Obituary of Della Thompson

Thompson, Della Bernice (Purdy), of Hantsport, passed away peacefully, Sunday, November 12, 2006 at the Hants Community Hospital, Windsor. Born September 13, 1920 in West Brooklyn, Kings Co., she was a daughter of the late Horace and Cora (Burgher) West. In her early years, Della lived in Lockhartville, Kings Co., where she married Orval Purdy and later moved to River Hebert, Cumb. Co., where they raised their eight children. She was a member of the River Hebert Baptist Church, W.M.S. sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. She was active in the Home and School and a member and past officer of the Rebecca Lodge. She enjoyed performing in variety concerts, was famous for her monologues and loved to get a laugh. She was also a member of the Amherst Drama Club. She moved to Hantsport with her second husband, Percy, where she was a member of the Hantsport United Baptist Church, sang in the choir, was a deacon, Sunday School teacher and a member of the King's Daughters. Della Had a great love of music, learned to play the fiddle at the age of 74 and loved to dance. She was a member of the King's Fiddlers. Della loved her church, her friends, her music, but most of all her family. It has been said by many, "Della made the best biscuits!" "Set the oven at 450 and don't open the door." She is survived by daughters: Bernice Purdy, Halifax, Christie Anne McLellan (Jack), Hantsport, Kathleen Purdy (Kim Smith), Canning, Joy Gray (Mike), River Hebert, sons: David Purdy (Beulah), Riverview, N.B., Gary Purdy (Kathy), Lawrencetown, Hfx. Co., Earle Purdy (Kim Clarke), Lower Sackville and Nelson Purdy (Barb Leger), Amherst and by twenty grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. She is also survived by four sisters: Eva Sumara (Charlie), Wolfville, Madeline Doig (Jim), Wolfville, Evangeline Tracey, Hantsport and Myrna Conrad (Ron) Kentville and a brother Gerald West (Mildred), Evangeline Beach. She was predeceased by her husband, Percy Thompson, her former husband Orval Purdy and by her older brother Asahel West. She will be greatly missed by her many dear friends, including, Kaye, Shirley, Muriel, Karen and special friend , Charlie. Thanks to the great team of VON nurses with their home care, Bev. Lyttle, Dr. Enrigrt and the nursing team on the Palliative Care ward at the Hants Community Hospital, Windsor. A special thanks to Pastor Dan and to our Aunt Myrna for being with us and mum in her last hours. We couldn't have done it without you. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place at the Hantsport United Baptist Church beginning at 6:30 p.m. Monday and where funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday followed by a reception in the church hall. Rev. Dan Jamer officiating. Family flowers only by request, donations in memory of mum can be made to the Palliative Care Unit of Hants Community Hospital, 97 Payzant Drive, Windsor, N.S. B0N 2T0 or to a charity of choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Annapolis Valley Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Drive, Coldbrook. On line condolences may be made through www.annapolisvalleyfuneralhome.com.