09/12/2025
It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of our mom Colleen Cheryl Mills, 79 on September 9, 2025 at High Crest Nursing Home, Springhill, NS.
Born in Springhill, NS she was a daughter of the late Maurice and Norma (Reid) Ruddick.
Mom was a loving wife, mother, and her most favorite of roles, a dedicated grandmother or nan as her grandchildren called her. Mom’s love for her children and grandchildren was the driving force behind everything she did. They were her pride, purpose, and inspiration, filling her life with hope and dreams for the future as I am sure anyone she talked to would attest, especially those grandchildren. There were no limits to the lengths she would go to provide for them. She was the cornerstone of our family and put our needs ahead of her own. Mom's love for dad never changed throughout their time together and she viewed her commitment to him as being a life long one come what may. If she loved you, she was all in and it was unconditional and bottomless. She was the champion of second chances and always remained positive throughout whatever challenges and struggles came her way. Mom knew love was action and would send us to school every day with lunch bags that had "we love you, have a nice day, mom and dad" written on them. She loved to cook and bake, feeding folks was one of her love languages and there was always tea and a meal of some variety offered to friends and family no matter the time of day and people dropping by happened frequently as her signed guest books would attest. She loved looking back at those because she believed that her wealth in life was her family and friends. She was indeed a rich woman.
Mom worked hard her entire life and was very social, she had a way of connecting with people and she could strike up a conversation anywhere with anyone. She loved being with family and friends whether it was a casual visit, a kitchen party or a long game of UNO. Growing up we remember a home with doors open to all and she was always available to listen, provide support, offer a kind word, and to laugh. Many of our friends considered her their second mom. She loved to help others and often kept multiples of things because somebody might need it and she would have it to give when they did.
Mom is survived by her husband, Robert: daughters Cassie (Michael, who she called her son, the one she never had) Lavers and Tanya (Andres) Hernandez; grandchildren Isaiah, Rachel and Zachariah, who were the loves and lights of her life, her ultimate joy; siblings Sylvia Doncaster, Amherst, NS, Valerie (Barry) MacDonald, Riverview, NB, Alder (Marilyn) Ruddick, Springhill, Ellen Blair (Gardner MacKinnon), Sherwood PEI, Dean (Joyce), Springhill. Francis, Toronto. Revere. Springhill. Leah Killen, Iris (Kenneth) Fife, and Katreena Ruddick, all of Springhill, Maureen (Errol) Patriquin, New Maryland.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her half sister, Judy Black and Brother Jesse.
Mom was a strong woman who was loving and feisty. She loved going for drives, could keep a secret/confidence, spoke her mind, could be described as opinionated but not judgemental, and always had a smile on her face. She had a wonderful sense of humor and in her younger years loved to attend dances and could cut quite the rug. Her faith in God was unwavering, kept her grounded and got her through difficult times. She lived most of her life in South Brook, hosted many family gatherings over the years and had her nieces and nephews regularly out to her home. Mom often looked after children in the area and was always happy amongst the chaos and noise of children, probably as a result of growing up in a big family and being the oldest. She loved those children as her own. She would say she was particular, while others might say fussy. Mom had many friends that she truly valued and loved including Shirley Martin, who she considered her best friend and was active in mom's life up to her passing. Mom believed in treating everyone the same, with both respect and dignity. Mom worked outside of the home for a short time at Stanfield's and Macleans before focusing her time, energy and attention on being a fulltime mom which she viewed as her number one job and one that she loved. She was proud of her musical family even though she often said the ability to sing passed her over but she thoroughly enjoyed listening and being around her family.
Mom was a crafty lady whether it be flower arrangements, crocheting, making hats and enjoyed reading, playing games, especially Trouble with her son till wee hours in the morning which often included heated discussions regarding religion, politics and the rules of the game as there was always some mention of cheating. She sold her bread, rolls and baked goods to others, always humble in how good they were. Fall was one of her favorite times of years and if you visited the smells of vinegar and spices would hit you as you walked in the door as pickling season was here. Mom loved Christmas but hated Santa as he was not the reason for the season.
In November when the discussion was had about taking her off her medications and allowing her life to end with nature take its course, she said that she had accomplished and did more in her life than she ever thought she would. Mom’s spirit will live on forever in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of being loved by her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, laughter and faith.
Special thanks to the staff of High Crest for the exceptional kindness, love and care they gave to mom and the relationships she had with many staff and residents. The time, care and commitment mom received from those caregivers will never be forgotten, thank you. A special thank you also to our aunt Leah, who was always ready to check in on mom when we could not be there.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of the A. H. Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane Street, Springhill, (902 597 2361). A celebration of her life will take place at the funeral home on Tuesday September 16, 2025 from 12-2:00 pm with Words of Remembrance beginning at 2:00 pm followed by a Graveside Committal Service at Mapleton Cemetery.
If so desired, donations to the Bridge Workshop would be appreciated.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Colleen's online memorial at www.brownsfuneralhome.com or through the A.H. Brown Funeral Home page
