Gow – Mary Henrietta “Etta”, age 91, of Liverpool, Queens County, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2018 at Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Etta was born on November 1, 1926 in Louisburg, Nova Scotia, the second daughter of Annie (Fader) and Charles Dickson. She graduated from Victoria General Nursing School, Halifax in 1948. Her first nursing job took her to Grand-Mere, Quebec, where she met Gordon Gow. Gordie and Etta were married in Ottawa in 1952 and lived the first years of their married life in Varennes, Quebec, where Jim and Heather were born. They moved to Brooklyn, N.S. in 1957 and a few years later to Liverpool. Soon after expanding their family to include Pamela and Sherri, Etta started nursing at Queens General Hospital, where she eventually served for many years as Director of Nursing until her retirement in 1986.
Etta will be fondly remembered for her love of life. She was a free thinking woman with a keen sense of adventure and an eagerness to try new things. Her positive and vivacious spirit very often made her the life of the party. Rumor has it that she once danced the highland fling on a picnic table and she was known to have ignited at least one or two impromptu campfires on her front lawn – she was no stranger to a glass of scotch! She was a loving and caring person, enjoyed spending time with friends and was always up for big gatherings of all sorts. Everyone felt welcome in her home. She thoroughly enjoyed playing cards and board games. Whether it was a game of Backgammon with Gordie, a riotous game of Mexican Train with friends and family or a game of bridge with the ladies at Bridge Club, her competitive side shone through, but always in fun and with lots of laughter. She was an avid ice hockey fan with a particular attachment to “big” Jean Beliveau captain of her favourite hockey team – the Montreal Canadiens. Etta enjoyed getting “gussied up” and going out to “live it up a little”. She loved singing and dancing with Gordie and oh, how they could harmonize and glide across the dance floor! In her retirement, Etta and Gordie were regulars on the golf course at White Point Golf Club and they enjoyed traveling, especially cruising. For many years she was an avid quilter, enjoying both the creative and social aspects of quilting (the annual quilters’ retreat in Caledonia was always a good time!) and making all her daughters and granddaughters a quilt.
Throughout her life Etta was active in the community. In her youth she was a Gold Cord Girl Guide; as an adult she served as Girl Guide District Commissioner for Queens County. She was a member of the Curling Club, a chorus member in The Winds of Change productions, and for many years a member of the Kinsmen and Kinettes.
She was predeceased by her husband Gordie; her sisters, Beatrice and Marguerite and her brother Charles.
She is survived by her children: Jim Gow, Heather (Robin) MacGregor, Pam (Dave) Gow-Boyd, Sherri (Gerry) Murney. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and her cat Lily.
The family would like to thank the staff at Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home for their kind and gentle care. A Private Family Service will be held at Trinity Anglican Cemetery, Liverpool; a celebration of Etta’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the SPCA. Etta loved her cats! Condolences may be offered through www.chandlersfuneral.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Gow; Mary Henrietta “Etta”
Print Obituary & Condolences
Carla whynot
Sherri, Pam, heather and Jim….
So shocked to see this. I felt a part of my childhood has passed. A second Mom and Girl Guide Leader. The many days and nights spent at your home…Pam and I loved to go grocery shopping with her. She was the best! My sincere condolences are sent to you all. Always in my thoughts and prayers.
Carla MacIsaac Whynot
Walter and Sherri Miller
Ago all of Etta’s family:
It is so sad to read of Etta’s passing.She was a great person whom we have known for many years.As you say she loved a good time.I worked with her at QGH quite a few years ago,She was a fantastic nurse. She will certainly be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.Our condolences to all the family at this difficult time.
JP Hadskis
Condolences from the Hadskis family.Etta will be very fondly remembered by many.
Karen Crouse and Lloyd Skinner
To Etta’s family: Sincere sympathy to you on the passing of a wonderful lady. We knew her through activities with the Bowater Mersey Band and Kinsmen and Kinettes. She it was a joy to be in her company .
Wanda Dickson
Dear Jim, Heather, Pam and Sherri, my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beautiful mother. I remember her visits here in Cape Breton.when I was a child, and especially her infectious laugh. My heart is broken for you all. Much love Wanda Dickson
Doug Winters
To all of Etta,s family,
Our deepest condolences on the loss of such a vital lady. She will be missed by so many.
Sincerely,
Dot and Doug
Norma Cameron-Whynot
Sincere condolences to Etta’s family from her neighbors who lived down the hall.Etta loved to laugh and Joce would have her in ” stitches ” on many days.May your memories bring comfort and peace.
Gail Tutty
Worked with her played with her she did both very well. My sincere condolences to all the Gow family. Regardless of the circumstances it is never easy Gail.
Basil and Heather Giffin
Wonderful lady and fond memories of a nice neighbour
Enid MacKay
To all of Etta’s family
Please accept my sincere sympathy on your loss.
I knew her from work at QGH also from our neighborhood.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
.Enid
Cheryl and Bill Bouges
Pam and family,
Sorry to hear about your Mom. Deepest sympathy to you and your whole family. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Cheryl and Bill Bouges
Lois A Pretty
As a new nurse in the mid 1960’s I worked with Etta at Queens General in Liverpool
I remember her fondly as a mentor to me
Her obituary describes her exactly as I remember her
Lois A Pretty nee Shields
Peter &Joanie Davies
Sorry to read of Etta’s passing, sending our sincere condolences to all her family, hugs and comfort of a life well lived.
