Obituary of Isabella Wild Garvock

GARVOCK (O'Brien), Isabella Wild ?쳌 Of Berwick, Kings Co., died peacefully in Valley Regional Hospital on April 5th, 2011, in her 103rd year. She was born in Littletown, County Durham, England, October 29, 1908, the eldest of seven children of William and Minnie (Wild) O'Brien. In July 1926, she sailed to Quebec City, then took the train to Calgary to visit her mother's sister, Hilda Dawe, a First World War bride. While there she met and in 1931 married, James William Garvock, a haberdasher and the son of a Scottish immigrant who farmed in Cumberland, Ont. After two Depression years on the family farm, they moved to a reputed "land of milk and honey", the Annapolis Valley, where their two children were born in Berwick. There, Isabella, known as "Pat" to her friends, was a Red Cross volunteer, especially during the Second World War era. She was a member of Berwick United Church where she was an alto in the choir, taught Sunday school, was an honorary life member of the Women's Missionary Society, and held executive positions for many years in several church groups. She was a member of the Western King's Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and a member of the original Berwick Lionettes. Over the years she enjoyed tennis, skating, curling, music, and bridge, as well as many trips to visit her beloved family in England. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by sisters, Eva, Mary, and Florrie; brothers, William, Cecil, and Arthur, (all of England); and her husband of 40 years, James William Garvock (of Berwick) in 1971. She is survived by daughter, Anne Ellen Fillmore (Dr. Peter); and son, William Garvock; grandchildren, Jennifer Hawes (Paul), Julia Doughty (John), Andy Fillmore (Sarah), James Garvock, Cara Lynn Garvock, and Wilson Garvock; 12 great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild. Grammie Garvock will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by her entire family for her love, generosity, creativity, and optimistic spirit. Special thanks are extended to her faithful VON caregivers, Drs. Mercer and Vats, and the caring and compassionate staff of Valley Regional Hospital. There will be a celebration of her life at a future date to be announced. Memorial gifts to Berwick United Church, Victorian Order of Nurses , or a charity of choice.