radio she took a deep breath saying, "That's My Man". His voice relaxed her. Now that you have passed on through those pearly gates, we hope that George is waiting for you singing, "Step Right Up, Come On In", and he can take you on that Grand Tour of your peaceful new home until we can join you someday. We would like to thank all the staff at the Maritime Odd Fellows Home for all their help and kindness to our mother while she was in their care. It is greatly appreciated. There will be no visitation at this time. Cremation has taken place and burial will be at a later date with her family at Seaview Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Maritime Odd Fellows Home, Pictou, The Alzheimer Society or a local SPCA.
