Leytha Maude Foster

Born October 5, 1927, in Fredericton, NB, to Ford F. and Marian (Currie) Bailey, Leytha grew up on the north side of the St. John River, where her lifelong love of skating first began. That passion stayed with her throughout her life—whether gliding across frozen lakes with her children or taking her cherished noon-hour skates at the Dartmouth Sportsplex on her racing skates.

Music was another constant in Leytha’s life, playing the piano and always ready to lead a singalong.

After the war, Leytha and Don moved to Halifax in 1949, eventually settling in Dartmouth in 1953. There, they found their cherished Bridge Club—six couples who met every second Sunday night and whose friendship endured for a lifetime. The Mattatall, MacKenzie, Mitton, Ferguson, Winges, and Foster families shared a bond marked by laughter, support, and countless card games. Leytha also enjoyed afternoons of bridge with “The Girls,” where tea, cookies, and conversation were every bit as important as the game itself.

The Foster family spent many happy summers at “The Camp” on Magaguadavic Lake NB, making memories with family and friends, playing board games, and of course, more cards.

Leytha was a dedicated sports fan and enthusiastically followed every activity her children were involved in. Her spirit of involvement extended beyond her family—she served on various boards and offered her help wherever it was needed.

For many years, she sold Beauty Counsellor cosmetics, much to the delight of her teenage daughters. Once her youngest, Donald, was grown, she joined Dartmouth Cable TV, where she worked for many years. She also played an essential role in the family business, keeping “the books” well into her 80s.

Mom was a talented and endlessly enthusiastic baker. Christmas wasn’t complete until she had prepared at least 700 treats—shortbreads, almond fingers, mocha cakes, and so many others—so that everyone could enjoy their favourites.

Leytha took great pride in her home and yard on View Street. With the support from our wonderful friend Karen Rutherford, she was able to enjoy her garden—and the birds, flowers, and changing seasons outside her kitchen window—until her move to Parkland.

She is survived by her children: Eric (Janice); Janice Reynolds; Mark (Brenda); Donald (Michele Bourgeois); as well as her son-in-law Stephen Sykes. She leaves behind her grandchildren Nathaniel Foster; Tracy Reynolds; Luke Reynolds (Chelsea); Chris Foster (Julie-Anne Noel); Andrew Sykes and Geoffrey Sykes. She will also be remembered by her great-granddaughters Gabbie Foster and Teagan Foster; her brother Edward Bailey and his wife Norma of Fredericton, NB; and many treasured nieces and nephews.

Leytha was predeceased by her husband Don, with whom she shared 55 wonderful years; her daughter Suzann Sykes; and her sisters Florence(Ellis) Cunningham and Leona (Max) Stephenson.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all who supported Mom in her later years, including her View Street neighbours, Pauline Stewart, Dr. S. Mathew, Stacy and the staff of Lewis Hall.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home, Dartmouth.

A Celebration of a Life Well Lived will be held at A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home, 217 Portland St Dartmouth on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 From 11 to 1.