Reta Elizabeth Keizer, age 88 passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025 in the Palliative Care Unit of Dartmouth General Hospital. Reta was born October 1, 1936 in New Annan, N.S. to parents, Harry and Jean (Murray) Langille being the youngest of five siblings.

Reta taught in the Dartmouth City Schools for 36 years and retired in 1994 from Southdale School, where she taught for the greater part of her career. Reta is survived by her daughters Carol Ann (George Joyce) and Tracy Keizer (Mark Riley); her granddaughter, Melissa (John Ballard); her two precious, great grandchildren, Beau and Thea Ballard. She is also survived by her sister, Carrie Matheson, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband of 38 years, Vernon Keizer; sisters, Marie MacKay, Thelma Benjamin and brother, Elmon Langille.

After retiring, Reta became active with the Maid Marian Chapter of the IODE, where she held several offices and was honored with a lifetime membership. She developed a love for tole painting and always had a project underway. A talented seamstress, she created countless pieces of clothing for her daughters and generously shared her skills with others. Reta was also an avid reader who delighted in entertaining her fellow retired teachers and IODE members. She cherished the close circle of friends who called and visited often, and she made it a priority to stay connected and often hosted gatherings in her home. Most of all, Reta treasured the bond she shared with her sister, Carrie. Their daily phone calls were a constant source of comfort and joy in her life.

A special thank you to Dr. Mayelin Figueroa for the extraordinary care of our mother. We would also like to thank the doctors and nurses of the Dartmouth General Hospital 5 West Palliative Care Team.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Tuesday, August 26 between the hours of 2-4 p.m. in Coulter's Funeral Home, 48 Riverside Dr., Tatamagouche. Family interment will take place in Tatamagouche Mountain Cemetery.

Donations in Reta's memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Tatamagouche Mountain Cemetery.