Obituary of Alma Lenora Hiltz

Alma Lenora Hiltz River John With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mother, Alma Lenora Hiltz of River John. She passed away peacefully on May 16, 2021 in Glen Haven Manor at the age of 91. Born on Dalhousie Mountain in 1930 she was a daughter of the late Earle Patriquin and Libby (Patriquin) Fraser. Alma grew up in Diamond/West Branch and moved to River John when she married Freeman Hiltz in 1949. She spent her entire life in this community until poor health necessitated her move to a care facility. She and Freeman raised six children together and as their family grew, Alma took an active role in the lives of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She instilled the importance of family and caring for and about each other. This is evidenced by the strong bonds that exist today within the Hiltz family. She so enjoyed family get togethers, birthdays, and parties of any kind (and especially if there was music and pie). She will be remembered with love and will be so missed by all her family. Alma was a homemaker all her life. She enjoyed baking, was a superb pickle maker, and had a particular fondness for coconut cream pie. She enjoyed shopping and was always on the lookout for new clothes and purses (even if someone else was wearing them). Her hobbies included knitting and playing cards. Music was part of her soul. Country, gospel and old time fiddle music were among her favorites. The years she spent confined to a wheelchair never prevented her feet from dancing at the sound of a fiddle. She also loved flowers and decorated the interior of her home with pots of geraniums and other house plants. Many a "slip" came home with her from visits to neighbors, to be nurtured and then repotted. Alma is survived by daughters, Doris (Ernest Heighton), River John; Florence (the late Clayton Dunphy), Tatamagouche; and Lois Gratto (Wayne Ritchie), Eastern Passage; son, Keith Hiltz (Eleanor) Poplar Hill; eleven grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren and six great-great- grandchildren; brother, Gerald Patriquin (Mary), Burlington Ontario; sister, Helen Patriquin, Halifax; sister-in-law, Virginia Patriquin, Scotsburn; and son-in-law, Keith Cameron, Mount Thom. She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Freeman Hiltz, son, Allen; daughter, Linda Cameron; sons-in-law, Ken Gratto and Clayton Dunphy; brother, Ernie Patriquin; infant brother, Donald; and great grandson, Sawyer. The family wishes to acknowledge the staff of 2nd floor, Glen Haven Manor for the outstanding care and support afforded to our mother. Words are inadequate to express our thanks to this exceptional group of people. If so desired, memorial donations may be made to Glen Haven Manor, 739 East River Road, New Glasgow, NS B2H 5E9. A public graveside service will take place Saturday at 2 PM Saturday in Mountain Road Cemetery, River John.