Ethel Mae Crook

Crook, Ethel Mae (Laing) - With heavy hearts, the family announces the passing of Ethel Mae (Laing) Crook, (age 95), at Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Hospital, Halifax, August 2, 2013. She was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan on September 29, 1917 to the late Rev. and Mrs. James Laing. Ethel graduated from the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, B.C., in September 1941 and immediately began voluntary overseas service as a Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. During World War II, she served as a nursing sister in several overseas Military Hospitals and on the Hospital Ship, The Lady Nelson. Her duties placed her in the line of fire on several occasions. For her war service, Lt. Laing was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, the Atlantic Star, the 1939-45 War Medal and the Medal of HRH George VI. After the war, Ethel was an active member of the Nova Scotia community. She was a chartered member of the Order of the Eastern Star (Honourable Joseph Howe Chapter), the National Nursing Sisters’ Association, the Royal Jubilee Hospital Nursing School Alumni, and the B.C. Nurses’ Alumni. Her community activities included participation in the Dartmouth Community Concerts & Juenesse Musical Group, and the Mayflower Quilters’ Association. She was an active member of St. James United Church, Dartmouth, and she served as a member of the Stewards and Stewardship Committee and the United Church Women’s Group for many years. One of Ethel’s great loves in life was her involvement with newcomers to Canada as an English as a Second Language teacher at the old Dartmouth Academy and Harbour View School. Her support and encouragement of her students which continued even after her retirement from teaching became recognized world- wide by those who were enrolled in her classes. Ethel was an avid bridge player, gardener and hostess and enjoyed attending the Atlantic Symphony Concerts. Ethel is survived by her sister, Jean (Mrs. Elmer Rich) of Regina, Sask., twin daughters Sandra Crook of Halifax and Marsha (Brian) Hodgson of Ottawa, Ont., daughter Dr. Leslie (Dr. John) LeHuquet of Vancouver, B.C. and grandchildren: Christopher Hodgson and Jonathan (Charmaine) Hodgson; and Ariel(Ian) Donohue and Katherine LeHuquet; and great granddaughter Isabella Hodgson. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Capt. William Henry Crook, brothers: Harvey, John, and Leslie, Burnaby, B.C., and by her sister Gladys (Mrs. Wm. Gilmour), Kelowna, B.C. A memorial service will be held 11am Wednesday August 7, 2013 in A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home, 217 Portland St., Dartmouth. Interment will take place at a later date in Vancouver, B.C. Special thanks to the wonderful staff on 4East at Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Building, QEII, Dr. Fred Archibald, Pat Manthorn of OT and staff of the Recreation and Therapy Department and especially Barbara Davage. Also special thanks to Karen Sinclair and Pauline Fewer. Online condolences may be viewed or sent to: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com

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