Obituary of Edith Boswell

BOSWELL, Edith June (nee Taylor) – Bedford Our mother was born August 28, 1935, grew up in the Annapolis Valley and went on to graduate from Mount Allison University. In 1957 she became the first woman to hold the position of Assistant to the Deputy Minister in the male-dominated Nova Scotia Department of Labour. She then spent 28 years as the Head of Guidance at Halifax West High School, where she helped develop counselling in the province and enjoyed encouraging young people to strive for their potential. Her “retirement” in 1993 allowed her to dedicate herself to the organizations and people that meant so much to her. This included an 18 year run as a full-time volunteer office manager for the Nova Scotia Gambia Association. Her other community work included Bedford United Church, Camp Kidston Memorial Camp, Phoenix Youth Programs, Brunswick Street Mission, the Fort Sackville Foundation (Scott Manor House), researching and writing historical monographs on Bedford, and making 129 donations to the Canadian Blood Services. She was quietly delighted to receive many awards for her efforts over the years, and only weeks ago was recognized with a nomination for the Bedford Volunteer Award. Mom was a constant coach and loving champion for her family. She enjoyed a good book and any opportunity to learn, and tending the gardens and yard. She especially enjoyed having young people in the house – and the opportunity to serve a meal. She loved to travel and explore. Mom had many wonderful trips to interesting parts of the world with her special friend the late Elizabeth Brown, and many adventures closer to home with her dear friend Susan Rolston. She was predeceased by her parents, Malcolm and Hazel (Nichols) Taylor, her brother Boyd Taylor, and our father, Henry (Harry) Charles Boswell, who died in 1997. She lives on in us, Andrew (Kim Hayward) and Traci (Kim Walker) of Bedford; her sister-in-law Joyce Taylor; and many nieces and nephews and their children. Also left to mourn is her bad but beautiful cat Tigger. Mom passed away peacefully on May 20, 2019 after a brief illness that she faced in her kind yet determined way. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, May 28 at 2:30 at Bedford United Church, 1200 Bedford Hwy. A reception will follow. Kilts welcome. Family internment will take place at a later date. Mom avoided the limelight; however, recently she was proud to make a presentation to the students of the Halifax West World Involvement Committee. She opened and closed her remarks with the proverb: “Many people, in many small places, do many small things that alter the face of the world.” In her spirit, please donate your time to a worthy cause, tutor a young person, invite a newcomer to dinner, or help a woman to achieve her potential. #ManySmallThings