Obituary of Mary Aker

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Anne Mary Aker, known to everyone as Mary.

Born in Newfoundland in 1937, she later moved to Cape Breton, and it was there, on a trip home from teaching in Quebec where she was set up on a blind date with a dashing young man George. They married and shared nearly 51 years and together they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and family, and proudly raised three children.

A graduate of Teachers’ College in Nova Scotia, Mom devoted many years to teaching in Nova Scotia, Quebec and New Brunswick. She later taught kindergarten in her home for years, where her patience, warmth, and gentle guidance left a lasting impression on countless young lives. Mom fondly referred to her kindergarteners as her kids and every one of them had a special place in her heart.

A woman of strong faith, Mom was a devoted member of St. Paul’s Church. She also greatly enjoyed her time with her bridge club, a game she loved.  She loved a good, hot cup of tea, spending time at the trailer playing cards and visits with her friends.

As many know, Mom was a wonderful cook who found joy in feeding others. Her home was known for chocolate chip cookies, whoopie pies, and ginger cookies — all made with love. She loved having everyone gathered around her table, especially at Christmas, when her home was filled with warmth, tradition, and togetherness.

She loved to travel and embraced life fully — enjoying cruises, winters spent in Florida, travels throughout Europe, and adventures across the United States. She was our greatest cheerleader, attending all our events, always showing up with pride and encouragement.

Those who knew Mom will remember her as kind, loving, genuine, saucy, feisty, and sometimes a little bossy, with a gentle and caring heart.  She gave the best advice - whether you wanted it or not and admittedly she was always right. She suffered no fools, but her arms were always open for anyone who needed a hug and hers were the best, and when she smiled, she lit up a room. 

As a family we were blessed beyond measure to have her as our Mama, and to be surrounded by those who cared also for her. Mom touched the hearts of everyone she knew, and her love, warmth, and presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Mom leaves behind to mourn her children: Susan (Doug), Scott (Kim) and Sherri (Mark), as well as her grandchildren: Brianne (Brad), Hayley, Ethan (Erin), Delaney, Jacob, Carter, Sophie, Cole (Hanna), Caleb (Alyssa), Tomas and Trent. Affectionately referred to Nanny by most and Nakey by the littlest ones, she will be dearly missed by her great grandchildren: Finley and Heath, Billie-Mae Rose and Mark-James, Royce and Owen and her sister Gwen (Mansel) and niece and nephew Kim and Jason.

Mom was predeceased by her parents: Walter and Elsie Bartlett; her husband George; and her special cousin, Cindy Armstrong.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive from where visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 4-7pm.  A Celebration of Mary’s life will be held from St. Paul’s United Church on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 1:00pm.

Donations in memory of Mary may be made to St. Paul’s United Church, Kiwanis Nursing Home or the donor’s choice. Condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com.

A heartfelt thank you to the Kiwanis Nursing Home for the compassionate and wonderful care provided by the staff.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Mom’s dear friends — Marlene, Jean, and Marilyn — whose treasured friendships meant so much to her throughout the years.