Obituary of Marguerite Rafuse

RAFUSE (Lloyd) M.E. Marguerite - 82, Waterville, Kings Co., passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2010, in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, with her family by her side. Born in Prospect, Kings Co., she was a daughter of the late Archibald - Arch쳌 and Jessie (Alders) Best. Marguerite is survived by her second husband, Kenneth - Ken쳌 Rafuse, Waterville; daughter, Edie Lloyd (Lawrence DeAdder), Grand Pre; step-son, Paul (Ivy) Rafuse, Waterville; step-daughter, Betty (John) Lutz, Lake Paul; several step-grandchildren; youngest brother, Ken (Gladys) Best, Coldbrook; special foster sister, Doris Schofield, Berwick; several nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Marjorie Best, Prospect; Betty Best, Kentville. A special mention of best friend, Marj Brannon; special friend and helper, Leah Livingstone; dear friend, Agnes McCully. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by brothers, Vernon in infancy, Gerald, Herbert and Murray Best. She will be sadly missed by her special dog, Buddy; grand-pets, Alfred (Labrador Retriever) and Darrell (cat). Marguerite taught several hundred children from the Waterville and Cambridge areas and was often referred to as, - Mrs. Lloyd, my favourite teacher쳌 by many. She was a promoter of healthy eating in school, four decades ago, long before it became fashionable, by selling apples from Scotian Gold in her class room and had given many to those less fortunate. - Mrs. Lloyd쳌 was also known to buy her students shoes and clothing when needed and was generous to all. Marguerite had tremendous talent in gathering people together. She was instrumental in - heading up쳌 countless groups and causes, ranging from Senior Computer Lessons to instructing Beaver and Scout leaders, to most recently the - Berwick Hookers쳌. Marguerite had received the volunteer of the year award for outstanding service to her communities. She had a very large circle of friends from her retired teachers, the - Cambridge Gang쳌 to several hooking groups, which was demonstrated by countless phone calls, visits, cards and flowers she received during her brief illness. Marguerite was a member of the Berwick United Church and U.C.W., sang in the church choir and served on various church and pastoral charge committees. Visitation for Marguerite will take place from 7-9 p.m., Saturday in Serenity Lindsay Funeral Home, 192 Commercial St., Berwick, N.S., B0P 1E0, (902-538-9900). Funeral service will take place at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 17, in the Berwick United Church, 240 Commercial St., Berwick. Rev. Linda Winton officiating, assisted by Pastor Christina Bigelow. Burial in the Berwick Cemetery, with a reception to follow at the Waterville and District Fire Hall. Flowers for the service are encouraged as Marguerite was well known for her ever expanding garden and a self professed - plantaholic쳌 and was an avid bird watcher. Donations in her memory may be made to the Kings Co. S.P.C.A. or to the Craig?¢s Cause for Pancreatic Cancer Research at the Q.E. II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax. A special thank you to niece and unit manager, Cathy Best Swindell and all of the excellent staff on Medical A at the Valley Regional Hospital. Thank you to the Berwick Physician Group with special thanks to Dr. Christine Mercer, Dr. Robin Bustin and Dr Brian MacInnis. Special thanks to Rev. Linda Winton, Pastor Christina Bigelow and Rev. Debra Orton at Valley Regional Hospital. Finally a very special thank you to friend and helper, Leah Livingstone for everything. Condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home address or on-line by visiting: www.serenitylindsayfuneralhome.ca