Obituary of Madeline Walker

Walker, Madeline Helen - 89, of Upper Granville, passed away October 12, 2012, in Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Middleton after a courageous and inspiring battle with cancer. Her laughter, generosity and enjoyment of decorating and celebrating will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Born on July 21, 1923 in New Ross, she was the eldest daughter of the late Harold and Verna (Swinimer) Reeves. During her early working career she was employed at Moir's Chocolates and The Nova Scotian Hotel in Halifax. After studying at the Normal Collage in Truro, she later taught in mostly one room schoolhouses in rural areas including Lake Ramsey, New Russell, Ironbound Island, Lavell, Granville Centre, and Belleisle. Known for her beautiful gardens, both flower and vegetable, Madeline also loved playing 45's, watching politics and curling, making "New Ross" wreaths, quilting, crocheting and taking a variety of creative courses including ceramics, rug hooking, caning and furniture refinishing which meant that many friends, neighbors and family benefited from her expertise and gifts. With Mel, her husband and partner of over fifty years, she danced with the Riverside Square Dancing Group and was always known for her stylish outfits and her toe tapping enjoyment of country music. Over the years she participated in many community activities including teaching Sunday School and holding active membership in the ACW at St. Mary's Anglican Church in Belleisle, Bridgetown's Coffee League Bowling, Bridgetown's Senior Lawn Bowling Association, Bridgetown Cider Bells, later known as the Lunch Divas, the Upper Granville Women's Institute (chartered member for over 30 years), and was a strong supporter and avid member of the Progressive Conservative Association. Madeline is survived by sons, Morris (Anne Pollett), Upper Granville, Harold "Hal", Kingston and Randy (Kim), Bridgewater; daughter, Renee Walker, Windsor; beloved grandchildren, Michelle and Nicole Latta, Dustin, Kyle and Rebecca Walker, Anthony and Sabrina Corradini; sisters, Elsie French, New Hampshire, Pansy Hiltz, Forties, Elva Bezanson, Maitland; brother, Oran Reeves, New Ross. She was predeceased by, husband, Melvin Ambrose Walker; brothers, Clifford Reeves, Courtney Reeves, Basil Reeves, Maurice Reeves, Percy Reeves. Visitation will be held 7-9 pm Friday, October 19, in the Kaulbach Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Bridgetown. A funeral service will be held 2 pm, Saturday, October 20, 2012, in St. James Anglican Church, Bridgetown, with Rev. Joel Hardy officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Anglican Church Cemetery, and a reception will then be held in her Upper Granville home. A special "Thank-you" to the V.O.N. and Palliative Care Service of Annapolis County who provided wonderful care and support. Family flowers only. Donations in memory may be sent to St. Mary's Anglican Church, Canadian Cancer Society and Victorian Order of Nurses. On line condolences may be made at www.kaulbachfamilyfuneralhome.com As her vibrant light dims, her legacy of having a strong work ethic, exuding hope and faith, living life to its fullest, always willing to share food, laughter and a hearty game of cards will be passed down through her extended family.