Obituary of Vera Gough

Gough (Dowell), Veronica Mary “Vera” … 100. Vera was born on April 24, 1909 in London, England to the late Margaret and Henry Dowell. She had two older brothers Harry and Bob. In 1914 the family immigrated to Canada and Vera spent the rest of her life in Halifax. In 1928 she married Eric Gough a sea captain with Western Union. They had two children … Bob and Betty Ann. Vera was mostly alone with the children as Eric was away at sea. Her social nature, love of fun and adventure, high energy level and her playful spirit meant that she was always involved with her children, their friends and their activities. Vera had a rare vitality and zest for life. She loved reading, travelling, adventures, history, gardening, sweets of every kind (but especially hot fudge sundaes), long walks, bike rides or drives and saying and doing things that surprised people. More than anything else she loved laughter and her family. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Janet Gough; grandchildren, Wendy, Andy and Jamie Shaw and Joanne, Bob, Mike and David Gough and 7 great grandchildren. She was a strong presence and a force in the lives of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. We were so lucky to have her for such a long time. Vera died on a beautiful sunny Tuesday, April 28, 2009 in Halifax - age 100 years and 4 days. She was predeceased by her husband in 1956, her son Bob in 1994 and her daughter Betty in 2008. The loving, attentive and warm care of the staff at Arborstone made the end of Vera’s life easier for everyone. Arrangements are under the direction of J. A. Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd., 149 Herring Cove Road, Halifax, (477-5601). A funeral service will be held on Friday May 1 at 10am in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Purcell’s Cove Road, Halifax with a reception in the church hall immediately after the service. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Vera’s memory to the Halifax Public Library, Attn: Finance Department, 60 Alderney Drive Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4P8 (www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca) or your local library.