Rebecca "Becky" Anne Lightfoot

In Loving Memory of Rebecca ‘Becky’ Anne Lightfoot

May 23, 1953 - July 11, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Rebecca ‘Becky’ Anne Lightfoot (née Gordon) on July 11, 2026, following a valiant battle with dementia. 

Born in New Glasgow on May 23, 1953, she was the eldest of eight children born to the late Arnold and Joyce (MacDonald) Gordon. Becky’s childhood as part of the Gordon clan was filled with camping trips to Maine, family picnics at Iona Park, and Christmas mornings waiting patiently on the stairs for her dad to give the all-clear, all while assuming the traditional responsibilities of the eldest daughter. 

Becky graduated from Nova Scotia Teachers College in 1974, and truly found her calling in the profession. Teaching is what brought her to the Annapolis Valley, where she secured her first job at L.E. Shaw Elementary School, later transferring to Glooscap Elementary School. Over her thirty-eight-year career, she built a reputation for being "firm, but fair". She cared immensely for her students, ensuring they felt seen, heard, valued, and loved. 

Becky and Laurie met in 1977, married in 1979, and settled in Canning to build their life and start a family. She was actively involved in the Canning & District Lionettes, and later the Canning & District Lions Club, where she held several prominent positions. Becky also served as a staff liaison of the Glooscap Home and School Association for many years, helping to organize fundraisers supporting student learning and enrichment. 

Becky loved her family immensely, fully embracing her role as wife and mother. She taught her children to value family, hard work, community, generosity, and the joys of a humble life. She relished summertime vacations spent at the Pictou County family cottage, getting lost in a good Mary Higgins Clark novel, kitchen-table coffees and chats, doting on the family cats, Reitmans shopping sprees, and nightly phone calls with her Mom and sisters. She never missed an activity, sport, or ceremony her kids were involved in, always celebrating their successes and cheering them on as their number one fan. She was an equally amazing grandmother, and cherished every moment with her grandchildren. 

In the early years of their retirement, Becky and Laurie became seasoned travelers. They explored England, Scotland, New York, and various locations in the Maritimes, with a final, special trip to California to visit niece Lisa and her family. 

Despite facing a heartbreaking dementia diagnosis in 2021, Becky continued to pour everything she could into her family. Even in her final days, those closest to her never doubted the immense love she felt for each of them.

Becky will be deeply missed by her loving, devoted husband of 46 years, Laurie; daughter Tasha Danttouze (Tim); son Todd Lightfoot (Jane); and beloved grandchildren, Ronin and Willow Danttouze. 

She is also survived by sisters Cindy MacLeod, Esther DiFabio (Rocco), Bonnie Curtis (Wayne); brother Donnie Gordon (Kim); sisters-in-law Ethel Ells, Brenda Pryor (Rick), Suzanne Gordon; brother-in-law Shane Leadbeater; and a wonderful abundance of nieces, nephews, and extended family. 

In addition to her parents, Becky was predeceased by brothers Arnold ‘Ginner’ and Kenny Gordon; sister Linda Leadbeater; brothers-in-law Hughie MacLeod and Gary Ells; and grandson Milo Danttouze. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Targett and the staff at Evergreen Home for Special Care for their compassion and support over the last few months. We also extend a special thank you to Jacqueline Green, NP, and Jennifer Boswall, Continuing Care Coordinator, for their guidance in navigating care options in the later stages of Becky’s illness. Finally, we send love and gratitude to Sheri Atwell and Heather King, whose laughter, treats, company, and friendship meant so much to Becky over the last year. 

A Celebration of Life for Becky will be held on Sunday, July 26 at the Canning & District Lions Club, 1000 Seminary Avenue, Canning, from 1-4 pm. Those in attendance who wish to speak and share memories of Becky will be invited to do so during the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Becky’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or the breakfast program at Glooscap Elementary School. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. Online condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.

"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure."