Obituary of Deanne Lynn Reeve

Deanne Lynn Reeve OBIT Deanne Lynn Reeve made the most of her 60 years. She wrapped her arms around as much as she could hold and gratefully shared it with everyone she loved. With a quiet grace and elegance, Deanne slipped away on August 13th, 2020, preferring to rest than fight another day. Born in Newfoundland on May 4th, 1960, ‘Little D’ was middle child to older sister Connie (Paul) Martell and soon-to-come younger sister Susan (Brent) Parsons. While Deanne was angelic in appearance, her mischievous side was often behind the many shenanigans she and her sisters and friends engaged in. While none could say she was a bad influence, some might argue Deanne didn’t always follow the rules. Dee moved to Halifax and began working with prominent lawyer, Ian Palmeter, and followed him when he was appointed to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. She spent many years by his side. Although Halifax was her home, evidence of a proud Newfoundland heritage was undeniable. Deanne’s Jiggs dinner was a staple and her pease pudding – envied. When enjoying a glass of wine, the all-to familiar Newfoundland phrases made their way into her conversations. While Deanne was a mother to all, she learned from the best. Her mother Eliza along with her father Dean currently residing in St. John’s, Newfoundland, taught Deanne to appreciate family, to celebrate life and find the joy in the every day. Their constant love and support were evident in the way Deanne moved through life – giving, smiling and loving. She had a special relationship with her niece Kaitlyn (Katie). Deanne delighted in her fierce individuality and soft heart. Dee also kept an eye on the comings and goings of her three nephews Nicholas Parsons (Samantha Keats), Stephen (Renee) Monk and Justin (Lindsay) Monk. She faithfully checked the family share photo page to see the latest posts featuring Carter and Scarlet - Justin and Lindsay’s beautiful children. Deanne is also remembered by so many of her extended family living in both Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Dee and her partner Geoff Tivey met at the Shore Club in Hubbards on June 21st of 2008 and built a life together spending many years travelling and wintering in South Beach Miami and enjoying the company of their close friends. While the last chapter of Deanne’s life was her most difficult, it was a time those who had been blessed to be in her graces could repay her kindnesses. Her constant companion, full-time care giver and biggest fan Geoff held her hand, wiped her tears and shared her journey. He was there for every emergency trip to the hospital, every dark day – through all the uncertainty and pain - and he bore the full brunt of what cancer can do to a person. Through it all, Deanne fought and fell, rose and fought again, with no use for self-pity. Geoff’s son Devin captured her heart from the start. She watched with pride as he matured into the compassionate and generous young man he is today. Geoff’s mother Marguerite also adored Dee and asked to convey her love daily. Her Auntie responsibilities extended to the five children of almost-sister Sheri Morgan. She hosted baby showers, attended weddings and never missed a birthday for Ian, Anita, Benjamin, Patrick and Sean. Those who counted Dee as a friend were many. Her Newfoundland gals knew her the longest - Patsy, Heather, Chari and Dianne. In Halifax, Deanne surrounded herself with her “Good Vibe Tribe” which included Sheri, Liz, Vicki, Janet, Michelle, Charlene, Arlene, Julie, Shelley and Bea. They will feel her loss greatly. Special mention to those who gave such compassionate medical care to Deanne, including Dr. Jim Bentley and the staff on 5A at the QEII Hospital, Dr. Anita Smith and our family physician Dr. Finlay Spicer. Thanks also to the nurses at VON (especially Thea and Cadence). Thank you to Dana and Tim at Shoppers Drug Mart and Sarah, our nurse at the N.S. Cancer Clinic and thank you to Rob for his generosity. Dee was light. She was sun and sand. She was ocean and open arms. She was style and elegance. She loved a bargain and a hot plate of fries. She enjoyed her champagne, crosswords and coffee. She was fiercely loyal, tenderly honest and well-dressed ‘till the end. Shine on Dee. Memorial donations may be made in Deanne’s name to the QEII Foundation “In Memory” specifically Hyperbaric Chamber Department (www.qe2foundation.ca) or Ostomy Halifax Chapter (www.ostomyhalifax.ca).