Her precious smile, laughter, warm embrace, comforting voice, and endearing love for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will be held close to our hearts, as our Matriarch and the last living member of her immediate family goes to meet our dad and join her family before her. The reunion will be joyous occasion, filled with song and music, as they dance and celebrate her entry through heaven’s gate.
Our Mom, Lois Kathryn Allen (Bain), passed quietly with her dear son by her bedside at The Meadows -Trillium House, March 30th, 2020. Unfortunately COVID-19 has impacted so many traveling in/out of province, and her girls were not able to be there in person. Thankfully Kiera and staff FaceTimed several times the week prior to her passing.
Let’s take a walk down memory lane:
Mom was the youngest of 5, growing up in Overton. Her father, Bradford Clayton Bain was the Chief of Police in Yarmouth. Her mother Hilda Kathryn was a devoted Baptist Christian, and this faith remained a large part of Mom’s life.
Mom was proud of her first job at the Metropolitan store on Main St. She respected her mother’s wishes when asked to write local soldiers away at the Korean War. Which is where our dad came into her life, and married Dec. 31st 1953. But almost didn’t as everyone went to the church and forgot the bride!!
She began her life as a military wife in St. John, NB., the first of four postings. She was part of the ladies auxiliary, a prize winning bowler, her own seamstress, great baker, and took pride in her cooking and preserving, and had a keen interest in politics (even if her and dad’s political points of view were opposite!). She was a stay at home mom raising 3 rambunctious kids! It was never a dull day with us army brats! Our RCR military extended family brought her comfort, as many families traveled to the same posting, and remained close friends throughout mom and dad’s life. She enjoyed traveling through Europe at the third posting in Germany, but she was eager to return to Canada. Summers, in Ontario (last posting) consisted of packing up the car and kids, and heading East to NS, and making wonderful family memories at the camp. She always went above and beyond for holidays and birthdays. The decorations and baking were always a priority, and Christmas was so magical. Especially weeks later when she’d come across gifts that were hidden so well, even she forgot them! Mom entered into the world of shoes and K-Mart in Ontario in her late thirties. In what spare time she had, she lead Brownies and Girl Guides, and was active in the church.
She was given the offer of a lifetime, in 1977, to go back home to Yarmouth and manage the new K-mart shoe department through to her retirement.
That opportunity was perfect, being close to her siblings and mother again. She rekindled old relationships and made many new ones. Mom entrusted her faith with Jesus upon her return to Yarmouth, and opened her heart and found her beautiful singing voice. She volunteered as choir director in North Chegoggin and in Sandford, and performed in multiple Christmas and Easter Canttas, as well as arranging and conducting them. She was able to really expand on her love for gardening, and it blossomed as she joined the Gardening Club and committee, and really enjoyed the garden tours and friendships. Dad too had fun building her a hot house, and clearing areas where she could add to her amazing gardens and prize winning flowers. She was so proud of her gardens, and having garden tours, the numerous Exhibition ribbons and awards, but being recognized with Mayflower Awards was a highlight.
Her passion of painting, came later in her forties, and the artist within came to life with each brush stroke. She took as many Frank Boudreaux workshops as possible, attended many painting retreats, became a member of the Art Society and participated on the committee. She had showings in Yarmouth and Halifax, and sold paintings across Canada, and Europe as well.
Now that she was home, trips up to the camp were a quick drive up the road. Spending weekends there with us kids was always a given; Dad just couldn’t handle the old beds and chose his comfy bed at home, but would return in the morning for his coffee! Mom definitely had embedded in her memory, the lake view from the camp window from her rocker. Camp stories always ended with laughter.
Another favorite spot was at the lighthouse, gazing out at the harbor. She was also part of the Friends Of The Lighthouse.
Her love for animals started at a young age, and the family had many cats. She truly adored her family dogs, especially after us kids were grown, having a pup join her for rides, welcome her home even if it was only after getting the mail! She couldn’t resist those puppy dog eyes for treats, and sharing the camp bed was a given! Each of her puppies stole her heart, and gave her beautiful memories and precious moments.
Besides her parents Bradford and Hilda Bain Mom is predeceased by her loving Husband Shenton, brothers Clayton, Brady, Bobby and sister Lillian Jeffery.
She is survived by her children, Deborah - Ont, Shenton (June) - Yarmouth, and Holly - Ont. Grandchildren Kiera Lennox, Jesse and Joshua Foy, Christa and Ryan Swaine; Great grandchildren Oliver, Jackson, and Liam.
Mom will be laid to rest in North Chegoggin Baptist cemetery, and due to current circumstances, a graveside service will be for immediate family. Once the COVID situation ends, and large gatherings are allowed, a service will be announced to celebrate our amazing mom.
To honor mom’s love for family pets, donations can be made to the Yarmouth SPCA. Online condolences may be sent to Sweenysfh@eastlink.ca, or you may sign the guestbook online at www.sweenysfuneralhome.net
A special thanks to The Meadows staff for your love and care of our mom. Dr. Roland Muise for the continued medical care over the decades. To family and friends that took time to visit, or call to talk with mom, while at the Meadows, she appreciated each visit, the laughter, the beautiful young kids, the old stories, the familiar voices, and updates. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.