Obituary of Florence Margaret Hiltz

Florence Margaret Hiltz (Nixon) 79, Bridgewater, NS, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on February 2nd at the South Shore Regional Hospital after a brief illness. Florence “Dit”, born in Berwick, NS, June 15, 1933, was a daughter of the late Spurgeon and Margaret (Baltzer) Nixon. In her early years, Florence worked with Maritime Tel & Tel as a Service Representative, and after taking a break with her young family, became employed part-time with MacKay’s Pharmacy, eventually working at Dawson Memorial Hospital, now South Shore Regional Hospital, retiring in 1995. Florence was an active individual and involved in sports and music for much of her life. She enjoyed playing hockey and softball and in her adult life was involved in recreational Ladies softball under the coaching expertise of her husband, Grant. She became involved with the Bridgewater Figure Skating club supporting her girls, as a member of the executive, and eventually becoming Club President for several years. After retiring, she took up the game of curling at age 65 with her husband and also loved to watch the game. As a young lady she was an accomplished vocalist, performing at various music festivals throughout the province and had the opportunity to attend a Baptist Youth Fellowship Conference in Wisconsin at 18 years of age. She continued to sing as a young mother and was involved in the church choir, directed the Junior Choir and was a member of the hospital chorus productions for Bridgewater. She loved spending time out of doors. Family camping was always enjoyed in the summer and working in the yard and with her gardens, served as her favorite pastime. She was extremely proud of her flower and vegetable gardens and was always planting something new each year. She loved to be able to share her vegetables with her children and others she thought would enjoy. She always looked forward to spring and the return of her beloved swallows to the bird houses made by her late husband Grant. In the summer Mom loved to watch the humming birds visit the feeders and planters on the back deck. Mom was witty, spontaneous, had a great sense of humor and always enjoyed a good joke. She was the loving mother to Shelley (Jeffrey) Crouse, Bridgewater; Gale (Derek) Lohnes, Clearland; and Carla (Jody) Crawford NacKawic, NB. Some of her happiest moments were hearing from and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Adored by grandchildren Lisa (Josh) MacKenzie, Amy Acker (Carson Butts), Emma and Holly Lohnes, Connor and Liam Crawford. Step grandchildren, Darrell (Kathleen) Crouse, Brandon ( Gillian) Crouse and Cole (Kala) Crouse. Great grandchildren Camdin and Parker, and step-great grandchildren, Spencer, Ella, Eden, Hunter, Deacon and Jayden. She is also survived by sisters, Joan, Judy, Patricia, Linda (Ronnie) Davidson, Berwick; and Nancy (Willie) Arenburg, Berwick; brother Spurgeon “Junior” (Anne), Barrie ONT; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, sisters Jean, Janet and Mary, brother Gordon and beloved husband of 48 years Grant Hiltz, in 2005. A special thank you to Dr. Everette Weagle, for unwavering compassionate care over the years, the emergency department and medical floor staff of South Shore Regional Hospital, Pastor Eric Campbell and the paramedics from EHS. We also wish to express a heartfelt thank you to Jeri Zinck for her professional and personal care for us and mom during that brief time. Funeral service to be held Wednesday February 6, 2013 at 2 p.m. from Sweeny’s Funeral Chapel, Bridgewater, officiated by Reverend Eric Campbell. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 5, 2013 from 7 to 9 p.m. Private family burial at Brookside Cemetery following the service, family flowers only. Reception will follow the service at the Hiltz home. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Bridgewater Music Festival, or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be made at www.sweenysfuneralhome.com. We love you and will miss you; always you will be in our hearts. We have great comfort knowing once again you will be with Dad.