- Chandlers' Funeral Service - https://www.chandlersfuneral.com -

Gow; Mary Henrietta “Etta”

Posted By Obits On August 6, 2018 @ 11:35 am In Obituaries | 40 Comments

Hepps obit template Blue frame copy 22

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 Print Obituary & Condolences

Condolences for the family of “Gow; Mary Henrietta “Etta””

Condolence from Carla whynot on August 6th, 2018 8:15 pm

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

Condolence from Walter and Sherri Miller on August 6th, 2018 10:41 pm

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.

Condolence from JP Hadskis on August 6th, 2018 11:27 pm

Condolences from the Hadskis family.Etta will be very fondly remembered by many.

Condolence from Karen Crouse and Lloyd Skinner on August 7th, 2018 8:20 am

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 .

Condolence from Wanda Dickson on August 7th, 2018 8:40 am

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

Condolence from Doug Winters on August 7th, 2018 8:44 am

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

Condolence from Norma Cameron-Whynot on August 7th, 2018 9:05 am

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.

Condolence from Gail Tutty on August 7th, 2018 9:37 am

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.

Condolence from Basil and Heather Giffin on August 7th, 2018 9:42 am

Wonderful lady and fond memories of a nice neighbour

Condolence from Enid MacKay on August 7th, 2018 9:55 am

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

Condolence from Cheryl and Bill Bouges on August 7th, 2018 10:08 am

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

Condolence from Lois A Pretty on August 7th, 2018 10:15 am

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

Condolence from Peter &Joanie Davies on August 7th, 2018 10:30 am

Sorry to read of Etta’s passing, sending our sincere condolences to all her family, hugs and comfort of a life well lived.

Condolence from Nancy Dobson on August 7th, 2018 10:33 am

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.

Condolence from Evie on August 7th, 2018 11:29 am

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

Condolence from Suzanne Adamkowski on August 7th, 2018 2:22 pm

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)

Condolence from Kim Masland, MLA on August 7th, 2018 3:15 pm

To Etta’s Family,

Please accept my deepest condolences for your family’s loss.

May your memories give you peace and comfort.

Sincerely,

Condolence from Andy and Kim Williams on August 7th, 2018 4:39 pm

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.

Condolence from Mrs Debbie Freeman Carrier on August 7th, 2018 4:39 pm

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.

Condolence from John and Nancy Leefe on August 7th, 2018 5:09 pm

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

Condolence from Gloria Millar on August 7th, 2018 5:22 pm

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.

Condolence from Jeff and Shelly West on August 7th, 2018 6:37 pm

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.

Condolence from Paul West on August 7th, 2018 7:58 pm

Sherri & family, I am very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a wonderful person.

Take care

Paul

Condolence from Gail (Foster) Davison on August 7th, 2018 8:05 pm

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.

Condolence from Elaine M Furniss on August 7th, 2018 8:45 pm

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

Condolence from Nancy Leach on August 7th, 2018 9:02 pm

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

Condolence from Barrie, Evie and Adam Clark on August 7th, 2018 9:44 pm

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.

Condolence from Maureen on August 7th, 2018 10:02 pm

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

Condolence from Jeffrey Dickson on August 7th, 2018 11:17 pm

My condolences to your family may she Rest In Peace

Condolence from Gloria Doncaster on August 7th, 2018 11:21 pm

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!

Condolence from Crystal Tobin Legere on August 8th, 2018 10:34 am

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.

Condolence from Janice Mitchell on August 8th, 2018 9:51 pm

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.

Condolence from Clare MacNeil on August 9th, 2018 7:59 am

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

Condolence from Peter Bowditch on August 9th, 2018 7:02 pm

Sherri, Gerry and Family
sincere condolences on the passing of your mom, Sherri.

Peter and Lynn Bowditch

Condolence from Philip Moore on August 9th, 2018 9:22 pm

Sherri and family,
Sorry for your loss.
Phil and Linda

Condolence from john b henley on August 11th, 2018 12:24 pm

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

Condolence from Elizabeth Fraelic on August 14th, 2018 7:19 am

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.

Condolence from Rhonda ( Allison )Morash on August 14th, 2018 10:10 am

So sorry for your loss Your Mom was a sweet lady

Condolence from Shelley Oickle on August 17th, 2018 11:42 am

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.

Condolence from Wendy Feindel on August 22nd, 2018 11:06 pm

Etta’s Family, so sorry to hear of Etta’s passing. I knew her from working at QGH, God Bless you all.

Article printed from Chandlers' Funeral Service: https://www.chandlersfuneral.com

URL to article: https://www.chandlersfuneral.com/gow-mary-henrietta-etta/

Copyright © 2010 Chandlers' Funeral Service. All rights reserved.