MacKENZIE, Gertrude Lucy "Gertie Jarvis" — Left this life on January 13, 2010, in Eastern Memorial Hospital, Canso. A daughter of Charles Amos and May (Mair) Jarvis, she was born in Halifax in 1918, lived some of her early years in New York and moved to Canso with her family in the late 1920s. Gertie is survived by her beloved granddaughter, Christine Mackenzie, Antigonish; Chrissies half-sister, Sarah Montalvo and their mother, Mildred (Millie) Montalvo (Richardson). Also surviving are a number of nieces and nephews; grand and great-grandnieces and nephews; numerous cousins; several in-laws, and a host of friends, a few of whom were very dear to her. She was predeceased by her husband, Harold (Hal) Mackenzie, and their sons, Gurth Maxwell "Gee" and John Charles, "Jack", as well as brothers, Harry and Sam, and a number of contemporary cousins. For a brief period during the Second World War she served in the Women's Army Corp. until she married and subsequently travelled to many parts of Canada with her husband who was a Merchant Seaman. For the past 57 years she has been a highly respected citizen of the Town of Canso. She was a long-time member of the Rebekahs. During the years when she was a staff member at Hazel Hill Rest Home she was one of the union activists who won better conditions for the care-workers. She was a founding member of the Shamrock Club Senior Citizens group in which she was often a member of the executive. Always, during these and many other activities she was a constant and devoted member of St. Pauls United Church. She enjoyed a number of hobbies, especially hand work of various kinds, birding, reading, and Scrabble, at which she and her partner won consecutive gold medals at the Older Adult Games at Liscomb Lodge. She loved to cook and bake, and was well-known for her unfailing hospitality. Her good will and affection went out to all, including a number of dogs and cats which had the good fortune to be her household pets over the years. Gertie's dedication to good causes, her boundless energy, and exemplary citizenship will never be forgotten. The celebration of her life will take place in Canso at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 19, in St. Paul's United Church, Rev. Heather Manuel officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the church or a charity of choice. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Canso. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com Service Information Service Date Tuesday, January 19, 2010