Obituary of Reta Pauline Bolivar

BOLIVAR, Reta Pauline – It is with broken hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother, Reta Pauline Bolivar (Conrad) of Baker Settlement, age 93 on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater. Born in Branch LaHave, she was the only daughter of the late H. Lester and Bernice Leila May (Veinot) Conrad.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Surviving are her children: Bernie (Moira), Branch LaHave; Barry (Donna), Wayne (Laura), Wendy Bolivar-Wile (Mike), Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Brian), all of Baker Settlement; Shelley Bolivar-Sabean (Jeff) and Marianne Hennessey (Dan) of Bridgewater. Grandchildren: Jeff Bolivar, Sarah Bolivar (Sebastian Ferns), Teri Bolivar (Alex MacNeil), Cory Bolivar (Vanessa), Joey Hebb (Charmane), Shawn Bolivar (Lisa Collier), Tissy Meyers (Brian), Tyler Wile (Nicole), Jacob Wile (Montana Millett), Ryan Getson (Claire MacDougall), Kelsey Getson-Matthews (Duncan), Conrad Getson, Micaela, Matthew, and Marc Sabean, Alicia Grandy (Matthew), Emma and Grace Hennessey. Great-grandchildren: Bridget, Isaac, Rowan, Ethan, Chloe, Claire and Lexi Bolivar, Ivy Hebb, Paige McNutt, Claire Collier, Kayden and Kaia Getson. Besides her parents, Reta was predeceased by her husband, Norman St. Clair Bolivar; brothers, Delmer, Elmer and Harold Conrad.

Mom went to work at a young age caring for children and working at the Railroad Restaurant in Bridgewater. Family, home, and community meant the world to Mom and once married she focused her energy on raising her seven children. When we were young, the phrase “stay-at-home-mom” didn’t exist. It was usual for women to stay home with the children while their husbands worked. But even by the standards of the time, Mom was an exceptional mother. She cared deeply for her family and neighbours and was only a phone call away for anyone who needed help.  She did not do this out of obligation, but because of who she was. Mom eventually returned to work at Getson’s store where she made many lifetime friends.

Our mother was happiest spending time with her family and was always a positive and encouraging presence. She attended countless suppers, sporting events, ice cream trips, political conferences—anything that her family members had going on. Mom enjoyed her drives “over home” – Branch LaHave and “down to the cove” – Vogler’s Cove. She loved her grandchildren to the moon and back! The devotion, commitment, and dedication that she shared with her children and their spouses, easily extended, and expanded to include her 18 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Her gentleness, strength and resilience were constants throughout her life. How blessed we were to have her as our mother and grandmother. She was the best Mom, Grammie, and Ice Cream Grammie—ever!

Mom was involved in many organizations over the years and volunteered her time generously including being instrumental in annual July 1st strawberry suppers. She served as the President of the Baker Settlement Fire Department Ladies’ Auxiliary from its inception in 1981 until the amalgamation of the fire departments in 2013; the first president of the Newcombville Elementary Home and School Association; active member of Saint Luke's Lutheran Church serving as Treasurer and singing in the choir; canvasser for the Heart & Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society, active volunteer at blood donor clinics and  many other organizations that needed support. Mom was also involved in the Rebekah Lodge holding many positions and the Lunenburg West PC Women's Association.

Visitation for family and friends will be 6-8 p.m., Monday, September 11 in Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater. Funeral service will be held 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 12 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 25 Phoenix Street, Bridgewater. Rev. Willis Ott and Rev. Paul Jensen, officiating. Following the committal at Baker Settlement Cemetery there will be a reception at Newcombville Fire Hall. Flowers from the family only, donations may be made to the Baker Settlement and District Community Hall, Tri-District Fire Department or Baker Settlement Cemetery. On-line condolences and messages may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.

Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Thibodeau and the 3rd floor medical staff at the South Shore Regional Hospital for their support and compassion during this difficult time. A special thanks to Amy and Valerie for all the care and friendship you provided to Mom.

Mom, you created a legacy that will last a lifetime for each and every one of us. Rest easy Mom, we got it from here – you taught us well!