Alice Louise Barrett

Alice was the eldest of seven children born to Philip J. Barrett and Anna M. Barrett (née Langan) on April 13th, 1944. She was devoted to her siblings, and loved them dearly. She was the big sister who always made time for the family and liked nothing better than sharing a coffee and a gab.

She took great joy in knowing and spending time with her nephews and nieces, all of whom she made feel special and loved. Having them over for movies, crafts, trips to restaurants and spontaneous adventures created special memories. She had a particular rapport with children, maybe because she was still a big kid herself. No one could take more delight in simple things like rubber duckies or Christmas lights or goofy animal figurines. Presented with some bauble, her eyes would light up and her joy would become your joy.

After high school, vocational school and a secretarial science program, Alice worked at a variety of jobs including Mills Brothers and CJCH radio. She then followed in her father’s footsteps by entering the civil service, becoming a customs inspector, working for 25 years at locations such as the container pier and the Halifax International Airport.

Throughout her life, her greatest passion was travel, whether to international destinations or just exploring the beauties of the Maritimes. But she was always happiest travelling in the company of one or more of her family members.

Summers were spent at the cottage in Enfield on Grand Lake, surrounded by the extended Barrett clan. There she loved to serve treats and add her own twist to any get together with surprises like sparklers and noise makers, to the enjoyment of all. Alice loved to tell stories or just discuss events of the day. She was a great talker, one of the best.

Alice was predeceased by her parents, her partner John Rhymer, and is survived by her siblings Philip (Connie Antonowicz), Susan (Wayne MacDonald), Stephen (Mary Black), Sara (Gary Long), Pauline (Thomas Lafford) and Ann. Also, her twelve nephews and nieces Jeff, Josh, Michael, Scott, Andrew, Laura, Lindsay, Christine, Jason, Kevin, Ross, and Anna, and five grand-nephews and nieces Gavin, Kayla, Noah, Fiona and Phillip.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the staff of the Palliative Care Unit at the VGH, in particular Monica Flinn, Palliative Care Community Nurse, for their support through this difficult time.

Donations in Alice’s memory may be made to the Salvation Army.