Obituary of Alta Olive Raynard

Alta Olive Raynard 76 – Bridgewater, formerly of Raynardton, Yarmouth County, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2010 at the Fisherman’s Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg after a 2 year battle with Breast Cancer. Born in Island Falls, Maine, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Leta Chute. Alta liked her new home at Drumlin Hills Apartments in Bridgewater moving there in spring of 2009 after being diagnosed with breast cancer. However, she had spent over 30 years living in her own home high on Lilac Hill, Raynardton, Yarmouth Co. enjoying the wonderful views of Lake Vaughn. While living there she had been a very active member with the Lake Vaughn Fire Departments Women’s Auxiliary and enjoyed cooking and baking along with her sister in laws and neighbours for their many fundraisers. She was also a member of the Ladies “Friendly Neighbours Club” in the Raynardton area and enjoyed raising money to help neighbours in need. She especially liked the sharing and friendship of the group and also her many secret pals over the years. Nothing pleased Alta more than a good game of cards such as Sixty-threes, Hearts or Hand and Foot Canasta being her favourites. She was very good at cribbage and especially enjoyed playing a good game against her son and grandsons. At Drumlin Hills, Bridgewater she was a regular at Coffee time in the mornings and Cards in the evenings. She was a very social person and enjoyed a good story or conversation. The things her family will especially remember and miss are “Grammy’s French Toast”. A Grammy specialty loving made whenever she visited, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas mornings; her Lobster Chowder she prepared on Christmas Eve; peanut butter fudge and numerous batches of Chocolate chip cookies; her caring heart, free hugs and listening ear. Alta loved crafting with such things as wood working, painting, braiding rugs, carving and this past year started her first rug hooking project. She was truly a kindred spirit and kind soul and will truly be missed by her family and dear friends. She is survived by her son John Chalupowski and wife Kathy, grandsons Luke, Mark and John-Paul (J.P.) and Great grand-daughter Ava. Also survived by her sisters, Norma Smith and Elizabeth Chute, nieces and nephews, Massachusetts. She was predeceased by her husband Ralph Raynard; grandson, Matthew Chalupowski; sister Alberta Spaulding and brother Larry. In keeping with her wishes cremation has taken place under the direction of Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater. Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 20 in Raynardton Free Baptist Church, Raynardton, Yarmouth County, Pastor Eric Whitehouse officiating. Burial will follow at Tusket Cemetery, Tusket. Flowers accepted. Memorial donations in Alta’s name may be made to the Lake Vaughn Fire Department, Canadian Cancer Society, or charity of your choice. . Online condolences can be sent to her family at email address: altasfamily@gmail.com. .