Obituary of June Narraway Jarvis

June Narraway Jarvis

Age 86

Canso, Guysborough Co.,

June Narraway (Bushell) Jarvis, age 86, died on Friday, March 24th, 2023 in Eastern Memorial Hospital, Canso, NS, with many close family members and friends by her side. Born in Hazel Hill, Guysborough County, on August 15th, 1936, June was the youngest of 12 children born to Sidney Bushell and Letitia Mary Narraway (Hart) Bushell. She was a life-long resident of the Hazel Hill/Canso area. She was predeceased by her parents, her first husband, Samuel Knight Jarvis, and her second husband, Joseph Georges Richard.

Also predeceasing her were her 11 siblings; Pauline MacPhee, Nancy Peters, Arnold Bushell, Lee Bushell, Alice Burrows, Diana Geil, Dorothy Hutchinson, Martin Bushell, Norris Bushell, Valerie (Chick) Rogers and Norman (Bim) Bushell. June also suffered the loss of many nieces and nephews, Diana (MacPhee) Boodoosingh, Lorna MacPhee, Christopher Bushell, Hartley Bushell, Shelley (Bushell) Welsh, John Hutchinson, Jan (Bushell) Perks, Kevin Bushell, Norman Bushell, Stan Rogers, Gurth (Gee) MacKenzie, John (Jack) MacKenzie, and John Jarvis. Her son-in-law Hector Wentzell,  and stillborn grandson, Adam Hirtle, also predeceased her.
June is survived by her daughters Paula (Mike) Fredericks, Boutilier's Point, NS, and Kimberly, Midville Branch, NS, along with grandsons Matt Fredericks (Betsy) and great-grandsons Justin and Alexander; grandson Josh Hirtle (Lise Thibideau) great-grandsons András and Lukács, grandson Daniel Hirtle and great-grandson Sam. Her first cousin, George Hart, also survives. Her Richard step-family, Terri (Tom) Kavanaugh, Tom (Alex Wilson), Joseph (Caroline Day), Nancy (Lloyd) Barrow and Rosella (Gilles) LaRoche and their large extended family mourn June’s loss. Her wonderful caregiver, Marie Lumsden also misses her dearly.

June was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a very special aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was a longtime member of St. Paul's United Church, Canso, serving as church Elder, choir member and Sunday school teacher over the years. She welcomed new members, was a member of UCW and supported all fundraisers of the congregation.

She was employed by Sun Life Assurance, the Bank of Montreal, did substitute teaching at Canso High School, and was well-known as the manager of the Canso Housing Authority, where her "part-time" duties were given full-time attention. Perhaps best remembered as an 18-year employee of the Canso Branch of Eastern Counties Library, she influenced many. She was a member and past-President of the Shamrock Club, was President of Canso Cemetery Company (Fourth Hill Cemetery) for many years, and was a skilled sales agent for Arsenault's Monuments. Throughout her life, she was known for her integrity, community-mindedness, generosity, sense of humour, and especially her many stories of life in Hazel Hill and Canso, particularly about the Commercial Cable Company, where her father spent his career, and also loved to speak about her interesting ancestors. It is truly the end of an era. She was an avid swimmer, never missing a chance to dive in at favourite haunts with her dear friend and co-worker Sandra Dixon especially at the Tickle, as well as with family at Glasgow, or Black Duck Cove. She was also a "Polar Bear Swimmer" and spent many a New Year's Day taking a freezing dip with the crew at the Canso Marina, up until she was 79! Her love of the outdoors was especially shared with Sam, Joe, Paula and Kimberly, her nephew Stephen Bushell and niece Jean Bushell. They accompanied her on many walks, Sunday drives and other adventures over the years. She loved a trip to Cooee Coffre and always wished for one more walk to the Lookout Hill. In the 1960’s, following the lead of her sister Nancy, she became a passionate and well-regarded birdwatcher whose sightings of rare birds were noted by the Nova Scotia Bird Society and the late author Robie Tufts in his book "Birds of Nova Scotia." In addition to being a marvellous story-teller, June was a prolific writer of poetry, fiction and essays especially in her younger years, but right up until she went to the hospital, she still wrote poetry at her table overlooking Canso Harbour. She was published in many places, including the Family Herald, Jack and Jill Magazine, Woman's Day, and was frequently published in Onward Magazine (now The Observer). She wrote dozens of songs, as well, and at least one - "Lonesome Fiddle" was recorded. It was sung by Eric Fiander on Sharon’s Ogilvie’s CD. Last but certainly not least, June’s love of music and her own beautiful voice must be noted. From family get-togethers, church choir, singing at the occasional wedding, to singing in her own kitchen, her musicality was a big part of who she was. She appreciated it in most of its forms, and supported many budding musicians along the way.

We would like to thank everyone at Eastern Memorial Hospital for their care this spring. Their skill, warmth and attention was so appreciated.

Cremation has taken place, under the care of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Canso.

A Celebration of Life for June will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023, in St. Paul’s United Church, Canso at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Heather Manuel officiating.

 A reception following at the Shamrock Club. Committal of ashes will be private, at a later date.

No flowers, by request. Donations in her memory can be made to St. Paul’s United Church, P.O. Box  64  Canso, NS  B0H 1H0