- The family of Lady Leda “Ann” Day are deeply saddened to announce her passing on Friday, April 3, 2026. Ann was born April 5, 1938, to Ruth Tupper (Cousins) Creighton (1914-1991) and Charles Jacob Creighton (1914-1995). After a long illness, she died peacefully at home surrounded by love.
Ann was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Sir Judson “Graham” Day (May 3, 1933 – July 31, 2025).
Ann grew up in Dartmouth, spending some of her early years on Old Ferry Road and later moving to Blink Bonnie Terrace. The latter would later become the haven of her visiting children who enjoyed open access to the cracker cupboard, “shaka puddings”, un-birthday parties and who stole endlessly from the clump of chives at the back door. Her school years began at Hawthorne School, while she later attended Edgehill School for Girls in Windsor, N.S. from 1952-1955. For her, these were happy years and she brought some of the memories and traditions from school to parenting, to the fascination of her young children. One happy Edgehill “game” was that at the dinner table you could not ask for anything. You had to wait for someone to offer it. It seemed a very long time before someone would say, “Would you like some bread?” or “Could I pass you the salt?” Summers were busy paddling a war canoe at Lake Banook. Ann and Jan’s father, having got them a canoe for a birthday gift, required them to go into the middle of the lake at their cottage, tip themselves out, and wait by the canoe for help. So competitive paddling was no problem! Ann was also active in Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT). During school holidays, Ann sometimes stayed with her Aunt Lois and Uncle Roy Harnish and helped out with their business at the Shore Club in Hubbards, N.S. None of Mom’s stories were as evocative as those of her time spent working in her Dad’s warehouse basement, wearing rubber boots against the incoming tide and rumoured rats. The stories of those days were still vibrant in their retelling in her last years.
After she left school, Ann enjoyed studying at King’s College University and later obtained a secretarial qualification, giving her a set of skills that stood her in good stead throughout her life. One particularly happy summer, she worked at Keltic Lodge. The sense of independence and the opportunity for a little mischief (breaking into the kitchens at night with friends and using the chef’s omelet pans to fry steaks), were memories that she treasured.
Ann married young. The enthusiastic couple were engaged after a mere three weeks’ acquaintance. Jake and Ruth, Ann’s parents, said they would have to be engaged for a year before they would give their consent. Given her age, Ann and Graham had no choice but to wait. They became parents at a young age and in those early years, mothering was the focus of Ann’s life. Ann’s first child had barely started school when the young family was on the move to Montreal, by means of a memorable train trip with three children aged five and under. This was the beginning of what would become a way of life for Ann – expertly managing the logistics of moves and adjusting to the new circumstances dictated by Graham’s series of jobs.
During their elementary school years, Ann’s children would sometimes come home at lunchtime to find chess or checkers boards set up. Lunch was eaten while they all played. Some afternoons after school, her precious collection of Glen Miller 45s would go on the stereo and she and the three kids would dance to Big Band music. Other traditions included the icing of Christmas cookies to be sent from Upper Canada to relatives in Nova Scotia. The children were very enthusiastic about this, but we were never truly sure if the far-away grandparents felt the same about the icing-laden cookies, though they always voiced appreciation.
Like all children, Ann’s took some things for granted. Mom was a highly accomplished piano player. Many nights after being tucked into bed (early!), we fell asleep to Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue or Addinsell’s Warsaw Concerto. We enjoyed it, but it was only later that we realised how exceptional her playing was. Likewise, we probably thought all mothers sewed clothes and knit mittens for their children.
Ann was a great one for an adventure and, despite her sweet nature, had a saucy and mischievous streak. That came from her father, Jake, we believe. It started early when at five years old she and a friend got on board the ferry to Halifax. They travelled to the other side but were returned safely to Dartmouth when the ferry captain recognised “Jake’s kid”. From arranging with the bread delivery van to throw a loaf of raisin bread into her dorm window at school to smuggling chocolate past the Headmistress to smoking with her friends in the cemetery, Ann loved a good time. There is a now-famous photo of Ann and sister Jan, “smoking” candy cigarettes just a couple years ago. Both clearly are delighted with themselves. A naughty look, a wicked phrase, an irreverent act - these were all part of Ann’s repertoire. They perhaps were a rather stark contrast to the foundation of her personality and her kindly, gentle, polite way of being but were, none-the-less, absolutely a part of who she was.
