Olive Margaret Lacusta

Olive was born in London, England on March 21, 1924, the youngest daughter of Edward E. Rickards and Lily E. (Layton) Rickards.

She met her husband Leo, who was the love of her life, while he was serving in World War II in England. After the war ended, he came back to Nova Scotia but returned to England in 1947 to marry Ricky. They flew to Halifax via Newfoundland after the wedding and made their new home in Halifax.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She greatly enjoyed having big family dinners at her home celebrating birthdays and holidays. She was a superb cook and baker and her grandchildren have fond memories of fresh chocolate chip cookies.

In her early years in Halifax, she made life-long friends with the wives of Leo’s accounting student friends. Many happy hours were spent playing tennis and bridge. She volunteered at Camp Hill Hospital working with war veterans and at the IWK Children’s Hospital in the gift shop and Kermesse. Her house was a gathering area for her children’s friends. In her later years, her greatest joy was her garden. She was generous in providing bedding plants to any neighbours or new friends who wanted to add to their gardens.

She was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Leo W. Lacusta (1921-1998) of Halifax,

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother John, and her sisters, Gladys (Arthur) Francis and Constance (Jack) Franklin, all of England.

She is survived by her sons David (Rhonda), and Stephen (Mary Boyd) of Halifax and daughter, Wendy of Vancouver, grandchildren, Kate (Larry Rollins) of Halifax, Stephanie (Jeff Morberg) of Port Moody, Nicholas (Connie Tuck) of Calgary and Alexander (Megan Jones) of Halifax and 2 great-grandchildren (Leo and Remi). In England, she is survived by niece Carol Arter and nephew Nicholas Francis as well as many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

Her body has been cremated. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Snows Funeral Home. A celebration of Life, Wednesday July 3 at 2pm, JA Snow Funeral Home, with reception to follow.

Those wishing to honour Ricky’s memory may make a donation to a charity of your choice.