Reta Mae Layes

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Reta (Smith) Layes at the Glace Bay General Hospital on Sunday, January 9th in her 96th year. Born in Birch Grove, she lived her married years in Glace Bay.

Reta was predeceased by her parents Edgar and Emma (Drover) Smith and her two husbands, Aulay Peach and Lloyd Layes, two sons, Terry and Trevor as well as grandson Bradley, sisters Sadie, Ella, Mary, Gladys, Olive, Muriel, twin Myrtle and Lena, and brothers Eugene and Kenneth. Reta is survived by one sister Shirley and sons Roy (Shauna) and John (Cynthia), daughter Nancy (Laurie) and son Paul, grandchildren Angela (Patrick), Erin (Alex), Leanna (Aaron), Richard (Jenna), Anthony (Angela), Shelly and Jennifer (Blaine) as well as numerous great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Reta was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Glace Bay for more than seventy years. Her beautiful alto voice could be heard Sundays in the St. Mary’s choir. In fact, she rarely missed a Sunday service when she was well. Also, Reta leant her singing talent for many years to the Coaltown Chorus. She enjoyed very much performing with her group. She was a regular donor to the Red Cross Blood Service. Reta was a diehard Toronto Maple Leafs fan, often in her old age staying up late at night to catch the Leafs games broadcast from the West Coast and staying true to the team in the lean years. Until her passing, she was able to live in her own home. Reta was a person of definite beliefs and strong opinions. She knew where she began and where she left off.

A celebration of Reta’s life will be held at St. Mary's Church on Saturday, May 14 at 2:00pm. The family wishes to thank Dr. David Ley, Dr. Diane MacLachlan, Dr. Kevin MacNeil and the wonderful nursing staff on 3 West. As well, the family is grateful for the relationship which Reta enjoyed with the New Waterford Homecare as well as the support from the VON.

Donations in Reta’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s Church. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family through www.pattenfuneral.com. Interment will take place in St. Mary’s Anglican Cemetery, Glace Bay.