Arlean Fern Mader

78, Maitland, Lunenburg Co. It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister and friend on January 11, 2009, under a full moon, at South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater following a very courageous battle with cancer. Born December 4, 1930, Arlean was the daughter of the late Napean and Charlotte (Langille) Robar. She is survived by her daughters Catherine (Dale) Rafuse, Marriott’s Cove; Susan Toope, Pine Grove; Janet (Charles) Stevens, Maitland; Annette (Donnie) Berrigan, Bridgewater; sons Allen (Carol), Maitland; Steven, Lake George; grandchildren Alex and Gregory Rafuse; Meghan and Lauren Toope; Courtney and Kevin Stevens; Sophie Berrigan; brother Edison, Bridgewater. Arlean was predeceased by her husband and best friend, Leroy (2000) after 41 years of marriage and her beloved dog, Riley, in December, 2008. Arlean was a very hard working woman. Her life was dedicated to her husband on their dairy farm and to her family. She was famously known for her keen memory, her knitting abilities and her cooking. Her specialties included hodge podge, cranberry sauce, strawberry jam and turkey stuffing. She was a wise woman with a great sense of humor and was always coming up with unique phrases and witty comments. She had a very strong voice in matters dear to her heart and was not afraid to speak. Heartfelt thanks are extended to Dr. Heather Robertson for her wonderful care and compassion throughout Mom’s illness. We are also very grateful for the support of the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON), Lunenburg County Homecare Services, especially Denise MacAnally who was Mom’s primary homecare provider and the nursing staff of the 4th floor SSRH. The love and support of so many others during this sad time has been very comforting. This remarkable lady will be very much missed by all who knew and loved her. A celebration of Arlean’s life will be held on Friday, January 16, 2009 at 10:30AM in the Chapel at Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater. Father Ron Appleton will officiate and be assisted by Lay Minister Vernon Mossman. Burial will be in the Garden of Rest Cemetery, Blockhouse, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Arlean’s memory may be made, with the family’s appreciation, to the Canadian Cancer Society, Lunenburg County Homecare Services, Canadian Red Cross or a charity of choice through Sweeny’s Funeral Home (543-2587 or sweenys@ns.sympatico.ca). Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.