Wilma Alice Farrar Gibson

 Wilma Alice Farrar Gibson, of Canning, died January 28, 2017 at Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, NS. Born in Longueuil, QC on May 17, 1932, she was a daughter of the late Alice (Parsons) and William Farrar. She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Dr. Merritt Alexander Gibson, and her sister, Dianne Braitstein, formerly of Hudson, QC. Wilma is survived by her sister, Geraldine Squires of Ottawa, ON. Before moving to Nova Scotia in 1968, Wilma trained as a nurse at Montreal General Hospital, then received a teaching certificate from MacDonald College and taught in Montreal, QC and Epping, New Hampshire. Wilma had deep roots in the community. She volunteered for Girl Guides of Canada for many decades including serving on the Provincial Council, had a long commitment to the Annapolis Pony Club and represented Canning on the Kings County School Board. A keen advocate for local heritage, she was a founding member of the Fieldwood Heritage Society and the (now) Merritt Gibson Memorial Library. She was a warden and strong supporter of St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church. She loved dogs, had a habit of rescuing Airedales and Standard Poodles, and volunteered for many years for the Evangeline Kennel Club. In 2012 she received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of her contributions as a volunteer. She, with life-long friend Elizabeth Rockwell, owned and operated Bellhill Tea House and Gift Shop in Canning (1986-1998), known for excellent brunch and warm hospitality. Wilma will be deeply missed by daughter, Elizabeth, Lunenburg; son, Jamie (Tracy Horsman), Newtonville; and daughter, Glenys (Ian Paterson), Canning. A funeral service for the late Wilma Alice Farrar Gibson, followed by a reception, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2017 at Saint Michael and All Angels Church in Canning, Kings County, The Rev’d David Garrett officiating. Donations in Wilma’s memory may be made to St. Michael and All Angels Church in Canning or to a charity of your choice.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.

"You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give."

Winston Churchill