Esther Josephine Poulos

Esther was born in Weston, King’s County, on January 24, 1930, to Pearl and Percy Kirkpatrick. She grew up in the Valley with older brother Hugh (deceased 1996), enjoying periodic visits from half-brother Vivan (deceased 1987). After high school, Esther trained as a nurse at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, graduating as class Valedictorian in 1951. Thus began lifelong friendships with many of those she lived with in residence at that time; some of these women featured in her life for more than half a century.

Through nursing, Esther met Harry Poulos (1926 – 2021), a young physician. Harry was drawn to Esther’s easy-going nature and sense of adventure, and the two married in 1954, settling in Dartmouth. Soon came their children Beth, Peter and Kirk, who would later grow the family further, providing beloved grandchildren Graham, Emily, Eleni and Sophie. While her children were in school, Esther volunteered regularly at the IWK. This eventually led her to retrain as a nurse and begin the second round of her career there, amassing a new collection of friends. She "retired" in 1986, only to help Harry run his psychiatric practice from home a further 20 years.

Esther and Harry lived a rich life together for over 65 years. Family, friends, food and fun featured prominently. Vacations always included at least three of those ingredients, from regular trips to the Southern US with a stop to see cousin Georgia; travel to Cape Breton and Victoria to see family; weekend getaways to Boston with niece Susan; and trips abroad with sundry couples and especially their close friend Ora. For many years the annual highlight was a stay at Milford House, with a group of old nursing soul mates and spouses, followed closely by the Sawler family picnic in the valley.

There was always food in Esther's fridge and room at her table, no matter where she was, and an invitation to visit was implicit. Yia Yia also maintained a well-stocked cookie drawer for visits from little Opies, Kirkpatricks, and Gillises.

Esther enjoyed mischief and was able to laugh at the absurdities of life. Never afraid to try new things, her wide range of interests included cooking, pottery, ikebana, and memorializing her family and friends in her serialised photo album collection. Her gardening was a local claim to fame: to direct people to her home at "90", one need only refer to the house with the begonias in the driveway. She also volunteered to arrange flowers at Christ Church, where she was an active member for many years. Hers was truly a life well lived.

Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Leone Steele for her care of Esther, even in her "retirement" from medical practice. Thanks also to Laurie Collins and her team of compassionate staff who ensured Esther was well looked after during the final years of her life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 27 @ 1:00 at Christ Church, Dartmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations to the MS Society gratefully accepted.