Reta Frances Drover

Heaven has welcomed the world’s best molasses cookie maker. Reta Frances Drover, 97, of South Bar, passed away peacefully Monday, November 16th, 2020, at the Cove Guest Home, Sydney.

Born in Sydney on October 5th, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Wilson and Mary (Moulton) Allen.

As a mother of four children she was our rock. Her morals, values and her honour to God were the foundation of the stable home we had the privilege of growing up in. Everybody, including family from away, knew the doors were always open for a place to stay, the perfect home cooked meal, and a swing on the step. What she had, everyone was welcomed to.

In earlier years, she was an avid swimmer, bowler, and dancer. She enjoyed fishing, camping, and playing cards, especially Tarabish, where she was known to call the Bells convincingly, but way too late. If she wasn’t watching a Blue Jays game she could be found outdoors gardening or painting, and there was never a doubt the wood would be neatly stacked for the upcoming winter. She was a member of the United Church, Club 55, and the Pensioners Club, where she loved to get dressed up and dance the night away with her sister and best friend, Jessie.

Reta is survived by her daughters, Deanna Gilholm, Sydney and Judy Drover, South Bar; son, Brad (Maribeth MacIntyre), South Bar; sister, Jessie MacDonald, South Bar; grandchildren, Allyson Gilholm, Christopher Gilholm, Shiella (Paul) Legere, Renita (D’Arcy) MacIntyre, Belinda Campbell, Sarabeth (Anthony Callahan) Drover, Levon Drover, Dylan Drover, Ramsay Drover, Tammy Drover, Chantel (Ricky) Higginbotham, and Austin James Rodgers; great-grandchildren, Allie and Jesse MacIntyre, Emma, Laura, and Abby Legere, Kal Campbell, Iluka and Effie Callahan, Constance Judith Parton and Colton Stroud; and many special nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

She was predeceased by her husband, James; daughter, Shelley Rodgers; brothers, Ralph, Arthur, and John; son-in-law, David Gilholm; brothers-in-law, Carl and Bill; and sisters-in-law, Jean, Gert, Louise, Mary, Ivy, and Jessie.

Visitation will take place at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Friday, November 20 from 4-7 p.m. A private family graveside service will be held at Forest Haven Memorial Gardens with Rev. Dr. Thomas Whent officiating.

A special thank you to the wonderful staff at the Cove Guest Home. We are grateful for the compassionate care she received over the past couple of years.

Memorials maybe made to the Cove Guest Home.

Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.com ore-mailed to sydneymemoriachapel@ns.sympatico.ca

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