
Rowter, Ora Alberta “Bertie” , it is with great sadness that the family of Bertie Rowter, 78, of Maitland Bridge, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia, announce her passing peacefully on Saturday, February 11th, 2012, in the South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater.
Bertie was born on June 7th, 1933, in Inglisville, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia, was the eldest child of the late Donald and Adelaide “Marie” (McGill) Rideout.
Bertie moved to Maitland Bridge as a teenager where she worked in Alton Demmon’s General Store. It was there she met Allen Rowter and they married in 1951. She was devoted to this community and to the Church for all these years. Bertie’s beautiful gardens were a testament to the tender loving care she gave them and her sewing skills were known for it’s fine finished product.
Bertie was predeceased by her beloved husband of almost 50 years, Allen in 2001. Also predeceasing her were her brothers Donald in infancy and Robie Rideout (Billerica, Massachusetts, USA), sister Eva Webb (Bedford) and brother-in-law “Tim” Arnold Rowter (Maitland Bridge).
She will be deeply missed by her surviving family, son Daniel and Bev (Veinot) of Conquerall Mills, grandson Nicholas Rowter and Kristy Fraser of Sherwood Park, Alberta, granddaughter Natalie Rowter-Baird and Michael, of Bedford, granddaughter Alissa Rowter of Bedford, and two great-grandsons, Kalen and Micah Rowter of Sherwood Park Alberta. She is also survived by her sister Una Truscott and Ray of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, sister-in-law Althea Rowter of Maitland Bridge, brother-in-law Dale Webb of Bedford, sister-in-law Sandi Rideout of Billerica, Massachusetts, USA, and seven nieces, nephews and their families. She had many wonderful and dear friends whom she leaves behind.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 15th, 2012, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m., both from St. Paul’s United Church, Maitland Bridge, Annapolis County. Reverend Tom Watson officiating. Burial will be in the Maplewood Cemetery, Maitland Bridge. Family flowers only, donations may be made to St. Paul’s United Church, Maitland Bridge or to the Maitland Bridge Community Hall. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.chandlersfuneral.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Rowter; Ora Alberta “Bertie

Gail and Paul Fancy
Dan and Bev – It is with much saddness that I am passing my deepest sympathy on too you. I am so sorry to hear of Bertie’s passing. Your parents were the greatest neighbours that anyone could hope for. She and I had so many wonderful talks together and I shall treasure them all. My fondest memories are those when she and i would get together and we talk about her shrubs and flowers and she would give me some and we would do this about every year when she lived across from my mom and dad. She was such a great seamstress and she made my wedding dress which I still have. I only wish I had been able to see her more often after she moved to B’water but the opportunity never seemed to fall in place. I loved her dearly and will miss her very much. Please accept my deepest sympathy once again. Gail and Paul
Iona Charlton
Dan, Bev, and Family,
My thoughts and prayers and sympathy are with you all during this very sad time.Bertie was a wonderful friend and neighbour, and we have really missed her and her great sense of humor in this community, when she found it necessary to relocate to Bridgewater.
God bless you for your loving care.
Iona and family.
Daisy Frail
Dan, Bev and Family:
My sincere sympathy in the loss of your dear mother and grandmother. Bertie’s passing brought tears to my eyes. She dearly loved her family and spoke so often of them. I regret I didn’t get to see her more often when she moved to Bridgewater, but we did have several joyful phone conversatons. She was a wonderful and graceful lady and will be missed by all who knew her. We spent many happy hours together while she was sewing for me – she would only finish when she was certain she had achieved perfection. She strove to attain perfection in whatever she did: houskeeping, sewing, friendship, etc. May the godd Lord be with you and give you comfort and solace in knowing that bertie is no longer suffering. Instead, she is looking down on you with a big smile. Affectionately, Daisy
cedric and susaN smith
our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family
Jean Alcock
So sorry to hear of your loss, Bertie was a sweet kind soul with a love and kindess for everyone. She will live on in our thoughts and memories. Jean
Rhonda
It was with great sadness that I heard of your mother’s passing,she was a wonderful and caring Mother and Grandmother,she will be missed by all who knew her but most of all by you and your family,remember all the wonderful times you all spent together and all the wonderful memories you all have of her it will help with all the sadness that you are feeling now,God bless you all,Rhonda
Unie and Ray
This is such a great way for people to send messages to family ,on such an occasion. Bertie would really be pleased with all of the kind thoughts that people have of her and she earned everyone of them. I agree with Shannon . she is happy to be with her beloved Allan and I am thankful she has finally found peace. Life will never be the same , but it does go on. We love you ,
Ray and Unie
Frank Armstrong
Very saddened to hear of Berties’ passing.She was a wonderfully proud lady.I always enjoyed talking with her,and marveled in the manner in which she kept her gardens.She always had a kind word and some great anecdotes about her life in Maitland Bridge.Going to miss that warm smile,twinkle in the eye and gracefull manner.
