Mildred Weatherup passed away peacefully at the age of 90 years on Saturday, June 27, 2026 in Sagewood Nursing Home, Lower Sackville, surrounded by her loving family. She was born January 30, 1936, to Ralph and Lilah (Britton) Parker in Mill Village, Hants County, Nova Scotia.

At a young age, her parents both passed away and she spent her formative years in Mosherville with Ralph’s sister, Aunt Inez and Uncle Wilton Anthony. Their son Robert, her cousin, was a great friend throughout her life. The two of them tramped just about every graveyard in Hants County researching the Parker family history and the relationships through her mother’s side. For better or worse a great deal of history has been buried with the two of them.

In her teenage years she moved to Shubenacadie to live with her Uncle Tommy Parker, Aunt Peace and cousin Allan  (just a two-minute walk from Ettingers Funeral Home). Allan, who lovingly referred to her as his sister, and his wife Jane, became fixtures in her life.

Mildred married the love of her life, James “Bud” Weatherup, on October 29, 1955 after a blind date and a 3 month courtship. She was the love of his life and his “walking doll”, as he had inscribed on the inside of her wedding band. They met in Halifax where she was working for Moir‘s chocolates and he was with the Royal Canadian Navy. They were married for over 65 years with Mildred taking care of Bud when he became ill later in his life.

Her first born (son) arrived just a year later, then a daughter in another year and a half.  She was a stay-at-home mom until the early 70s and a woman of considerable determination which she passed on to her children. She was an accomplished seamstress and knitter. When she returned to the workforce, she put her knowledge to use and worked in the fabric department for Robert Simpsons, and later a variety of other fabric stores.

While a navy man often refers to the sea as his mistress (except of course Bud) Mildred‘s true love and obsession was gardening. She could rhyme off a plants name with both its common name as well as the proper Latin name. If she did not know the plant she would go through her vast reference library until she came away satisfied she had nailed it. Her gardens on the old Sackville Road were spectacular to behold and annual garden tours often took in her grounds. Many locals and friends would take photos and pose among the flower beds. One of her grandest achievements was to have a photo spread of her garden featured in Home and Garden magazine.

Mildred loved to travel with Bud and their family. In the 70’s they had an extensive road camping trip across Canada, USA and Mexico with their children. She had numerous trips to Europe and loved going to Disney, especially with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed many trips with her friends. Mildred was a devoted volunteer and was recognized for her efforts at, among others, the Scotia Nursing Home of Beaverbank and the Fultz House of Sackville. She was truly respected by her peers.

For anyone who knew her for any length of time, they soon became aware of her sharp wit and cutting sarcastic replies. The staff at Sagewood found this out rather quickly - sometimes to their own chagrin. Many heartfelt thanks to all the Sagewood staff and especially the wonderful workers on Butterfly Cottage. You took wonderful care of her in her last years and showed overwhelming empathy and real love. Thank you.

Mildred is survived by her son, Sean & Karen Galbraith; daughter, Caroline and Stan Rhodenizer; by her almost adopted daughter Nancy (Rose) and Butch Brownhill; grandchildren, Heather, Garrett, and Jacklyn; her great grandchildren, Bennett and Zoey; and her cousin Jane Parker. She is also survived by a multitude of nieces and nephews and their children from both the Weatherup and Parker sides of her family.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her five brothers Robert (Bob), Mervin, Carl, Keith and Lyle.

A celebration of Mildred’s life will be held from 6-8pm Thursday, July 2nd in Ettinger Funeral Home, 2812 Highway 2 Shubenacadie. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made to charity of your choice.

Condolences, words of comfort and memories of Mildred can be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com