Harriet "Ella" Stearns

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of H. Ella Stearns, age 85, at the Glasgow Hall Nursing Home, Dartmouth, NS, on April 18, 2022 following a short illness. Ella was predeceased by parents, Arthur and Harriet (Kinney) Stearns, brother Charles, and sisters Ruth and Fran; surviving is sister Bertha (Ian) Harris of Okotoks, Alberta, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ella was born in Antigonish and resided on the family farm in North Lochaber, Nova Scotia, until she obtained her Grade Xl certificate in the one room schoolhouse. She then moved to Halifax where she obtained a position in the accounting department of the newly opened Simpson Sears Catalogue Center. Ella remained a dedicated Sears employee for 38 years, during which time she was the recipient of many promotions and accolades, and as well was a trustee of the Employees Profit Sharing Plan. When Sears opted to close their catalogue centre in Halifax, Ella chose immediate retirement in order to spend time with, and care for her mom.

If you were fortunate enough to have known Ella, you would have discovered she possessed a very quiet, kind and gentle disposition and she was always more than willing to assist anyone in need. Much of her retirement life was devoted to caring for her mom, her neighbour, and her sister, Fran. She also devoted many hours serving the Lochaber community, be it at church, seniors club, baking, driving, or wherever necessary. Her dedication to volunteering was duly noted when she received the Provincial Volunteer Award presented by the Governor General.

Ella’s heart always overflowed with a love for animals, especially cats.

Burial will take place at North Lochaber Cemetery at a later date.