Mrs. Nina Tressa Starkey, of the Dr. V. A. Snow Centre, Hampton, NB, passed away at her residence, on November 3, 2003 at the age of 86. Nina was born in Fox Hill, NB on May 13, 1917, she was the daughter of the late Alfred Shires and Rose (White) Shires-Henderson and the beloved wife of the late Francis (Frank) Starkey who passed away in 1978. Nina is survived by 3 daughters, Lynne Mills of Saint John, Pamella Smith and her husband Michael of Lower Sackville, NS, Shelley Phillips and her husband Marty of Codys, 2 step-sisters, Dorothy Phillips of Conway, Mass, Alice Fox and her husband Robert of West Hampton, Mass, 3 step-brothers, Steve Henderson and his wife Jean of Conway, Mass, Bill Henderson and his wife Jane of Florence, Mass, Walter Henderson and his wife Kathleen of Edmonton, Kentucky, 7 granddaughters, Susan, Lisa, Charlene, Tara, Andrea, Julie and Meagan, 1 grandson, Gregory, 6 great-grandchildren, Hailey, Keenan, Brian, JT, Michael and Grace, her daughter-in-law, Persis Starkey-Steeves and her husband Glendon of Saint John, as well as several nieces and nephews. Nina will also be dearly missed by her long time family companion, Louella Allen of Berwick. Nina was predeceased by her step-father, Bill Henderson, 2 sons, Donald and Charles, her infant daughter, 2 sister, Nora and Gladys, 3 brothers, Bill, Bob and Albert, and by her half-sister, May. Nina graduated from Hampton High and Normal School in Fredericton with a teaching degree. The majority of her teaching years were spent in Kings County. She thoroughly enjoyed teaching in small rural schoolhouses. During Nina's teaching career, she taught at schools in Poodiac, Roachville, Titusville, Midland, Head of Millstream, Snyder Mountain, Belleisle and Coles Island. She found joy in taking children on school trips outside of the province. Nina decided to take an early retirement from Belleisle due to her husband's poor health. Nina's personal interests and hobbies were centered on knitting, quilting, crocheting, sewing and various crafts. There are many tied blankets and knitted mittens throughout our family and community. Another one of her favorite past times was watching a good game of either hockey or football on the television. Nina was instrumental in starting a 4H Club in Codys. She had a wonderful time teaching her hobbies and coaching the young ladies how to be successful public speakers. Nina was a member and past President of the Codys Women's Institute. She felt that the Women's Institute provided a valuable service to the rural community. Nina was also a member of the Coles Island United Church. She loved music and always enjoyed hearing her husband practice for church. She also took pleasure in listening to Charles and Lynne make use of their musical talents. Nina traveled as often as she could! Her favorite places to visit were Lower Sackville, Houlton, Massachusetts and Ottawa. She was also known for her daily ventures to visit close friends and family. Nina's friendship with the Creighton family, Charles, Alice and Alice senior, was a source of much comfort and happiness for her. She cherished the visits and conversations they had. In the fall of 2002, Nina wanted to go to Houlton to take part in Alice Creighton's (Senior) 95th birthday. However, she did not have a valid photo ID. For anyone who knew Nina, you can appreciate her determination and stubbornness. She had Shelley take her to Service New Brunswick where they took Nina's picture in the wheelchair. With that, she was able to cross the border. Most importantly, Nina was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She provided endless love and support on a daily basis to her eldest son, Donald, who was born with spina bifida. Nina home schooled Donny to provide him with an education. As a result, Donny's love for reading enabled him to do his sisters' book reports. She had also taught him the love of knitting. Nina loved to spend time with her children. Some of Nina's proudest and happiest times were spent with her grandchildren. She always loved to spend time with them, whether they were baking, doing schoolwork, visiting or just telling them what to do. The one thing that is for sure is that Nina loved every moment she spent with each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We would like to extend a very special thank you to an amazing lady, Alice Creighton, who traveled from Maryland and stayed for three weeks with Nina so she would not be alone. Words cannot express our heartfelt gratitude to you Alice; you are truly an angel. Our sincere thanks and appreciation goes to the Mill Cove Nursing Home and the Dr. V. A. Snow Center for the excellent care Nina received during her stay. The kindness and professionalism during the final weeks of Nina's life were very comforting. We would also like to thank all of the homecare providers that came to Codys to help care for Nina. A very special thank you goes to Linda Evans for always being able to help Nina regardless of the time of day. In closing, Nina's family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to a very special lady, Louella Allen, who lived with Nina for over fifty years. It's possible that visitors of the Starkey homestead might, from time to time, hear each woman grumble about the other. However, their long friendship had a very special place in each other's heart. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176). At Nina's request there will be no visitation. A Memorial Service will be held from Coles Island United Baptist Church on Friday, November 7, 2003 at 2:00 pm with the interment at Coles Island Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations made to the Charles Starkey Memorial Scholarship, Dr. V.A. Snow Palliative Care Unit, Cody's WI or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.