Renate Bennett and Colleen Herman
Dear Bev and Dan,
We are sorry to hear of Bertie’s passing. She was always so happy to stop for a chat. I certainly will always remember her impecable sense of style and how well co-ordinated she was when ever she was out and about. She will be missed in our community.
Annie (Fader) McGee
Danny and family,
I am so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. She truly was a very special lady.. She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.
God Bless.
Bill and Judi Wamboldt
Danny, Bev, and Bertie’s extended family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Although we knew Bertie was in failing health, it’s hard to believe that her vibrant personality and generous heart have left us. Our friendship goes back a long way and Bertie[and Allan] were always so interested in our travels and so welcoming when we came back home. Bertie always had a warm hug and delectable sweets when we visited her and it was hard to believe that such a tiny lady had such a sweet tooth. Her life was her family and she was so proud of each and every one of you. Cherish your wonderful memories.
Royce, Christine and Jason Ford
Danny, Bev and family,
So sorry to hear the sad news! Bertie was such a wonderful and kind lady. She loved to chat and always enjoyed visits with us. So glad that our wedding pictures were taken in her immaculate gardens. They were her pride and joy! We will always have great memories of her! She will be missed!
Paulette and Arden
Danny, Bev and Family,
I was shocked to hear the passing of your mother even though I knew she wasn’t well. Bertie was such a wonderful lady and neighbor. She was always out working in her beautiful garden when she had the chance and when we would come home, I would always try to get over for a visit. We could chat for hours. She made my wedding dress also and was a great seamstress. She loved her grandchildren very much. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all and keep the memories of her alive. She will be truly missed!!!
Suzanne & Ron
So sorry to hear of Bertie’s passing. Such a beautiful lady. We had many wonderful conversations and laughs. She will be missed by so many. She touched the hearts of everyone she met.
Craig and Vicki Frail
Dear Bev and Danny,
So sorry to hear of Bertie’s passing, she was a wonderful lady – always smiling with only kind words to say.
We send our condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.
Natalie Rowter-Baird
Bertie was many things to many people – a wife, mother, friend & confidante, but to me she will always be my Nannie. In whatever capacity, we knew her to be warm, loving, energetic, caring and kind. These common threads were woven from strands of service to others before self.
One thing we all knew about Nannie was her artistic & creative talent to produce anything and turn it into beauty. This professed itself namely in her sewing talents, decorating abilities and of course her gardens that were truly a masterpiece in and of themselves. Nannie herself was a beautiful person; always dressed in the brightest colors, which reflected her cheerful and sunny disposition. In fact, some of my fondest memories are thinking of her in her brightly colored outfits. She truly had her own sense of style that I will always admire her for.
My final thoughts which I would like to share with you all was Nannie’s pride for her family and this was the most beautiful aspect of her existence. To be trusted by God with raising children is without doubt one of life’s greatest adventures, and can quite often be the measure of one’s own success. Through their dedication & determination, Allen & Bertie have truly achieved this goal they have raised a fine, confident, mature & dedicated son. Nannie & Bampa were so proud of Dad & Mom, my brother & sister and myself and Kalen & Mikah. Her love was unconditional and we will always love her.
Vicki and Jim Cameron
Danny, Bev, and family,
We will miss Bertie so much. She was part of our introduction to Maitland and were instantly great friends. We have many fond memories that go back over the past decade. We had a great “flower connection” and loved to swap garden stories. She had many talents and she will be missed in the community. She was so proud of her family and we hope that will bring comfort at this difficult time. Our deepest sympathies.
ARTHURAND pATSY cONRAD
Danny,Bev and Family,Sorry to hear of Berties passing,i didnt know her personally,but always found her with a smile on her face.Arthur worked with your Father on the Park for many years, thats how i got to know your mom. She will be missed.
Derek Truscott
I have nothing but fond memories of my Aunt Bertie. Spending a week in the summer at her farm was an absolute delight to this young city boy. Home cooking on a wood stove tasted wonderful and seemed so exotic. (Even when she asked me to split and carry in the fuel for it.) I have yet to experience again bread as fresh and aromatic. And watching television on plastic-covered furniture was such a treat. But, oh my; I did not like to go into that spooky basement. Still, I always felt safe at my Aunt Bertie’s and loved to be with her. When she traveled to her namesake province to attend my wedding it made all the more special – and stylish. She will always have a place in my heart alongside my Uncle Allen, Aunt Evie, and Uncle Robie.
