Roberta Borden Cameron

Robie was born in Inverness, May 17,1919 , the daughter of Doctor Charles and his wife, Diana (Roberts) MacMillan. After the early death of her father, the family helped their mother operate the Seaview Inn, which welcomed many illustrious guests during the height of the coal-mining era in Inverness. She attended local schools and graduated from the Halifax Infirmary School of Nursing in 1946, proudly leading the Province of Nova Scotia in obtaining her Registered Nurse designation. While at the Infirmary she nursed on the Merchant Marine Ward, caring for the injured who served on the North Atlantic during the Second World War. During the War she presented Princess Juliana, Crown Princess of the Nethlerlands, with a bouquet of flowers on her visit to the City of Halifax, in 1940.

In 1946 she married Douglas Cameron, a veteran of World War II, who left us all much too early at age 49. Mom was then left to raise their 9 children, and she did so with extraordinary grace and pride.

Mom was a gifted and compassionate nurse and mentor, who decried the lack of uniforms and nurses’ caps, which she always believed were the proud badges of her profession. She held a strong work ethic, which she instilled in her family by her example of strength and dignity.

She was a strong and inspiring mother, full of creativity and activity– whether quilting, painting, gardening, baking or cooking; she loved berry picking on Cape Mabou, tucking away with a crossword puzzle and swimming at Inverness Beach. She did it all! She was generous in sharing her many talents with others and encouraging others to nurture their own gifts. Mom believed in learning about one’s world, being active in one’s community and, above all else, family.

There was no greater joy for Mom than a family gathering – bustling with all ages and all interests. She would simply sit back and beam! Her family of children were her joy and legacy. She welcomed everyone as her own as the family grew over the years.

She had a strong profound faith and worked joyously for her Church. She was very proud to be honoured by St. Matthew’s United Church when named a Lifetime Elder.

Besides, her parents and husband, she was predeceased by sisters, Jean, Vivian, Mae and Chrissie, and brother, Edward. She is survived by children, Douglas (Betty Anne), Inverness; Margaret (Bruce Berger), Fort Erie, Ontario; Bob (Linda), Strathlorne; Eleanor (Alex) Ryan, Inverness; Christina (the late Rev. Glenn) MacDonald, Pictou; Fred (Louise Egan) Strathlorne and Port Hawkesbury; Charlie (Elaine), Whiteside, Maurice (Marion), Halifax, and Caroline (Norman Burton), at home. She will be fondly remembered by her 16 beloved grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, along with many other children throughout Canada who knew her as “Grammie Robie”.

Her love was generous and boundless; her strength and wisdom, an example and gift to all. She will live forever in our hearts and minds . . . she will be with us always.

The family wishes to express deepest thanks to Dr. Bernie MacLean, and more recently Dr. Susie Egar, for their deeply compassionate attention to Mom’s medical needs, along with the various medical clinics which monitored Mom’s health and well-being. Their health care allowed Mom to enjoy a long and rewarding life. Visitation will be held in Inverness Funeral home on Saturday, March 7 from 7-9 p.m. and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held on Monday March 9 at 3 p.m. in St. Matthew’s United Church, Inverness with Pastor Maggie Plant celebrating. Burial in St. John’s United Church Cemetery, Strathlorne at a later date.

Donations in Mom’s memory may be made to the Inverness Hospital Charitable Foundation or St Matthew’s United Church, Inverness.

On-line condolences may be made to www.invernessfuneralhome.com