Mary Louise Oickle Jones

Jones, Mary (Oickle) Kaulbach -99, of Deep Brook, passed away peacefully at Valley Regional Hospital on May 4th, 2013. Born January 1st, 1914, in Victory, Annapolis County, NS, she was the daughter of the late George Oickle and Winnifred Hewey Oickle. She was predeceased by her first husband, Chester Kaulback, second husband, Thomas Jones, her sister, Hazel Miller and brother, Leland Oickle. Mary is survived by her only daughter, Crystl MacLean, and her four grandchildren: Alexander (Pam) - BC, Stephen (Gro) - Ontario, Rachel (Len) MacLean-Hawley -Kentville, and Mary (Derek) MacLean-Bent – Truro. She was the proud great-grandmother of 9 great-grandchildren: Carly, Hadley and Cameron Bent, Breagha and Myah Hawley, Samantha, Madeline, Keira Mitchell-MacLean and Stephen Jr. MacLean. She thought fondly of her many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was affectionately known as “Bammie” to all her grandchildren (and all their friends and family). Mary Jones attended Truro Teacher's College and taught at Oakdene School in Bear River until she was married. She and her husband, Chester, owned and operated a tea room and the Bear River Guest House for many years. Before retiring, Mary also enjoyed her work at the Children's Home in Digby. She was a member of the Bear River United Baptist Church for 85 years. She was a member of the Ladies Circle and Philathea Class and the church choir and community groups; the New Horizons and The Good Neighbours Club. Many winters were spent in Florida and spring and summers were spent at her beloved cottage at Sandy Bottom Lake and homes in Bear River and Deep Brook. She was an avid swimmer (although, she miraculously never got her hair wet) and loved all wildlife and nature. Over her life, Mary was a fabulous cook and an intelligent, independent and quick-witted woman who enjoyed life and maintained a strong spirit by staying true to herself and those around her. She enjoyed word games, wrote (comical) poetry, loved music/drama and was a very supportive, loving and generous mother and grandmother. Her dry sense of humour, even throughout her last days, was such a blessing to those around her. On her 99th birthday, she was asked how it felt to be 99... Her response was, “OLD”. Special thanks to: Medical staff at VRH, VON of Annapolis and Kings Counties, Dr. Robert Barkwell (Annapolis Royal) and Robin Denton (Continuing Care). Visitation will be held between 12pm – 2pm followed by a Service Celebrating Mary’s Life at 2pm, on Wednesday May 8th at the Bear River United Baptist Church. Rev. Earl Waterman and Rev. Donald Robertson presiding. Interment to follow in Mount Hope Cemetery, Bear River. Memorial donations may be made to the Gideon's, VON Annapolis County or Kings County. Arrangements have been entrusted to Jayne’s Funeral Home, Digby (245-2525). Leave on-line condolences at www.jaynesfuneralhome.com