It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our mother, Anne Gertrude BAXTER, AGE 95 of Purl Brook, Antigonish County, who passed away peaceful at home, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, November 19, 2014. Mom was born in the beautiful North East Margaree, Inverness County on August 6, 1919. She was the daughter of the late Donald and Mary (Phillips) Etheridge. Mom moved to Antigonish in her late teens to help an aging aunt and uncle on their farm in Purl Brook. It was here where she met her husband, Lawrence and raised her family of five children. Mom was a devoted and loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, and a "special" grandmother, great-grandmother and great great-grandmother. She was a gentle, soft-spoken lady, who lived a very quiet life. She worked very hard all her life to care and support her family. Her life was not without challenges, but her strong faith in the Lord, determination, resourcefulness, sense of humour and "no nonsense" attitude to life kept her well-grounded. Mom was an avid reader and did beautiful quilts and handiwork before the deterioration of her eyesight. She had a passion for cooking and baking and any who were fortunate to sit at her table received a hot delicious meal, with all the trimmings. Despite her failing eyesight in later years, she was still able bake her favourite recipes from memory. Her green thumb was exceptional; she could put a bouquet together that would be the envy of any florist and she took great enjoyment working in her flower beds. Birds flocked to her feeders and she took great pleasure in the fact that they would land on her hand for food.
Mom maintained her independence, and was able to live in the peaceful surroundings of her own home, with the love and support of her great grandson Shawn.
Mom will be forever remembered by her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren as a fun, loving, grandmother, who always greeted them with a smile and a hug. A visit from any of them, regardless of whether it was for a few minutes, a few hours or a day, was instant sunshine to her day. They were all very special to her and she was proud of them all.
She was a member of St. James United Church. Mom worked as baker at Adams Bakery, Antigonish, doing work that she enjoyed, where she continued to work until her retirement.
After a short period in hospital, mom returned home to spend her last days in the comfort of her own home. It was our privilege to care for her during her illness and our honor to call her Mom and Nanny.
She is survived by her children, son Ralph (Mary), Purl Brook; Marilyn (Brian) Landry, Beaver Bank; Marcia (David) Rhynold, Purl Brook; great-grandson Shawn (at home); grandchildren, Cheryl, Chris, Kim, Jeff, Lisa, Jane, Ethel, Marie, Edward, Danielle, and 15great grandchildren and 4great great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Abigail Ingraham, Lower Truro, NS, Lyla MacPhee, Brookfield, NS, Rena Jelic, Oliver, BC; and brother, Harry Etheridge, Middle River, NS.
Besides her husband Lawrence, she was predeceased by sons Douglas and Lawrence (Lorne), and daughter-in-law Beverly, granddaughter Patricia (in infancy) and grandson David Martin (in infancy). Mom was also predeceased by her siblings, sisters, Josephine Miller, Rosamond Wilson, Sarah Williams, Yvonne Lyons and brother Thomas Etheridge.
A special thank you to Dr. Marlene Furhman, Dr. Mike MacKenzie, Francis Chisholm, Reverend Peter Smith, Sister Catherine MacGillivary, and VON, who provided comfort and care during her short illness.
Visitation will be in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish on Saturday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Funeral will be held in St. James United Church on Sunday at 2 pm with Reverend Peter Smith presiding. Burial in St. James/St. Paul Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit, St. Martha’s Regional Hospital or Red Cross (Antigonish Branch). Family flowers only please.
Online condolences: www.clcurry.com