Obituary of Audrey Avery
It is with great sadness that the family of Audrey Mary Avery (nee Elcombe) announce her passing at Glen Haven Manor, New Glasgow, on October 15, 2023. Mom passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 99.
Born on January 31,1924 in Gosport, England, Audrey was the daughter of Ernest Elcombe and Edith Mae Philpott.
She is survived by her four sons, Walter (Rose), Phillip (Kathleen), Paul (Joan), and David (Donna) as well as eight grandchildren: Mark; Allison and Andrew; Alex and Holly; and Lori, Chris, and Michael, along with 11 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Patricia and brother Philip, both of Gosport England, numerous nieces and nephews, and former daughters-in-law Dianne, Laverne, and Marolyn.
She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Francis Edward Avery of Westville, and by her companion Albert Field of Saltsprings, as well as by her brother John of Whitney, England.
World War 2 was a significant period in our mother’s life, as it was for so many of her generation. Her father was a career sailor in the British navy, and mom had special fond memories of her several years of living in Malta while her dad was posted there. Then as a young woman, she was employed in “war work” as she would refer to it, while often relating stories of those dangerous times. Then she met Francis, a Canadian soldier, and after their marriage she emigrated to Canada along with numerous other war brides. She spent the rest of her life living in Westville, where she was a much loved and admired friend, neighbor, citizen, and matriarch of an ever expanding family. Along with our father, mom became an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion and proudly served in several executive positions in Branch 35, Westville. She was especially honored to be awarded a Life Membership to the Legion, and at the time of her death she was the oldest serving Life Member.
While our mother was very proud to be a Canadian citizen and often commented on how fortunate she was to be living in Nova Scotia, she also never forgot her British roots and heritage. She visited England often, and kept in touch with family there. Many of her English relatives visited the Avery home on College Street. Of course, her home was also the site of many family functions over the years, with mom busily overseeing all activities. Everyone was welcome in her home.
The family extends special thanks to the staff of Glen Haven Manor for their exceptional care of Audrey over the past sixteen months, also the special private home care extended to our mother by Agnes Leadbeater and Alan Bird of Westville.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 20 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Eagles Funeral Home. The Royal Canadian Legion will conduct a ceremony Friday, October 20 at 6:30 at the Funeral Home.
Her funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 21 from Eagles Funeral Chapel with Rev. Dr. Glen Matheson officiating. Interment at Church of the Holy Name Cemetery, Westville. Following these services, a reception will be held at Branch 35, Royal Canadian Legion, Spring Garden Road, Westville.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Audrey’s name may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 35, Westville.
Her funeral service will be streamed live and may be watched by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/BljOCu5FvFE?si=aTYN_TmvgZyG60q6