Mildred (Cartwright) Kettlewell

Kettlewell (Cartwright), Mildred

Georges River, NS 

It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, Mildred Kettlewell, age 90, on April 5, 2022 at The QEII Health Science Center, Victoria General Site in Halifax.

Mildred was born in Georges River, Cape Breton, NS on July 26, 1931. She was the daughter of the late George and Rose (Brown) Cartwright. Mildred is survived by her son Glen (Kimberley), Quispamsis NB; her daughters Nancy (Tim) O’Brien, Waverley, NS and Audra (Chris) Gallant, Beechville, NS; her two grandchildren Liam and Brenna Kettlewell; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Mildred graduated from Sydney City Hospital School of Nursing in 1953 and began her career as a Registered Nurse at the Windsor Metropolitan Hospital, Windsor, Ontario. She worked in the operating room and later in the Cancer Care clinic with specialists Dr. McCormick and Dr. Moss, for whom she had great respect. She loved her work in the clinic and often spoke fondly of her time there. 

Upon her return to Cape Breton in 1967, she worked as an RN, a Supervisor, and eventually an In-service Coordinator. She also led the Candy Stripers Program at Northside General Hospital and her positive influence within this program resulted in many participants choosing a path in the nursing profession. Mildred was very dedicated to her work and was always highly respected by her colleagues as a leader, a teacher, a mentor and an outstanding nurse. She retired from her nursing career in 1995 but was an active member of the Cape Breton Retired Nurses Interest Group. She was also President of the Cape Breton Chapter of the NS Nursing Association and received honorary lifetime membership to the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia. 

Mildred was an avid gardener. Along with her husband Glen, they took great pride in maintaining the flower gardens and property at their home in Georges River. Their beautiful yard was often used as a backdrop for wedding photos, including those of their three children. Together, Mildred and Glen shared their gardening talents with Harbourview Hospital in Sydney Mines and for many years they revitalized and maintained the courtyard for the patients and residents to enjoy. 

Mildred was an active volunteer in her community for many years. She was a member of the Carmen United Church, Sydney Mines, and participated on several committees. She organized the annual Strawberry Tea and also decorated the church sanctuary for special services

throughout the year, including Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mildred was also a volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society.

Mildred loved spending time with family and friends. Special girls’ trips, vacations, and family gatherings brought her so much joy. Her grandchildren, Liam and Brenna were the light in her life and she embraced every opportunity to be present for birthdays, family trips to Disney, and special holidays. 

Both Mildred and Glen always enjoyed the spirit of the holidays. They would dress up in Halloween costumes every year to entertain the local Trick or Treaters. Christmas was undoubtedly Mildred’s favourite holiday. The acts of giving and serving others brought her such joy. She also had envious talent in the kitchen. Every Christmas and Thanksgiving dinner she demonstrated her formidable cooking skills. Most dishes were cooked and seasoned ‘to taste’, much to the chagrin of those who would later try to replicate her menu without recipes to follow.
Mildred was a gift to us - a gentle, loving, kind and generous soul. She gave so freely of her time and talents, never expecting anything in return. She gave the warmest hugs and always led with grace and love. She always gave the best of herself and we are all better for being loved by her. 

Rest easy Mum......we will love you always. 

Mildred was predeceased by Glen, her husband of 57 years, her mother and father, brothers Kenny, Gerald, Edward and George; sisters Muriel, Ethel, Audrey, Nancy and Ruth. 

Special thank you to Wendy LeRue who has provided support care to Mildred for the past two years. The family would like to thank Dr. Wawer, North Sydney, and Dr. Bentley and the staff of 9A of the Victoria General Hospital for their professionalism and care. 

Visitation for Mildred will be held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney.  A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday at Carmen United Church, Sydney Mines with Rev. Nick Phillips officiating.  Burial in Lakeside Cemetery, North Sydney at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Carmen United Church, The Alzheimer Society or charity of donor’s choice.  Online condolences may be sent to the family by posting a message on the tribute wall of the obituary on the website at www.wjdooley.com.

“We don’t say goodbye……we say see you later” 

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