Matilda Ann "Tilly" Lohnes

Matilda (Tilly) Ann Lohnes, 88, passed away with her family by her side at the MacLeod Cares Mahone Bay Nursing Home on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Born in Clearland in 1936, she was the daughter of the late Wallace and Ruth (Milbury) Veinotte.

Mom had a smile and spirit about her that would brighten up any room she entered. In her early life, she was a telephone operator for MT&T. She sold Fuller Brush products and for many years was the beloved School Bus Driver who delivered children safely, of all ages to school and back home. She was very active in the church community her entire life. Over the years she had many roles in the church including serving as president of the Evangelical Lutheran Women at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mahone Bay. She was also very active with the Maitland Community and held a seat on the School Board. Mom delivered Meals on Wheels and was very compassionate to try and help those in need of anything.

Mom was an amazing cook! She could feed an army and always said “better to have more food than not enough!” There was nothing like walking into the kitchen when her bread was coming out of the oven! Her love of gardening was so apparent in the many flowers, plants and vegetables she and Dad always planted. She could tell you the name of just about any flower or plant too!

Music was also a big part of Mom’s life. She taught herself to play the piano, sang in the church choir and later on, you could find her at the “Jams” tapping her toes, clapping, and singing along.

Family was so very important to Mom. She was the most amazing Wife, Mother, Aunt and Grammy. She is survived by her children, Derek (Gale), Todd and Michelle (Jimmy) Temple. Mom was so devoted to her 5 granddaughters, Emma (Shea) Barkhouse, Holly (Ali) Leader, Courtney (Sam) Flynn, Kaylee and Lillian Temple; great-grandchildren Rhea and Kian Barkhouse and Charli Flynn. Mom will be missed by her brother David (Elaine) Veinotte, sister-in-law Bonnie Duncan; special niece Melinda (Sis) Barrier; and special cousin Tommy Lohnes. Also, cousins and many nieces and nephews who were very dear to her.

Beside her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband of 58 years, Cedric Lohnes; sisters Florence Barry, Edith Veinotte; brothers Paul and Carl Veinotte.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the MacLeod Cares Mahone Bay Nursing Home for the loving care she received. Also, thank you to the wonderful Home Care team especially Pauline Feener who went above and beyond while Mom was home.

Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 19 from 6-8pm at the Mahone Funeral Home, 32 Parish St., Mahone Bay. A memorial service will be held Friday, Dec. 20 at 2pm at St John’s Lutheran Church, 89 Edgewater St., Mahone Bay. Rev. Willis Ott officiating.

Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, the Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia or Charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mahone Funeral Home, P.O. Box 200, 32 Parish St., Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0 (902-624-8241). Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.mahonefuneral.ca