Gertrude Ann Rigby

In loving memory of our Mom, Gertrude 'Gertie' Ann (McMaster) Rigby, 77, of River Ryan, Nova Scotia who passed away peacefully on July 3, 2023 at the VG Hospital in Halifax with family by her side, after a brief illness.

Born in New Waterford, Nova Scotia she was the daughter of the late John James and Bridget (MacEachern) McMaster. Gertie moved to Hamilton at a young age with her sister Rachel. Jim's Mom introduced Gertie to Jim and they married in 1971 and lived their working lives in Mississauga and Oakville, Ontario, raising their two boys. When they retired, the East Coast called her home, so they built their beautiful home in River Ryan, NS. She was able to spend precious time with her Mother through her final years and other family.

Gertie is survived by her husband, James (Jim) Rigby, son Darren (Mike Gardner) Rigby of Burnaby, BC and Colin (Leah) Rigby, Fall River, NS. Her two grandchildren, Reegan and Lauren Rigby. Gertie is also survived by her sisters Esther McMaster (New Waterford), Marilyn LeDrew (New Waterford), Loretta (Lolly) Cardoni (Hamilton, ON) and Rachel Storey (Hamilton, ON). Gertie was predeceased by her brothers and sisters: Carl, Daniel (Dan), Peter (Pepi), Emiline (Emmy), John (Junior), Sheila, Christina (Tena), Catherine (Cassie) and Theresa. She will also be fondly remembered by all her nieces and nephews that she held a special place in her heart for.

Mom was an avid shopper, especially for a good bargain. She could never turn one down. She loved old music, cooking and baking her special recipes, reading a good romance novel and spending time with family. Gertie was most proud of her two sons and her two granddaughters.

We would like to thank the staff of 3A ICU at the VG in Halifax who are a special group; Nicole, Jacey, Jillian and especially Dr. Sarah McMullen, who provided amazing to support Gertie and the family through to the end. 

The family will receive relatives and friends at McLellan Funeral Home, 3183 Plummer Ave., New Waterford, NS on Saturday July 8, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. up until the time of the service starting at 1:00 p.m.. Deacon Lorne MacNeil officiating. A reception to follow in the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made in Gertie's honour to either the Diabetes Association of Nova Scotia or the charity of one's choice.Online words of comfort and expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.mclellanfuneralhome.com

I AM FREE

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,

I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard his call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work, to play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I’ve found that peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My Life’s been full, I savoured much,

Good friends, good times,

a loved one’s touch,

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free