Obituary of Marlayne Tedford

It is with profound sadness that the family of Marlayne Louise Tedford (née Gammell) (76) of Westville, NS announces her passing on April 3, 2024 in Halifax.
Marlayne was born in Truro to the late Shirley McLellan (née Crockett) and Clarence “Andy” Gammell on November 13, 1947. After graduating from Westville High School in 1966, Marlayne went on to study at Acadia and Dalhousie Universities. She later worked in early childhood education, then as a school librarian, before returning to university to complete her Bachelor of Education and eventually earning her Masters Degree in Education. Marlayne was a beloved teacher at both Thorburn Consolidated and then Westville High School. She loved teaching and cared deeply about her students. She especially loved helping students discover the joy of reading, as she was a lifelong voracious reader herself. Marlayne also loved quilting, sewing and other arts and crafts and was a founding member of the Thistle Quilt Guild. A highlight of her week was meeting with her weekly sewing group. She also enjoyed curling and met her husband Dave Teford at the Westville Curling Club, where they were married in 1988.
Marlayne’s favourite role in life was Mom and Nanny and she was always the greatest supporter and cheerleader of her two children, their partners and her four grandchildren. Many happy memories were created while the entire family camped together at Seafoam Campground or gathered for Games Night at Nanny and Poppy’s, especially as Nanny was frequently caught “massaging” the rules of the games.
Marlayne is survived by her husband Dave, Westville, her children Shannon Sponagle (Alastair Jarvis), Lunenburg and Shane Sponagle (Lisa MacKinnon), Scotsburn and her four beloved grandchildren, Jack and Michael Sponagle and Adele and Parker Jarvis, step-mother Carol Gammell-Chennell, Westville, brothers Bill Gammell (Sandra), Moncton and Frank Gammell (Brenda), Saltsrpings, half-sister Alexandria McLellan-Swain (Darryl), Port Perry. She also leaves behind beloved nieces, cousins and friends who will miss her dearly. Marlayne is preceded in death by her parents Shirley and Andy and stepfather Archie McLellan.
Always a teacher who cared about learning, Marlayne’s remains have been donated to the Dalhousie Medical School, according to her wishes. In lieu of a funeral service, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, as Marlayne hoped to be remembered with “more laughter than tears”.
Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre https://cwhhc.ottawaheart.ca/ or Diabetes Canada ​​https://diabetes.ca/