Obituary of Myrtle Ruth Taylor

Myrtle Ruth Taylor

Formerly of Barss Corner, Lunenburg County, passed away peacefully at Sheldrake Lodge, Hubley, on May 26, 2024, at the age of 108. She was born on October 22, 1915, the second daughter of Frank T. Carver and Elva Mae Wentzel of Baker Settlement, Lunenburg County. She was proud to have been one of the first two Grade XII graduates of Bridgewater High School. She attended Provincial Normal College, Truro and began a long teaching career in various schools in Lunenburg County, beginning in Union Square and ending at New Germany Rural High School teaching Grade VII English. She was known as the “Blueberry Lady“, for her thriving U-pick blueberry field which she operated until the age of 106.

Myrtle was devoted to her family and was always ready to help when needed. Her greatest joys were visiting and having visits from family and friends. She was an active organizer and supporter of local community events and organizations. Myrtle, several of her sisters, and her “Golden Girls” friends didn’t miss many community suppers. She was honoured to have received an Honorary Lifetime Membership from the Women’s Institutes of Nova Scotia. Myrtle had a life-long love of reading and enjoyed audio books until her passing. She was always busy with a large vegetable garden, pruning, fertilizing, and harvesting blueberries, packing her stove and furnace wood for the winter with the help of grandchildren and local youth, baking bread and cookies, knitting work socks, and sewing and gifting handmade quilts to her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed travels across Canada, to the United States, Great Britain, and Europe. A highlight for her was a float plane tour of the Yellowknife area at the age of 95.

She attributed her longevity to a life well-lived, eating wholesome, farm-grown food and always getting a good night’s sleep. Barss Corner was her much loved home for 75 years. The community fully supported her in her later years, enabling her to live independently until the age of 106. She often said that she would not have been able to live alone without her wonderful family, neighbours, and friends.

She is survived by her children, Ralph and wife Eleanor Taylor, Ruth and husband Réal Samson; grandchildren, John Taylor (Lynn MacKenzie), David Taylor (Monte Gannon), Catherine Foster, Karen (Chris) McCarthy, Nancy Taylor Fitzgerald (Ian Fitzgerald), Lynn (Bill) de Jager, Susan Taylor (Brian Currie), Melanie (Colin) Macintyre, Joël Samson (Caterina Vetencourt); 18 great grand-children; 10 great great-grandchildren; siblings, Hiram (Ruth) Carver, and Catherine Alford; and special canine companion, Safire. She was predeceased by her parents; first husband, Clarence MacKay; second husband, McLearn Taylor; son Robert and daughter-in-law Hyacinth Taylor; siblings, Mary Judge, Barbara Penney, Grace Corkum and Frank Carver.

The family wish to extend special thanks to everyone at Sheldrake Lodge, Hubley for their compassionate and loving care of Mom over the past 2.5 years.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at the Barss Corner Baptist Church, Barss Corner at 2 pm, with Reverend Sam Jess officiating. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. Reception to follow at the Barss Corner Community Hall.

Family flowers only. Donations may be made to ElderDog Canada Lunenburg Pawd, Barss Corner Community Hall, Barss Corner Baptist Church, or charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 4895 Highway 10, New Germany.

Online condolences and donations may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.