Obituary of Grace Louise Reid

Grace Louise Reid, 91, Valley View Villa, formerly Thorburn, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in Valley View Villa, Stellarton, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in the Annapolis Valley, she was a daughter of Harry and Charlotte (Lemaire) Barkhouse and stepdaughter of Zola Tilloy. Throughout her life, Grace expressed love and admiration for her stepfather, for the love and care he bestowed on her. She faithfully attended Union Presbyterian Church, Thorburn since the age of 13 when her family moved to Thorburn.  Grace greatly enjoyed participating in church activities and attending Bible studies. She was an avid walker for many years. In younger years, Grace enjoyed skating, bowling and dancing. Her musical tastes included, gospel, sacred, old country, Celtic and her favourite Nova Scotia artists, Anne Murray and Rita MacNeil. 

Grace was well known for her hospitality, everyone who came to the house never left before a cup of tea and a treat. She is best described as a “beautiful lady, full of grace and wisdom”. Grace always treated others with respect and kindness, always see the best they had to offer. She possessed the “gift of encouragement” and was well-known for the many cards and notes she sent those needing a kind word. 

Grace possessed a deep faith in her Lord and quietly claimed Philippians 4:13 each day. Her family are comforted to know that she now is reunited with loved ones that have gone before. “…well done, good and faithful servant…”.

Surviving are her son, Kenneth (Laurie) Reid, Central West River; grandchildren, Michelle (Jon); Craig (Ashley); Shaun (Jen); Liam (Zoey); great-grandchildren, Lochlan, Rowan and Madison; son-in-law, Richard; sister-in-law, Marcella Miller; nieces, nephews and cousins; good friends, Murdena, Lorraine, Carol, Magaret-Ann, Pat and Sarah.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Lester Edward Reid; stepfather, Zola Tilloy; daughter, Heather MacDonald; son, Larry Reid in infancy; sister, Mable Reynolds; brothers, Louis and Laverne Barkhouse; brother-in-law, Leonard Reid.

A public graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, October 3 in Thorburn Cemetery, Thorburn with Rev. Dr. Glen Matheson officiating.  A reception will follow in the Union Presbyterian Church Hall, Thorburn.

Grace’s family wish to thank the wonderful Valley View Villa staff and Dr. Chris Elliott for the love and care she received.

In memory of Grace, donations may be made to Union Presbyterian Church or Thorburn Cemetery.

Description of a Worthy Woman

Proverbs 31:10-31 (NASB)

An excellent wife, who can find her?
For her worth is far above jewels.
 

The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
 

She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
 

She looks for wool and linen,
And works with her hands in delight.
 

She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
 

And she rises while it is still night
And gives food to her household,
And portions to her attendants.
 

She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
 

She surrounds her waist with strength
And makes her arms strong.
 

She senses that her profit is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
 

She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
 

She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
 

She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
 

She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
 

Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
 

She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
 

Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
 

She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
 

She watches over the activities of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
 

Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
 

“Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all.”
 

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
 

Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.