Obituary of Elizabeth Doreen Reim
It is with profound sadness that we announced the passing of our beloved mother, Elizabeth Doreen Reim, age 72, of Sylvester, Nova Scotia. Born on September 23rd 1952 in Mount Kisco NY, Elizabeth was the daughter of the late Robert ‘Bob’ Russell and Ethel (Wallace) Russell of Westville. Though she was born during a brief work relocation for her father, she was raised for the majority of her life in Westville, a community that always held her heart.
As a young girl, Elizabeth was a proud member and piper of the Dunvegan Girls Pipe Band of Westville. In her early career, she worked at Zellers on East River Road in various roles, where she formed friendships that would last a lifetime. Later, she earned her medical secretary diploma and went on to manage Dr. Barclay’s office in Trenton, where she was adored by patients for her kindness, calm presence, and professionalism.
Elizabeth and Butch started raising their family on the Westville Road and then later moving to Stellarton. Once her children were grown, Elizabeth retired and embarked on an international journey with her husband, following his work overseas. They lived in Thailand for five years, fully embracing the culture and exploring its breathtaking islands and landscapes. They then spent five years in Georgia and another five in South Caroline before finally returning to Nova Scotia and settling in Sylvester. There, they bought their dream retirement home, a place Elizabeth took great pride in. That home quickly became the heart of the family, especially during Christmas, her most cherished holiday. In all her years, not once did the family spend a Christmas apart. Even during their time overseas, Elizabeth and Butch always returned home to ensure the tradition of being together was never broken.
Elizabeth cherished the simple things in life. Her most important and fulfilling role was being a mother. She loved her children fiercely, with a strength and selflessness that never wavered. From the early years of raising four children, often with all of us in tow, she was always there. Through every milestone, every challenge, every joy and sorrow, she gave herself completely to her family. Her love was constant. Her support, unwavering. She was our foundation, our safe place, and our greatest source of comfort.
She was also an avid reader, with a deep love of books that stayed with her throughout her life. Over the years, she collected hundreds, each one carefully kept and treasured. So strong was her love for reading that she created a library in what she lovingly called her favorite room in the house. It was her peaceful haven.
Elizabeth is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Wentzell “Butch” Reim, and their children: Joseph “Joe” Reim (Tanya) Reim of Sylvester, Robert Reim (Brad) of Halifax, Kimberlea Leudy (Johnny) of Westville, Amanda Reim of Westville and brother Jack Russell (Colleen) of Westville. She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren: Taylor Reim-McQuinn (Darren), Kyle Reim, Johnny Leudy, Marley Leudy, as well as her step grand-daughter Kailyn, and her great-grandson Jaxson - all of whom brought her endless joy. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, who held a special place in her heart.
Besides her parents, Elizabeth was predeceased by her sister, Yvonne McGrath, brother Bobby Russell, and nephew Robert Russell, as well as her father-in-law Wentzell Reim, mother-in-law Nita (Fraser) Reim, sister in-law Lynn St. Amand, brothers in-law Allen Whytewood and Charles Fraser, and her cherished sister by choice, Elsa Bond.
Her legacy of love, loyalty, and quiet strength will live on in all of us. She was, simply put, the heart of our family.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the nursing staff of the ICU and the Fourth Floor at the Aberdeen Hospital for their exceptional care, compassion, and support during Elizabeth’s time in hospital. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
Visitation will take place at Eagles Funeral Home, Westville, on Monday July 21, 2025 from 1 to 3 pm with funeral service to follow at 3pm also at Eagles Funeral Home. Burial to follow at Lorne street Cemetery, New Glasgow.
