In memory of
Nellie Carter
August 5, 1921 - March 7, 2025
In Memory of Nellie H. (Tarr) Carter
August 5, 1921 – March 7, 2025
We say goodbye to Nellie H. (Tarr) Carter, who passed away at the age of 103. Born and raised in Western Head, Queens County, Nova Scotia, she was the last surviving member of a family of 12 siblings.
Nellie grew up on a farm back when chores started at sunrise, hard work wasn’t a choice, and no one waited around for things to be handed to them. Whether it was tending animals, making pies, or tackling laundry on what she called ‘Blue Monday,’ she embraced the demands of farm life with determination and grit. Nellie carried that same spirit into everything she did, including her many years alongside her late husband, William J. Carter, whom she was married to for 50 years before he passed away in April of 2000. Over more than a century, Nellie saw the world change in ways most people could never imagine—and no matter what came her way, she kept moving forward.
A veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Nellie was stationed in Trenton, Ontario, and Saint-Hubert, Quebec. After leaving the military, she built a successful career as a business owner, running her own hair salon for many decades. She had a loyal customer base, not just because of her skill, but because she genuinely cared about people—often doing hair at no charge for elderly customers and those who couldn’t afford it, simply because she believed everyone deserved to feel their best.
Nellie never backed down from a challenge and wasn’t one to sit around when there was work to be done—whether it was operating an excavator at 72 or taking her first motorcycle ride on a Harley-Davidson on her 95th birthday, she lived life with a determination that never faded.
When Nellie wasn’t working hard, she was the rock of her family, always looking out for everyone and making sure they had what they needed. She was a constant source of support, whether it was offering advice, lending a hand, or just being there when it mattered most. And, of course, she was usually found with a cup of tea in hand, ready to share a story, have a laugh, or offer a piece of wisdom—whether you wanted it or not. Nellie had a sharp wit, and a way of making sure things were done right.
As per her wishes, a private gathering will be held in her memory. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (Toronto) in her honor.
Nellie made the most of her 103 years—no time wasted, and plenty of tea along the way.
Nellie is survived by her loving family, who will continue to cherish her memory and the legacy she leaves behind. Mom will be sadly missed and in our hearts forever.
August 5, 1921 – March 7, 2025
We say goodbye to Nellie H. (Tarr) Carter, who passed away at the age of 103. Born and raised in Western Head, Queens County, Nova Scotia, she was the last surviving member of a family of 12 siblings.
Nellie grew up on a farm back when chores started at sunrise, hard work wasn’t a choice, and no one waited around for things to be handed to them. Whether it was tending animals, making pies, or tackling laundry on what she called ‘Blue Monday,’ she embraced the demands of farm life with determination and grit. Nellie carried that same spirit into everything she did, including her many years alongside her late husband, William J. Carter, whom she was married to for 50 years before he passed away in April of 2000. Over more than a century, Nellie saw the world change in ways most people could never imagine—and no matter what came her way, she kept moving forward.
A veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Nellie was stationed in Trenton, Ontario, and Saint-Hubert, Quebec. After leaving the military, she built a successful career as a business owner, running her own hair salon for many decades. She had a loyal customer base, not just because of her skill, but because she genuinely cared about people—often doing hair at no charge for elderly customers and those who couldn’t afford it, simply because she believed everyone deserved to feel their best.
Nellie never backed down from a challenge and wasn’t one to sit around when there was work to be done—whether it was operating an excavator at 72 or taking her first motorcycle ride on a Harley-Davidson on her 95th birthday, she lived life with a determination that never faded.
When Nellie wasn’t working hard, she was the rock of her family, always looking out for everyone and making sure they had what they needed. She was a constant source of support, whether it was offering advice, lending a hand, or just being there when it mattered most. And, of course, she was usually found with a cup of tea in hand, ready to share a story, have a laugh, or offer a piece of wisdom—whether you wanted it or not. Nellie had a sharp wit, and a way of making sure things were done right.
As per her wishes, a private gathering will be held in her memory. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (Toronto) in her honor.
Nellie made the most of her 103 years—no time wasted, and plenty of tea along the way.
Nellie is survived by her loving family, who will continue to cherish her memory and the legacy she leaves behind. Mom will be sadly missed and in our hearts forever.