PETTIPAS (Nichols), Helen "Carolyn"

Age 79, born June 1, 1941 Annapolis Royal. It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Helen Carolyn Pettipas. Daughter of the late Eugene D. Nichols and Eleanor A. Jennex. Survived by her best friend and companion, Robert "Bob" Goodwin, Dartmouth; son, Glenn Todd Pettipas, Dartmouth; daughter, Debra Lee Pettipas (Gary Brown), Dartmouth; grandchildren, Kyle and Erin, both of Dartmouth; former spouse, Elliott Pettipas, Dartmouth; Grand dog, Porkchop, Dartmouth. She will be missed by many cousins and extended family members, Kenneth and Eleanor Zwicker, Trina, Kristyn and Danielle; best friends, Joyce, Carol, Claire, Anne, Maureen, Judy. Predeceased by both parents and son-in-law, Albert Anthony "Tony" Pavlovic (of Amherst); grand dogs, Oscar and Kandi, (both of Dartmouth). Her hobbies included quilting, playing cards with her best friends. Carolyn also enjoyed watching hockey with Bob and soon became a converted Leafs fan (sorry Sidney!). She and Bob enjoyed gardening where they hugged their tomatoes. She loved singing with the Scotian Aires Barbershop Chorus where she was a member for over 20 years, and developed many close friendships. She travelled for numerous competitions and was always proud of the groups achievements. She was an avid reader and recently became a skilled online shopper. She was always able to adapt to new technology and was very proud of having groceries delivered to her door. She enjoyed cooking for her family, especially at Christmastime, her favorite time of year. She worked for the family business, Elliott’s Grocery, Portland Street, Dartmouth for many years, known for the best penny candy counter around. Carolyn retired in 2000, after a lengthy career with the Provincial Government, Supervisor with the Department of Community Services in the Family Benefits Division. After her retirement she worked at Cole Harbor Chiropractic until 2012. She always involved herself in the community as a member of various organizations, volunteering freely wherever she saw the need. She recently became a member of III Wing RCAFA with her companion Bob. She lived her life with zeal for her children and grandchildren, she had an extraordinarily strong faith and was a devoted member of Woodlawn United Church where she was involved in UCW (United Church Women’s) and many other branches of the church. She was a founding member of Forest Hills United, Cole Harbour where she sang in the church choir for many years. Carolyn had a wonderful sense of humor and always looked at the glass as half full. Sometimes her tongue was faster than her brain, and often surprised herself with what came out. She encouraged others to be positive as things could always be worse, and believed everything happens for a reason. She touched many lives and loved strongly. Every morning she woke with the intention of making someone else’s life better. She was a pillar for her family in very difficult times, a matriarch was not even close to describing her. She was everyone’s cheerleader and a second mother to many friends of her kids and coworkers. She hugged freely and fed many mouths. Her fans describe her as "She was a magnet, you couldn’t escape her". "When she smiled, she smiled with her whole face". She wore her heart on her sleeve and "not only did her light shine, it burned". The family wishes to express a special thank you to all the doctors and nurses of the Dartmouth General Hospital for the care given to Carolyn over the years. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St., Dartmouth. Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., October 8th in Woodlawn United Church, 54 Woodlawn Rd., Dartmouth. Please check Atlantic Funeral Homes Dartmouth Chapel website for confirmation closer to the date. Online condolences may be made at: www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Diabetes Canada, or Elderdog Rescue, Central Nova Scotia.

He reached down on High

And took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters

2 Samuel 22:17