Obituary of Mary Bell Reid

REID, Mary B. River John With a tremendous sense of loss we announce the passing of Mary Bell Reid on March 19, 2022 in her ninetieth year at her home in River John. She was the only daughter of the late D. MacKay ‘Kay’ and Lillian (Reid) Ross. Predeceased by her daughters, Marilyn and Beverly; brother, David ‘Junior’; sister-in-law, Barbara (Eagles) Ross and special cousin, Marion Collie. Mary is survived by a younger brother, John (Louise), Delta, BC; as well as nieces and nephews. She leaves behind to mourn her daughter, Linda, Ottawa, ON; niece, Kelly Milton, Ottawa, ON; nephews, Scott Milton, St. Stephen, NB and Mark Milton, Jacksonville, NB; son-in-law, Robert Patriquin, Cape John NS. Her passing marks the end of a life well lived. Mary was born and raised in River John with a short displacement to Moncton during the war years. In her teens, Mary was the Maid of the Waves in a pageant in Pictou. After a year at Mount Allison University, she married Everett Reid and raised their three daughters on the farm in Bigney. In 1972, she graduated from the Nova Scotia Teachers College and began her teaching career in the one room school at The Falls, moving the next year to Tatamagouche Elementary School, from where she would retire in 1994. In 1989, Mary went to Australia for a one-year teaching exchange with Alan McCoy in Melbourne. She traveled widely in the region, visiting New Zealand, Tasmania, Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. Upon her return, Mary settled in her mother’s house in River John, eventually transforming the yard into a pretty tree-filled garden. From 2002 to 2005, Mary welcomed guests to the house under the name of “Brambles”, a bed and breakfast. Between 2005 and 2011, Mary traveled, visiting Europe twice and joining a tour of Utah, Colorado and South Dakota. In recent years, Mary tended to her garden and her bird feeders and cared for homeless cats and wildlife. Mary was passionate about conserving mainland moose, Sable Island horses and Nova Scotia forests. She was a supporter of Hope for Wildlife, the Nature Conservancy and the World Wildlife Fund. The sound of her voice, her laugh and her smile will be greatly missed. Thanks to the Victorian Order of Nurses and compassionate homecare workers for making it possible for her to stay in her home. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou. A funeral service will be held at St. George’s Presbyterian Church in River John on Saturday, March 26 at 2 PM with Reverend Enjei Achah officiating. Masks are recommended. Reception to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA or the Canadian Cancer Society.