Life took Ann far from Nova Scotia to occasions, encounters, and responsibilities that she never could have imagined and wouldn’t have sought. She rose to it all with exceptional grace and skill and appreciated the many experiences overseas. As Graham’s life became more complex and demanding, so did Ann’s. Even so, her sense of adventure was not entirely submerged as illustrated by the night she crammed nine teenagers into her Mini estate car. Graham was fond of saying that he “couldn’t have done it without Ann.” Anyone who watched it all unfold knew that to be true. But Mom was clear about what she enjoyed most and that was “life on the riverbank,” in Hantsport.
When it was time to come home to Nova Scotia, she didn’t look back, though she did undertake regular trips to Blue Jays Spring Training, and enjoyed visits with good friends in Dunedin. Life at home in Hantsport might involve shovelling manure from the back of her truck into the garden (we have pictures as proof) or, more recently, hosting the young grandchildren of a beloved caregiver. The regular visits of the Peters family provided daily joy for years – chats in the back hall as the family got Charlie ready for a walk were a mainstay as Mom’s life gradually was lived more and more at home. Teas with the Peters girls in the gazebo and gymnastics shows given for her outside the window, were enjoyed and talked about repeatedly, becoming happy memories. Greeting people around town, going on jaunts with Bunty and Elizabeth (and eating ice-cream cones for lunch!), meeting with her dear rug-hooking friends - that was the good stuff. Over recent years her far-flung grandsons would regularly visit, something which was deeply appreciated.
When the “Hookers” (Jeanne Aisthorpe-Smith, Sheila Anderson, Joan Folker and Betty Marsters) met there was a firm rule that what was shared in the group, stayed in the group. Many confidences were shared and we can have no doubt that much support was given. We have evidence of the creativity that sprang out of it. For Ann, there was the double joy of her favourite creative task and the company of dear friends. For her family, a collection of handmade rugs.
Gatherings in the gazebo were the highlight of summer seasons and there was nothing better for Ann than when the whole family was together, with young grandchildren in tow – or very tall now-adult grandchildren! When her own grandchildren grew up, she was happy to borrow any children who came into her world. Thank goodness the Amusan family came along in need of a grandmother. Ann stepped into the role without hesitation and found great joy in watching Abraham and Benjamin grow up to be fine young men.
Mom took great delight in small children. In recent years, any errands were undertaken with a sharp eye for wee ones. Admiring cute baby clothes in the grocery store only added to her fun. Such was her joy at the prospect of any outing that she would land in her seat in the car and call out, “We’re free!” Mom loved a good time and was keen to plan events such as gatherings in the gazebo. One time, not long ago, she schemed that she would hire buses to bring all her relatives together.
A central value for Ann was the importance of service to the community. From coaching basketball, assisting with events at the Hantsport Memorial Community Centre and involvement in the Historical Society, she seemed happiest when caught up in the middle of supporting community events. None brought more joy to her than the “Neighbourhood Dinners” that went on in Hantsport for some years.
But most of her contributions to the community were done anonymously and without fanfare. She was constantly muttering, “There must be something we can do,” when news of misfortune reached her. Her desire to give extended beyond our beloved Hantsport and when she had returned from living overseas, she became extensively involved in life at King’s-Edgehill School. She was an engaged Board Member from 1999 to 2013 and chaired the successful Enhancing our Excellence fundraising campaign. While she was interested in all aspects of school life, she was particularly interested in the scholarship programmes. Her wish was to see more students have access to the school and to remove the barrier of fees where possible. She believed that this was good for the individual students, and very good for the school. Her contributions to the community and school resulted in recognition from Mount Saint Vincent University as a “quiet and impactful leader” and in 2023 a “Leaf” in her name was installed on their Women’s Wall of Honour. As with any such attention, she was surprised and touched to be recognised. This line from her commendation reveals a great deal about someone who didn’t say much about herself: “Espousing kindness, a reassuring practicality, and humility, with a wicked sense of humour on the side, Lady Ann has quietly made life better for everyone who is lucky enough to know her.”
