It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Georgina May Angus , age 84, of Springhill.

Born in Springhill, she was a daughter of the late George and Adelaide (Thompson) Smith , and grew up on a 100-acre farm in Port Howe. After already having two daughters, George had been hoping for a boy. So when another girl arrived, they named her Georgina, and we guarantee she was tougher than any boy. From a young age, she was strong-willed, independent, and more than capable of holding her own.

Life on the farm shaped her into an "outside girl," happiest in the fields, woods, and along the beaches of Port Howe, a place that remained very important to her throughout her life.

She is survived by her sons Grant and Terry (Cheryl) ; her daughter Vicki Darragh (Derek) ; and her grandchildren Jeffrey (Christine) Collins, Jennifer Collins, Jamie Angus (Trevor Brimicombe), Gregory Angus (Kara), Logan Darragh, and Brooklyn Darragh , along with 11 great-grandchildren . She is also survived by her sister Diane (Donald) MacPherson , son-in-law Ross Collins , her special cousin Darlene (Norman) Greenaway , and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her daughter Sandra Collins ; her daughter-in-law Cindy Angus ; her sisters Hulda, Betty, Nellie, and Sandra (in childhood); her brother Murray ; and her parents.

Georgina married young and moved to West Linden, where she raised her family and helped build a farm and home through years of hard work. The early days weren't easy, no indoor plumbing and bathing babies in the kitchen sink, but she met it all with determination and grit. Over time, the farm prospered, and she took great pride in what was built, including the new home up the road complete with the in-ground pool she insisted on having. That pool became the centre of many summer days, full of noise, laughter, children and grandchildren.

Georgina showed her care for others in practical ways, most often through food. She was well known for her phenomenal cooking and baking, especially at Christmas or family gatherings, where the table would be filled to excess with pies, cinnamon buns, rolls, squares, biscuits, and what many still insist was the best strawberry shortcake around. And of course, there was always a hot cup of tea ready. No one ever left her house hungry.

She loved her vegetable gardens and flowers and worked hard every year to put food away for the winter. Summers and falls often included long days of berry and vegetable picking, followed by plenty of canning to stock the cold room shelves.

Georgina had a strong will and a presence that people respected, sometimes even feared a little. She had a look that could stop you mid-sentence, a quick wit, and she was rarely wrong, or at least rarely willing to admit it. Many were a little intimidated by her over the years, and she likely didn't mind that at all. But behind that strength was a deeply caring and generous person.

Playing cards was one of her favourite pastimes throughout her entire life, and even at 84 she was more than capable of beating anyone at canasta or 45's! In later years, she valued her independence and spent many quiet hours reading, especially her favourite romance novels, and listening to music.

Georgina will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved her. She lived life on her own terms, said what she thought, and made sure you knew when you were wrong, but she also made sure you were fed, cared for, and never forgotten.

No public service will be held.

Those wishing to make a donation in her memory may do so to the Cumberland VON or a charity of their choice.

The family would like to sincerely thank the nurses, doctors, and staff of the Cumberland VON, Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, Springhill All Saints Hospital, and High-Crest Springhill for their care, kindness, and support.

If there's a card game happening somewhere, chances are she's already winning, and keeping a close eye on everyone at the table.