Phyllis and Lauren McKiel
It was our pleasue to meet Bertie Rowter in the Northwest Territories when she an Alan visited Dan and Bev. She was a delightful person and one who made you feel you had known her all your life. We had a chance to visit her in Maitland Bridge, at her home, after Alan passed away. It was a joy to renew our earlier meeting.
We extend our condolences to Dan, Bev and all family members, and regret we will be out of Canada until early April and will be unable to attend visitation or funeral.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with the family !!!!
She was a dear lady whom we know will be sadly missed.
Phyllis and Lauren McKiel
Sandra Rowter
Dan,Bev and family,
i was so sorry to hear of your loss and share your pain. When I think of Birdie, I will always remember her smile,and her sunny personality.Her family,friends,church and community will surely miss her.
Sandra Rowter
Lanny & Bea DeLong
Dear Dan, Bev and Family,
Our Sincere Sympathy to you all in the loss of Bertie.
I know you will all miss her but all the good and wonderful memories will remain with you forever.
Take Care, Lanny & Bea
Bill and leora cavanagh
Danny and Bev so sorry to hear of your loss bertie will be missed by many friends and family she made many clothes for me in the past she will always be remembered by all who knew her wish i had known she was living so close to me but didnt take care
Dave, Clarizze & Martin Truscott
Among the many great family photos in the video tribute is one that really struck me as especially Bertie. She is standing by a lake — not sure which one, but clearly near home — looking as if she is ready for church on what was probably a picnic in the woods. We can’t see her shoes, but no doubt they matched the handbag. I always remember Aunt Bertie as pretty much perfect like that even back in the day when water for cleaning came from the well and all the roads were dirt. She, like her house, was clean and neat and pretty special.
Bertie was my other mother, the aunt I used to get to spend some of the summer with. And, although I do remember her giving Danny hell now and then, I don’t ever recall her scolding me somehow. Losing her now was not unexpected to us, but still hurts. Bertie, Allen and that old house were a big part of my childhood. I’m glad to hear she’ll be resting in Maitland Bridge, because part of me will always be there too.
Our love and sympathy to the family
Barb Rockwell
Dan, Bev and family:
So sorry to read of your loss. I remember meeting Dan’s Mom at the office in Bridgewater – she was a lovely lady.
My thoughts are with your family at this sad time.
Barb R
Louise and Wayne Keeley
Dear Dan, Bev and family. So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother, mother in law,and grandmother. I will always remember her beautiful gardens as I motored across the province. They were magnificent. They always brought a smile to my face as I knew how much TLC those plants received. She certainly had a green thumb. Cherish the memories and take care of yourselves. Our condolence is sent your way.
Alan&Mona Ellis
The Rowter Family
Our sincere condolences on Bertie’s passing.
We remember Bertie as a lovely and caring person who made you feel special.
Alan &Mona Ellis (nee Sutcliffe)
Murray & Kay Smith
It is with sadness that our community has lost such a great lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bertie will always be remembered
Doug Merry
Hard to believe that my friend Bertie is gone, but memories are strong and I won’t forget. It seems like yesterday that I first met Bertie when she came to Maitland Bridge in 1951 to work in Alton Demmons’ store. Bertie was eighteen and I eleven. All the children liked and got along well with Bertie. Years, as they do, went by. I worked some for Allen, but left the community and finally joined the Armed Forces. We kept in touch. Retiring and moving back to the community in 1992, we rekinkled an old friendship. There was always a wave, a kind word, or a cup of tea and conversation for her visitors. I enjoyed our many visits. Bertie was a tireless worker and meticulous – her sewing, quilting, her home, gardening, everything, and a heck of a good cook. If you needed help, you could count on Bertie. Such people are irreplaceable. We don’t know what our lot in life will be, but to accept what we are dealt with such spirit and grace in rare. “Miss you Bertie!”
Jim & Brenda Wilson of Sydney River
Danny and Bev, so sorry to learn of you Mother’s passing. I just watched the video tribute and it brought back some memories. She was a wonderful woman who always greeted you with a smile and always had postive things to say. She will certainly be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.. Our thoughts and prayers are wish you at this time.
Kerry and Irma Oickle
To Dan, Bev and family:
We are very sorry to learn of your loss. We will be thinking about you at this sad time.
Vicki Rowter-MacLeod
I am very sorry to hear of Bertie’s passing,it is so sad that we are now loosing this generation of our family. Thinking of you all. I remember my Grandmother(Freda) always mentioning Bertie’s name when it came to working at community suppers and events.Also, I want to tell how much I appreciated the memory DVD–many familiar sights and loved faces of Maitland Bridge.
