OTTO, Heather - of Dartmouth Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully at Parkland at the Lakes, September 24th, 2022. Heather left this world at the peak of one of the most powerful storms in Atlantic Canada's history.
Heather was born on May 18, 1944. She was predeceased by her parents Howard Otto (1974) and Freda (Bowes) Otto (2013), sister Barbara Cole and brother-in-law Steve Corkum.
Heather will be greatly missed by sister Nancy Corkum; nephews Andrew Cole, Scott Cole (Birgit), Rob Corkum (Michelle); niece Tricia Shackleton (Drew); aunt Patricia (Bowes) Bowie; and great nieces and nephews Aidan Cole, Mats and Kinley Cole, Stephanie and Taylor Shackleton, and Ella and Davis Corkum. Heather was a kind and caring aunt and was particularly close to Andrew and Scott whom she helped raise. Heather will be missed by many friends, of particular note, Angus and Mary MacIntyre, Gwen and Rob Haliburton and Maureen Brennan.
For over 30 years Heather was an executive assistant at Maritime Medical Care and travelled extensively during that time. For over 40 years Heather was deeply involved in the Dartmouth General Hospital Auxiliary and held various roles there including supervising the Candy Stripers, organizing night lunches and participating in many fund raisers. She was also a very active member of The Nova Scotia Association of Health Authorities.
Heather was instrumental in caring for the matriarch of the family, Freda Otto, in Freda's final years, for which the entire family will always be grateful, and played an integral role in the upbringing of her nephews Scott and Andrew Cole in their younger years.
Many people helped care for Heather in her last few years. Angus MacIntyre organized her stay at Parkland and battled all weather conditions to take Heather to her appointments. Cousin Janice Bowie was a phone call away, running errands, visiting frequently with special treats and plenty of laughs and encouragement. Heather loved her jaunts with cousin Gerry Pring, which usually included lunch overlooking the harbour. Cousins Glen Bowie and Jim Russell were frequent visitors and could always be counted upon to provide logistic and emotional support.
All of the staff at Parkland were very supportive of Heather; many calling her "Mom", making her room the place for their work breaks, all commenting how much she was loved. Andrea "the cook" took special interest in providing Heather with her favourite food, served with a hug. Hairdresser Anne and past employee Sue were special friends to her. Nora, Jordan, Emily and all the nursing staff were wonderful caregivers who wanted nothing but the best for Heather. The kind words and notes written to Heather's family were heart-warming and helped us realize how rich and rewarding Heather's life was while residing there.
Services will be held at Christ Church Hall on Dundas Street, Dartmouth at 11:00 am on Saturday October 8th, with burial following at Christ Church cemetery. Reception and Celebration of Life will be held at the Hampton Inn & Suites, Dartmouth Crossing from 1:00 to 3:00. Rooms may be booked there for out of town guests. In lieu of flowers, donations in Heather's memory can be made to Christ Church Dartmouth, Dartmouth Hospital Auxiliary, Busom Buddies of Nova Scotia or charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com
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