Obituary of Ethel Mildred Richards

RICHARDS, Ethel Mildred (Smith) - Age 88, formerly of Bridgewater, passed away peacefully at the Northwest Health Centre in High Level, Alberta, on June 21^st, 2018. Born on January 29^th, 1930 in Bear Point, she was a daughter of the late Leland and Dora (Perry) Smith.  Ethel is survived by her daughters, Kathryn (Fred) Kirby of La Crete, Alberta; and Susan Richards of High Level, Alberta; her grandsons, David Kirby of Camrose, Alberta and Geoffrey Kirby of High Level, Alberta; her brother, Morton (Marion) Williams of Liverpool; her brother-in-law, Graham (Joyce) Richards of Bridgewater; and her sisters-in-law, Dorothy Richards of Liverpool and Gloria Richards of Lunenburg.  She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family. Besides her parents, Ethel was predeceased by her husband of 57 years Sinclaire (Claire) Richards; twin sister, Ella Richards; stepmother, Edith (Douglas) Smith; brothers-in-law, Erwin Richards, Edgar Richards and Havelock (Lockie) Richards; and grand-niece Jessica Richards.

Ethel enjoyed a long and fulfilling life.  She served as an exemplary role model for her daughters, showing that it was possible, even in the 1950s and 60s, for a woman to balance family and a career. After high school, Ethel embarked upon a short stint as a teacher in rural Nova Scotia and then studied at the Victoria General School of Nursing. She derived immense satisfaction from her chosen profession and from the impact she had on many lives.  From a small outpost nursing station in rural Nova Scotia to the Queens General Hospital in Liverpool and then the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater, she earned much respect as a nurse and then nursing supervisor.  She was active in the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union throughout her career.  Together with her husband Claire, Ethel was also an active member of the Nova Scotia Campers and Hikers Association and the Seabreeze Campers Club.  They enjoyed camping in Nova Scotia and across Canada. They were also both active members of the Bridgewater Kiwanis Golden K until the last few years.  They were proud to be involved community members. An avid and skilled bowler with a competitive streak, Ethel was a member of several bowling teams over the years. Above all else, Ethel loved to spend time with her family.  She and Claire traveled to Alberta often to spend summer vacations and Christmases with their daughters and family there.  She will be missed.

Visitation will take place from 7 - 9 pm on Wednesday, June 27^th at Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am on Thursday, June 28^th at Sweeny’s Funeral Home with Rev. Richard Bristo of the Bridgewater Baptist Church officiating.   Interment of her ashes will take place at the Brookside Cemetery. Family flowers only, please.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Alzheimer Association of Canada, the Bridgewater Baptist Church or other charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com