Retamay Ada Greenwood-Firth, of Halifax passed away peacefully at home on March 3, 2026.

Retamay was born at home at Carey-on Farms in Sydenham, Ontario to Violet (Henderson) and Gilbert Compton. She attended St Joseph’s School of Nursing at Queen’s University, graduating in 1955, and worked in different nursing roles in Ontario and Halifax before retiring. Retamay was proud to be a nurse and built lifelong friendships with nursing school classmates and colleagues at work.

Retamay was predeceased by her parents, 11 siblings, and her first husband, Wayne Greenwood. She is survived by her devoted husband of 36 years, Carl Firth; children, Terrine (John), John (Tracy) and Michael from her marriage to Wayne; stepdaughters, Karla and Kara; beloved grandchildren, Sherra, Krista, Nicholas, Sean, Brittanie, Jodie, and Ryan; treasured great grandchildren, Jasmine, Kaden, Sienna, Mason, Ronan, Sterling, Fox, and Hank; and special niece, Judy (Richard) Compton.

Gardening and reading were lifelong passions of Retamay’s and she loved watching the ships in Halifax Harbour, but her main focus was family and friends. Retamay and Carl both lost previous spouses but thanks to her adopted brother and Carl’s friend, the late Roger (Irma) Wright, they shared a strong, long-lasting love and were blessed with an incredibly happy marriage and extended family. All of the grandkids got invited to Nana’s magic bed to be smothered with affection and have her undivided attention. Many hours were happily spent relaxing in the playpen or garden with a Keith’s and sharing popsicles with the great grandkids, while Carl flubadubbed.

There will be no visitation or funeral at Retamay’s request, and a private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Halifax (902) 835-4212. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: tjtracey.com