Nancy Dobson
To Etta’s family,my love and sympathy,I was so sorry to hear of Etta’s passing,she was such a good friend and I have many happy memories of our times together.
Evie
Sorry for your loss. So many good memories with your family over the years. The Boxing Day get togethers were always great fun with Etta and Gordie as hosts. She always made things fun! Sincerely, Barrie & Evie Clark
Suzanne Adamkowski
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Indeed always felt welcome at her place, and an especially fond memory is making chocolate chip cookies.
XO Suzanne (Sigston)
Kim Masland, MLA
To Etta’s Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
May your memories give you peace and comfort.
Sincerely,
Andy and Kim Williams
We only met Etta twice when we were looking to buy her home. She was a lovely lady with a twinkle in her eye. We keep hearing wonderful stories from locals and always when asked where we live say The Gow House and they know exactly where we are with a smile. Our thoughts with all the family.
Mrs Debbie Freeman Carrier
Etta I will always remember you . I first met you down to my Mom’s, Marg Freeman, when she did your hair . You are a wonderful lady . May you rest in peace my dear . RIP. I love you . xxoo.
John and Nancy Leefe
We are so sorry to learn of Etta’s passing. She was a great friend and neighbour who gave generously of herself to her friends and community. She loved life and made the most of it. We shall always remember Etta with fondness and a smile.
John and Nancy
Gloria Millar
Sherri,Pam Heather and Jim:Please accept our sincere sympathy in the death of your Mother.We have such fond memories of her and will not forget her kind and free spirit.Doug,Gloria,Kyle and Harris Millar.
Jeff and Shelly West
Sherri and Family
We’re so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear Mom. Please know we are thinking of you and we send our sincere condolences.
Paul West
Sherri & family, I am very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a wonderful person.
Take care
Paul
Gail (Foster) Davison
I would like to send my sincere condolences to the family. Etta was a fun woman and I enjoyed her company when I got to “sub” in the bridge club. She will be missed.
Elaine M Furniss
Sherri and family;
I have such fond memories of Etta over all the years – she was always happy and funny and full of life!
I was especially touched 25
years ago when my dad died she came to the funeral home to see me and offer her condolences which i was very touched by. Love you Sherri – all the best!
Elaine and Norm Furniss
Nancy Leach
Jim, Heather, Pam and Sherri,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Etta was a lady just ahead of her time who truly loved life! I know each of you have a lifetime of wonderful memories.
Most sincerely,
Nancy Cameron Leach
Barrie, Evie and Adam Clark
To Jim Pam Sherry & Heather: Sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. Etta was a fine lady and enjoyed life to the fullest. We had quite a few adventures over the years from camping to potluck dinners at Christmas time. She will be sorely missed.
Maureen
Dear Sherri, Pam and Family,
I have fond memories of your mother and your family home. She was a special lady and will certainly be missed. Hold tight to all the wonderful memories.
Sincerely,
Maureen Anthony McGee
Jeffrey Dickson
My condolences to your family may she Rest In Peace
Gloria Doncaster
Jim, Heather, Sherri & Pam so sorry to hear of Aunt Etta’s
passing. I was lucky enough to live with Nanny Dickson for many years. She was so proud when your Mom received her RN. I always loved when your Dad & Mom, with Jim & Heather, came for a visit. My condolences to you all. Dad, Beatrice, Marguerite & Etta, have a wonderful reunion in heaven!
Crystal Tobin Legere
Dear Pam and Sherri and family,
Sending our condolences to you on the passing of your beloved mother.
I hope you take much comfort in the many years and happy memories you have of her.
Wishing you comfort, sending hugs and thinking of you.
Crystal and Justin Legere.
Janice Mitchell
Jim, Heather, Pam, Sherri & Families….
May the memory of your Mother always remain close to your hearts. I have fond memories of growing up on Church St. My deepest condolences to all.
Clare MacNeil
Etta’s work at QGH was an inspiration to me and I have many wonderful memories of her.
Our condolences to the family and friends.
Clare and AJ MacNeil
Peter Bowditch
Sherri, Gerry and Family
sincere condolences on the passing of your mom, Sherri.
Peter and Lynn Bowditch
Philip Moore
Sherri and family,
Sorry for your loss.
Phil and Linda
john b henley
Heather:
Sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. If anyone wanted an example of how to live a full and enjoyable life your Mom set the bar.
Agian, my sympathy
john
Elizabeth Fraelic
I am sad to hear this news. Many happy times were spent in the Gow home, with much music and laughter. Very deepest condolences to all of you. Heather, your Mom was a gem, and I’m sure you have many memories to comfort you in the times ahead.
Rhonda ( Allison )Morash
So sorry for your loss Your Mom was a sweet lady
Shelley Oickle
So sorry to hear of Etta’s passing. She was a great friend to my mother, Marg Oliver. They enjoyed many great times playing cards, and the occasional Scotch! Etta was also a great comfort to my mother during her final years with cancer. Etta will always be remembered.
Wendy Feindel
Etta’s Family, so sorry to hear of Etta’s passing. I knew her from working at QGH, God Bless you all.