Just a few years later, despite illness whittling away at her life, Mom still savoured many things. The post-supper question, “Would you like a coffee and a sweetie?” was always answered with an exuberant, “Oh, why not!” The teasing continued, and her “Oh you!” spoke volumes. In all seasons, her garden was a particular focus and joy. Whether watching birds and deer in the winter, admiring the flowers in the summer, or waving to those tending things, Mom looked outward.
Despite living with significant pain, Ann would seldom admit to it. Those of us who looked after her had to be alert to signs of discomfort. It just wasn’t her way to bemoan her ailments. Throughout her health trials in recent years, she would still frequently say, “Oh, we are so fortunate.” It was the rare day that this was not stated and this unfailing thankfulness was at her very core. She appreciated her life and those around her. She felt she was blessed by having wonderful friends across her lifetime - Joy Smith, Don and Mollie Morris, Helen and Jim Wilcox, Donnie and Louise McNeil, Rosemary Hurst, David and Sylvia Davis, Kate and Dennis Keast, Anton and Madge Forrest, Heather Strickey, Matt Dorey, Elizabeth Tufts and Jack Christie, to mention only a few of those near and dear to her heart. She and her dear friend Rosanne Foy had many heart-to-heart conversations over the years. For all the years they lived on Avon Street, Ann and Graham were surrounded by caring and thoughtful neighbours, including Wayne and Carolyn Folker and Nancy and Doug Irvine. Among those neighbours, they were blessed to be close to the Peters family who walked Mom and Dad’s cherished poodle, Charlie, provided youthful joy and distraction and lent steady support with encouragement, food and prayers.
Mom was blessed to be cared for by a group our Aunt Janet, her sister, called, “The Angels.” Much more than caregivers, they soothed, supported, amused, entertained and provided for every need Ann had, including authentic companionship. It is true to say that Mom found herself with six more daughters and nothing could have made her happier. They cared for her and nursed her till the very end as if she was their own mother. Pam, Jo, Ellen, Leslie, Tasha and Wanda filled her heart and ours. And they will not leave our hearts; we are forever grateful to them. Others who came before this group are also remembered with deep appreciation.
Ann had suffered with illness for several years. She would want us to name each and every person who provided such kind and capable care for her over that time, but we will simply have to do our best. Nurses at the Hantsport Collaborative Practice were always kind and helpful and nurse Elizabeth Harnish provided services at home. Dr. John Kielty and his colleague Melissa provided wise and accessible care; they were always responsive in tricky stretches. Dr. Iona Wile is fondly remembered. More recently, the Palliative Care Team, working out of Hants Community Hospital, added their support and contributed greatly to Mom’s comfort. Sincere thanks to Amber, Kayla, Shanda, Carrie and the palliative care doctors. Others provided consultation, including the Geriatric Clinic at Cobequid Hospital, and OT Kaitlyn, also adding to quality of life for Mom and those caring for her. Outpatient trips for bloodwork and x-rays at Hants Community Hospital reminded us how fortunate we were to have such services available close to home. For many years, the store and pharmacy staff at the Hantsport Pharmasave have been wonderful resources. Not only have they provided medications and other necessities, but they have also dispensed endless good cheer. We are also thankful for the pastoral care of Rev’d Father David Curry.
Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St. Windsor (902-798-8317). A service in Mom’s memory, open to all, is planned for Saturday, June 6th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., in Riverbank Cemetery, Riverside Dr., Hantsport, Rev. Father David Curry officiating. This timing will make it possible for all those family members Mom would most want to attend to be present. Able-bodied persons are encouraged to park at the Hantsport Baptist Church, where a reception will follow in the Wellwood Community Hall. Memorial contributions in Ann’s name to Chrysalis House, PO Box 356, Kentville, NS B4N 3X1 or the Hantsport and Area Community Food Bank, PO Box 728, Hantsport, NS B0P 1P0 are welcomed. Family flowers only, by request. Messages may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca, open the obituary and click on the condolence tab.
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1938 - 2026 (87 years)
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