Obituary of Verna Mary Marryatt

MARRYATT, VERNA MARY (Nickerson) – 88, passed away from renal failure on February 21, 2024, at Dykeland Lodge in Windsor, Nova Scotia.  We are mourning the loss of a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister.  Verna suffered from chronic pain for the past several years and she is now at peace.  

Survived by husband of 64 years, Douglas Marryatt, daughter Debbie Symonds (Frank), son Jonathan Marryatt (Elizabeth Wile), granddaughter Victoria Symonds (Joe LeRoy), brother Roderick Nickerson (Veronica), and many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by father Claude Nickerson, mother Amy Nickerson, brother and sister-in-law Wynne and Sybil Nickerson, brother Forrest Nickerson, brother Malcolm Nickerson, father-in-law, and mother-in-law Robie and Marjorie Marryatt, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Donnie and Lily Marryatt, special cousin Barbara Allen, special friend Kaye McCormack.

Born in Richfield, Digby County, Verna was the only daughter with four brothers (three of whom were born deaf).  She went to Normal College in Truro to study to be a teacher.  After teaching in various schools throughout the province, Verna arrived in Sambro in the mid-1950s to teach at Sambro Elementary School.  She met and fell in love with Doug, the son of a local fisherman, and they were married in October 1959.  Verna was a kind, creative, and encouraging teacher, and established the first children’s library at the school.  Reading was an important part of learning, and Verna read to her students every day and encouraged them to borrow books from the library at every opportunity.

Mum was an avid reader and had a keen eye for grammatical mistakes and typos.  Her dry wit and sense of humor were second to none, and she could often be found giggling like a teenager with her friends.  Verna loved to travel with Jon and her close friends and went on several bus trips, European tours, and a cruise in the Mediterranean.  Her favorite travel destination was the U.K.  Her numerous skills included knitting, crocheting, quilting, tapestry, cross-stitch, and rug-hooking, and she created many sweaters, suits, and dresses for her daughter over the years, as well as numerous baby outfits and dresses for her granddaughter.  Until her eyesight started to fail, Verna spent many hours putting together jigsaw puzzles.  Verna’s faith in God was strong, and she volunteered at the St. James United Church as often as she was able.

Verna went on to work part-time at Sears before she finally retired.  Verna and Doug became Gramma and Grampa in 1992 and enjoyed spending time with their new granddaughter, Victoria.   In 2010, they sold the family home in Long Cove, West Pennant, and moved to the city.  Last year, 2023, both Verna and Doug moved into Dykeland Lodge, Windsor, where they received exemplary care from doctors, nurses, and care workers.  Special thanks and love to Zoe, Tracey, and Rena (just to name a few) who loved Mum almost as much as we did.  

Monday, June 10th, 11:00 am, at the St. James United Church, 3811 Old Sambro Road, Sambro.  Interment will be at the Sambro Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the St. James United Church or a charity of your choice. 

“A mother is your first friend, your best friend, your forever friend.”

– Anonymous

                                        “A mom’s hug lasts long after she lets go.”

                                                               – Unknown