Elizabeth “Betty” Rideout
RIDEOUT, Elizabeth “Betty” – 79, Truro. With sadness in our hearts today we let you know that our much-loved mother and greatly adored grandmother, Elizabeth (Perham) Rideout has passed away.
She fought a 10-year battle with Parkinson’s disease but succumbed to the disease on Friday, April 27, 2018. Born in Bay du Nord, Newfoundland, she was the second of three children born to the late George and Ellen Anne (Dominix) Perham. She met the love of her life in her hometown when the charming Earl Rideout arrived as the new community teacher and lay minister. The two were true soul mates united in their modest nature, generous spirit, love of children and kindness. They married in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland and relocated to Arichat, Cape Breton Island where they built a life together and raised their family of five children.
Betty trained as a nurse as a young adult and worked at St. Anne’s Hospital in Arichat while at the same time rearing her five children. Remarkably, she also made time to contribute to her community as a member of the St. John’s Anglican Church ACW and as a 4-H leader. Betty upgraded her nursing credentials when she turned 65 in order to, in her words, “care for older people.” A life-long caregiver, she would later nurture and provide guidance to international students from countries around the world when she decided her home was “too quiet.”
Betty had many interests and talents; she was a very creative rug hooker, avid reader and gardener and an enthusiastic card player. She was a passionate Blue Jays fan and delighted in going to games and meeting her baseball heroes. She also took great pride in her beloved corgis.
Betty will be remembered for her sharp mind, tremendous generosity of spirit, kindness towards others, love of her family and strong determination.
She is cherished by her loving family, Michael Rideout (Lisa Creelman), Truro; Jennifer Rideout (Ian Anderson), Toronto; Marsha Rideout (Doug Macpherson), Timberlea; Dominic Rideout (Tanya Johnson), Truro; Dolly (Derek) Hollett, Middle Sackville; grandchildren, Andrew, Chantel, Lauren, Josh, Alex, Xander; brother, Tom Perham, Florida; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Howard, Halifax; Frank (Anne), Petit de Grat; Edward (Brenda), Arichat; Meta (Bryce) Bruce, Boiestown, New Brunswick; Margaret (Cline) Bourinot, Port Hawkesbury. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Earl Rideout (December 2017) and her brother, Benjamin Perham.
She will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews and many dear friends, especially the devoted Sandra and Willis Bartlett, Olive Snow, Darlene and Dwight Rowe and Bonnie Macneil. She will also be missed by her international (hosted) children from Thailand, Mexico, China, Taiwan and beyond.
Special thanks to the many doctors and staff at Colchester East Hants Health Centre who cared for Betty. In particular, we thank Dr. Kelly and Dr. Smith along with nurses Alyssa Macaulay and Melissa Mair for their exceptional skill and compassion.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where the funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 2, 2018, The Reverend Lori Ramsey officiating. Reception will follow. Interment and dedication at St. John’s Arichat will follow in early summer. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Betty’s name to Friends of St. John’s Arichat, P.O. Box 119, Arichat NS B0E 1A0.
Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Betty’s obituary online and selecting “Send A Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com.