It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother and Nan, Elizabeth Amy Raymond, on February 1, 2020 at the Annapolis Community Health Center, with her granddaughter by her side.
Elizabeth was born on January 21, 1932, to the late Daniel and Nellie Hughes of Moose Brook, Hants Co., and adoptive parents, Christina and Lyndon Collins of Little River, Digby Co. Elizabeth was a sibling to Evelyn Barbour, Annie Barbour, William Barbour, Melvin Hughes, Leonard Hughes, Johnny Hughes, George Hughes and Nora Hughes. Although Elizabeth was separated from her siblings at a young age, she often spoke of her memories of them.
Elizabeth married her husband, Victor Raymond and later moved to Centreville where she started a family and became the mother to Lyndon and Sherry. In 1976, Elizabeth’s husband Victor passed away from cancer and she was left at a young age to support herself and her family. Elizabeth was able to secure employment at CFB Cornwallis in the laundry department, first as a laborer and later was promoted to a supervisor role. She worked tirelessly and purposefully for 18 years until she retired. Elizabeth’s desire for hard work continued after retirement when she took on a position at the Conway Workshop. Elizabeth loved working with the clients and they adored having her care for them.
Elizabeth was a dedicated and loyal worker, who valued the importance of hard work and demonstrated this in every aspect of her life. She was extremely resourceful and talented. She really was a “Jack of all trades” and could often be found sewing clothing, piling wood, or getting the greasiest of stains out of clothing. Elizabeth always had a solution to a problem and would willingly offer her life experiences to all that sought her advice and wisdom. She was an extremely selfless person and rarely treated herself to anything new. She lived a very simple life, but was happy and content doing so. Her priority was always her family and she found immense pleasure by giving to the ones she loved and making sure they didn’t go without.
Elizabeth took great pride in being able to spend quality time with her grandchildren, Jason, Amy and Matthew. However, her proudest moments were when her great grandchildren, Hannah, Griffin, Haydon and Aleeyah were born. She was so thankful that she was healthy enough to be able to be a part of their lives and that she could spend endless hours with each of them. Hannah was her first great grandchild and she was so very proud of her. Elizabeth would always greet Hannah by saying, “Hi Gorgeous”. Little did she know that she would later be referred to as our “Nanny Gorgeous ”.
Elizabeth loved going on an adventure. She was able to experience driving across Canada with her husband Victor as a last request before he passed. She travelled to California, Florida and to various other places in Canada and in the USA. Elizabeth was always up for a road trip, and would often invite a special friend to go along to keep her company and to share in making lifelong memories. One of her rituals was to visit the Cabot Trail in the fall to look at the beautiful leaves. Elizabeth loved being on the go and we honestly feel that this is what truly kept her young at heart.
Elizabeth’s health started to deteriorate in the last year and she spent the last few months at Digby General Hospital. The nurses and staff were so kind and patient with her and she really was loved by each and every one of them. As her family, we faithfully dedicated our time and love to making sure our Nan was well taken care of. We made sure to visit her on a regular basis in the hospital, would often take her out for drives to the cottage to give her a change of scenery, and would bring in her favorite treats. In the last week of her life, we advocated for her to receive the best quality end of life care that she deserved, and we are happy to say that she received this and so much more when she was admitted to the Annapolis Community Health Center. Although her time at ACHC was short, it was exactly what she would have wanted for her last days. The professionalism, the love, the compassion, the comfort and the quality of care was incredible and we will be forever grateful.
Elizabeth was predeceased by her parents, Nellie and Daniel Hughes, adoptive parents Christina and Lyndon Collins, husband, Victor and daughter, Sherry. Elizabeth leaves behind, son Lyndon, grandchildren, Jason (Nancy), Amy (Craig) and Matthew (Tracy), as well as her pride and joy, her great grandchildren, Hannah, Griffin, Haydon and Aleeyah.
There will be no funeral by request. A family service and burial will take place at a later date, when Elizabeth will be laid to rest with her daughter, Sherry. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Jayne’s Funeral home. Donations in Elizabeth’s memory can be made to the Annapolis Community Health Center: Palliative care program or to the Conway Workshop Association.
Although we are filled with an overwhelming amount of grief and pain at this time, we know that our Mom and Nan is looking over us and will forever be our angel in heaven. Rest Easy, Nanny Gorgeous.
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