Obituary of Beverly Ethel Lake

We are saddened to announce the passing of our mom, Beverly Ethel (Smeltzer) Lake, of Windsor, on Saturday, February 10, 2024 in Hants Community Hospital, Windsor. Mom was born on August 21, 1950 in Windsor. She was a daughter of the late George and Viola (Smith) Smeltzer. 

Mom is survived by her husband, Bruce Lake; son, Craig (Monique); grandchildren, Ben and Emily; son, Aaron (Cheryl); grandchildren, Ryleigh and Peyton; brother, Kenneth (Mary); brother-in-law, Blair (Karen). Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Marilyn.

Mom’s life could be defined by Family, Faith and Friendship. 

Mom grew up in Upper Vaughan, on the hill overlooking Zwicker Lake. She was proud of her humble upbringing as a “Chester Roader”.  If transitioning to the big city and attending St. Mary’s University wasn’t enough, she and dad welcomed Craig, making many personal sacrifices during that time. Following university, she and dad moved back to Hants County and soon welcomed their second son, Aaron. Mom devoted her life to raising her two boys, taking jobs cleaning houses, babysitting and making cotton candy at the Hants County Exhibition to make ends meet. When both boys started school, mom took a job as a teaching assistant at Windsor Elementary School. This was the start of a lifetime journey for mom in the teaching profession. With two kids still in school and a husband running a surveying business, mom went on to further her education earning a Bachelor of Education degree from Acadia University at the age of 36. Her pursuit of an education was a value that resonated with her children. She began her teaching career at Windsor Elementary School, instructing various grades and teaching resource over many years, until her health forced her to retire. Mom dedicated her life to being a teacher, never thinking of it as simply a job but as a true calling.

Later in life, her grandchildren brought her so much joy, following their many school, community and sports activities. Seeing her grandchildren grow into young adults brought her immense pride and pleasure. Her granddaughters spent countless hours playing school with Nana and she always made sure they were well-equipped with school supplies and was always encouraging their creativity and expression. Summertime at the family camp on Zwicker Lake with dad and the kids were times that we will always cherish and remember fondly. When her grandchildren were young, she and Poppy would have them at the lake, with no shortage of crafts, play and adventures planned.

Mom was devoted to her faith. It provided her with strength and stability through challenging times. We would like to thank Reverend Hann for the comfort and care you provided to mom during your time at the church. As part of her devotion, giving back to her community was seen as necessary. The volunteer commitments within her school, the Hants Community Hospital Auxiliary and most notably the Windsor United Church are too numerous to list. She will be forever known as the organizer of many events, always adding her creative touches.

Lastly, we are starting to fully appreciate the extensive network of friends that mom had developed over the years. It is heartwarming for us to know how many lives mom has touched.

The family would like to thank all who have reached out when mom was in the hospital, with kind words and gestures. We would also like to thank the staff at both Valley Regional Hospital and Hants Community Hospital for their comforting care during this difficult time.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317). A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 16 in Windsor United Church, 613 King Street, Windsor, Rev. David Hann officiating. A reception will follow in the church annex. Private family burial will be held in Maplewood Cemetery, Windsor. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bev’s memory may be made to the Windsor United Church, PO Box 2327, Windsor, NS B0N 2T0. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca