Obituary of Aldona Leadbeater

It is with great sadness, that we are announcing the passing of our dear mother, Mary Elizabeth "Aldona" (Benoit) Leadbeater, of Westville, on May 23, 2019 at the age of 88 years.

Aldona was born in New Glasgow on February 2, 1931 to Bert and Emma (Haywood Dean) Benoit.

Having lost her mother at the age of 4, Mom grew up to be a strong person who went to work as a young teenager doing housework and waitressing. She worked at a textile mill in St. Stephen, NB and had also worked in the kitchen of the Aberdeen Hospital. Mom’s main focus in life was her family. She loved to cook and bake and was never happier than when we were all together around the kitchen table enjoying one of her delicious meals. There was always room for a few more as well. She and Dad enjoyed planting a small vegetable garden every year and there was always plenty of preserves for the winter. Mom was quick witted, loved a good joke and had an infectious laugh. In her spare time, over the years, she liked to sew, knit, crochet, quilt, do cross word puzzles and read. Mom loved going for long drives and never passed up a chance for a short drive in the country, hoping to see some wildlife. She was very adventurous and even went for a leisurely four wheeler trip at the age of 85. Mom was a loving "Aunt Doanie" to many adoring nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her children, Karen MacLean, Inverness; Shane (Shelly King), Truro; and Ella (Forbes) LeDrew, Westville, as well as grandchildren, Aaron Leadbeater, Truro, Tara Leadbeater (Mike Parker), Greenfield, and Adam LeDrew (Brittany Robb), Halifax.

Mom was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Stewart Leadbeater on June 3, 2018; her daughter-in-law Linda Leadbeater; and son-in-law Russell MacLean.

The last surviving member of her immediate family, she was predeceased by siblings, Annie Grace, Emma Campbell, William, Michael, and Bertie Benoit, as well as Edgar Dean.

Mrs. Leadbeater is resting at Eagles Funeral Home, Westville with visiting on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Her funeral service will be held 2 o’clock Tuesday from Eagles Funeral Chapel, Westville with Rev. Dr. Mary Taylor officiating. Burial will be in Auburn Cemetery.