Gertrude Irene Rusk

Mom is survived by daughters, Carolyn (John Prince) of St. Andrews, NB and Constance of Halifax, NS, grandchildren, Ian Prince of St. Andrews and Gillian Prince (Brendan Thomson) of New Glasgow, NS, sister, Audrey (Bill Kell) of Edmonton, AB, and nieces, nephews and cousins. Irene was pre deceased by her husband of 58 years John (Jack) Rusk, brother Ernest Simpson (Marie) and sister, Ellen Black (Keith).

Mom was born on a farm near Gainsborough, SK and started her working career as a teacher in country schools at a very young age.

After marrying Dad and living on the farm, they moved to Winnipeg where Dad started his working life with the CNIB. When Dad became the Field Secretary, Mom was hired as his driver and they travelled the gravel roads of rural Manitoba visiting and assisting the visually impaired and blind clients of CNIB. Moves to Saskatoon, Regina, Halifax, Lower Sackville, St Margaret’s Bay and finally Bedford followed.

Mom was an excellent help mate to Dad through his career with CNIB, Lion’s club activities and Masonic lodge membership. Mom was a Braille transcriber and using the Braille type writer could present Dad with Braille copies of material he wanted to peruse at leisure. Mom enjoyed games, driving, shopping, kittens, makeup, dancing, travelling, keeping in touch with family and friends as well as biographies and the Royal Family. Mom had a great sense of style that kept her and Dad always in fashion. Mom cared for her family in a tireless manner up until the last few years when we finally were able to pay back a fraction of the care she has given us all our lives. Since April 2015 Mom has lived at St. Vincent’s Nursing Home second floor where she received extraordinary attention and kindness from the dedicated nursing staff and all her care givers. Mom will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 27 at 2pm from Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street, Halifax followed by a reception. Memorial donations may be made to the CNIB.