Nellie Viola Gudger

GUDGER, Nellie Viola (Hutchinson) (Uloth) – of Dartmouth Nellie passed away peacefully, after a brief struggle with cancer, on Saturday, March 9th surrounded by her beloved and loving family. Born on February 16, 1927, she lived a long and fruitful life. Her 92 years began when she was delivered by a midwife in a small home on the shores of Cole Harbour, Tor Bay, Guysborough County during a raging blizzard. It was an auspicious beginning for that little girl who was raised by her wonderful parents, Richard and Olga (Ehler) Uloth in that little fishing village. In 1943, she moved to Dartmouth and worked in the Solomon Brothers clothing store; the first of three of her employers. She also worked for many years at the Dartmouth Medical Centre and spent her last 10 working years with the DND at HMCS Dockyard. She met the love of her life, David Hector Hutchinson soon after he returned from overseas, having served in the RCAF during WWII. They built a home on Windmill Road in Dartmouth and proceeded to make and raise a family of five children: Richard Hutchinson (Debbie), James Hutchinson (Pam), Brian Hutchinson (Yetty), Susan Erickson (Martin), Carol Mabey (Stephen) – all of whom have survived thanks in large part to the wisdom and care Nellie and Dave lavished on them. She was predeceased by her older brothers, Charles Uloth and Reginald Uloth and her younger brother Russell. She is survived by her younger brother Carl Uloth. Sadly, Dave predeceased her, passing away in 1974; but she soldiered on to finish raising her youngest children. She continued to work, learned to drive and lived an independent life until twenty years later she met her second husband, Phillip Gudger and moved to Fall River. Together they took a road trip across Canada, visiting many friends and family along the way. While they lived there, they built a wonderful group of friends in Fall River. Phillip passed away in 2017 after they had moved back to Dartmouth. She is also survived by her two stepsons, Brian Gudger (Belinda) and Richard Gudger (Cathie). She had a legion of friends drawn to her by her kindness and warmth and great cooking. There was always an extra place at her table. She volunteered extensively with the Anglican Church, initially at Christ Church in Dartmouth and eventually at St. Thomas Church in Fall River. She will be sorely missed by her many children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces and friends. She would be humbled to know her light stills burns warmly in all of us. She expressly wanted to thank the doctors, nurses and staff on Three West at the Dartmouth General Hospital. They did so much to make her final days dignified and comfortable. Her remains have been cremated and will be interred in Christ Church Cemetery, next to Dave; together again, at last. Visitation will be held at A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home, 217 Portland Street on Thursday, March 14th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. There will be a celebration of Nellie’s life on Friday, March 15th officiated by the Reverend Carl Fraser at 2:00 PM at St. Thomas Anglican Church, 3534 Highway #2, in Fall River, B2T 1H7, followed by a reception in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Thomas Anglican Church in her name. Online condolences can be made at: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com