Obituary of Ruth Wagner

Ruth Louise Wagner 79, Halifax, passed away, as was her wish, at home with her family on November 25, 2007. Born in Pleasantville, she was a daughter of Amos and Annie (Rafuse) Nowe. She worked in Boston, lived in West La Have and in Halifax, for 40 years. Ruth dedicated her life to family and friends. She was a very caring and generous person. A talented cook, Ruth was happiest in her kitchen providing delicious dinners for her family and guests. Her many handicrafts were given to family and friends. Her gardens and flowers brought her great pleasure. She enjoyed classical music and she loved her card games at St. Theresa’s, St. Michael’s and the Golden Age Club. She always enjoyed a debate and freely shared her great sense of humour. Ruth gave of her time to her community. As a member of Home and School at Pentz Elementary School, she was a strong advocate for the retention of the school curriculum and safe transportation of school children. Through her efforts with the Department of Education, the Rand Report recommendation was changed so that all oncoming traffic would stop while busses picked up and dropped off school children. She was a prominent participant against a dual school system in planning for the new J.L. Illsley High School. She was a former member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Bridgewater, and a member of St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, Jollimore, teaching Sunday school there for many years. Ruth believed in the value of higher education and was very proud of her three children who graduated from Dalhousie University. She weathered life’s adversities with courage, determination and strength of character. She held dear the memory of son, Brian, who died at age 16 in 1970, and older brother, Gerald, killed in action in the the Second World War. She will be sadly missed by her husband of 56 years, Earle; daughter, Susan (David) Macdonald, Rhodes Corner; sons, Barry (Ella Cormier) Wagner, Moncton, and David Wagner (Darlene Smith), Ottawa; grandchildren, Mark Macdonald, Ottawa; Matthew Macdonald, McGill University; Jeffrey Wagner, Dalhousie University, and Jennifer Wagner, University of New Brunswick. Surviving in her immediate family are sister, Vivian (Lowell) Corkum, New Cumberland, and brother, Nelson (Lena) Nowe, Seabright. She was predeceased by brothers, Norman and Avery Nowe. A memorial service will be held at Sweeney’s Funeral Home Chapel, Bridgewater, Rev. Douglas Chard officiating, on Wednesday, November 28, at 2 p.m., with interment following in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Pentz. Family would like to receive guest at the Fairview Inn, Bridgewater following the service. No funeral home visitation by request. Guests are welcome to join family at graveside. Flowers from immediate family only. Memorial donations may be made to Abbie Lane Memorial Building, QEII, Halifax, and condolences through Sweeny’s Funeral Home at: www.sweenysfuneralhome.com