Stanley & Joan Canning
So sorry to hear of Bertie’s passing. She was indeed a very special lady with many talents and always met you with a big smile.
Please accept our Deepest Condolences, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.
Jim Brown
Very sorry to hear of your loss. My Sincerest Condolences to your family at this time.
Reg and Ruth Ritchie
So sorry to learn of Bertie’s passing. She was such a sweet and welcoming person. We are sure that the whole community will miss her.
Leigh and Cathy Merry
To Dan,Bev and family,
Our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.Bertie was a great lady always a joy to speak with.I marvelled at her wonderful gardens and how hard the little lady worked at them.She will be missed as a neighbour and a friend!!
frank & Janet Merry-Smith
Frank and I would like to express our deepest sympathy in the loss of a wonderful lady. She always had a smile for everyone. Whenever we met in town we would always have our little chat.She will be greatly missed by All who new her. God Bless You All…
Frank and Janet- Merrry-Smith
We would like to express our deepest sympathy in the loss of your Mother Bertie.She always had a smile for everyone and we would always have a chat whenever we met in town. Bertie will be greatly missed by All who new her, God Bless You All
Phil and Liz Milo
We are so sorry to learn of Bertie’s passing. Phil has such fond memories of the wonderful hospitality of both families. His time at Maitland Bridge was the highlight of his start as a surveyor. He learned very important people skills from all of the Rowters which he used throughout his teaching career. He spent many pleasant evenings with Bertie and Allen at their home. He will always remember the kindness and gernerosity of Bertie. Ourt thoughts and prayers are with you.
Phil and Liz Milo
Don and Elizabeth Webster`
Dan and Bev , and family :
We were saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. After we talked with you on Sunday past, I thought of Bertie and her many attributes : that of happy, contented wife and homemaker, a wonderful mother, a friend to so many, and a lady with countless gifts and talents. She was blessed in so many ways.
We will all miss her, and, hopefully, in time, your hearts will heal as memories of all your good times with her come to the fore.
Our deepest sympathy,
Don and Libbie
Annette
To Danny and Family,
Sending my condolences to you.
Annette (Merry) Baker
John and Pat Warr
Dan and Bev
We are very sorry to hear of Mrs. Rowter’s passing. Dan, from our many conversations at work and up at your camp, I know how much both your parents meant to you and how caring you were for your mother, especially since your father passed away. Our sincere condolences. John and Pat Warr
Tony & Debbie Greene
Dan, Bev and Family.
We are saddened to hear of Mrs. Rowter’s passing. From what Dan has told us and from viewing the beautiful video reflecting on past times it is very obvious that the Rowter’s are all about family. Savor your family at this time and always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today
Corry Rowter
So sorry to hear about Bertie’s passing. She was a lovely lady who always welcomed me into her home anytime I passed by offering treats, stories and hugs. Bertie will be missed by many. My deepest sympathies to Dan, Bev and all her family.
Marilyn McGinty-Cobb
Dan, Bev & family,
My sincere condolences to you all on behalf of both Aunt Janet and myself. I am so grateful that I did get to see her earlier this month when I was in Nova Scotia. She was a charming lady and I will always remember her smile…it lit up the room!
My thoughts are with you.
Marilyn
Howie & Patty MacKenzie
Dan, Bev and Kids
We were sorry to hear about your Mom and can’t be there but our thoughts are with you all.
Bertie always had a great smile and ready to hear how we were all doing. She was a great person and now is with Allen
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Howie and Patty MacKenzie
Heather & Ric Thompson
Dan, Bev, and Family….Bertie came into our lives very late in her life..but ‘to have known her, was to have loved her’. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to meet and enjoy her personality. My/our sympathies for your loss…BUT…heaven is now a little brighter with her presence! Till we all meet again….. Luv, Heather & Ric Thompson
Randy & Darlene Slaunwhite
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Paulette Demmons
Dan, Bev, and family, When I learned of Bertie’s death, I found it hard to imagine Maitland Bridge without her. Whenever I attended Maitland community events or church services, Bertie would be the first to beam a beautiful, welcoming smile across the room to me. Even though she was usually busy helping with the event or taking part in the service, she didn’t take long to find a moment to give me a hug and to chat and catch up. She always looked so perfectly put together from her hair down to her high heel shoes yet exuded so much warmth and graciousness. How wonderful for her that she had such a loving family of whom she was so proud. She will be missed by her family, friends, and community, but she leaves behind a wealth of comforting memories of a life well lived. Thinking of you, Paulette