Theresa Marie Aylward

With tears falling upon our hearts, we are saddened to announce the passing of our dear mom, Theresa Marie Aylward. Surrounded by her loving family, she left us peacefully on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, ending her journey at the Northside Community Guest Home.

Theresa was born May 29, 1934, in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, where she would live most of her life. It was here she would meet the love of her life, Valentine Rideout, and start their family. Mom’s greatest love was her family, and in the early years of her marriage she worked outside the home for The Children’s Aid Society as a childcare giver. She not only raised six kids of her own, but Mom also changed the lives of many more. Mom then decided to open her own business from her home, which she ran successfully for many years.

Mom’s many joys came from her grandchildren, camping in Black Rock, and playing a good game of cards… often. “If she could arrange it,” they all came together. Mom loved music and she loved to dance, dancing well into her eighties. Mom took great pride in teaching many others how to dance as well. Theresa enjoyed Bingo night and played a vicious game of YAHTZEE!!!! She belonged to a bowling league and was always doting over her grandchildren whenever she could. Life was great until the love of her life, Val, became ill and passed after 33 years of marriage.

Not to be deterred, and with the love and support of her children as well as her many grandchildren, “Nanny” would eventually find the companionship of an old camping neighbor, Albert Aylward. He too had lost his soulmate of many years, and after a couple years of courting and the exchange of rings, there became “The New Nanny,” Mrs. Theresa Aylward. They went on to enjoy many years together, combining the two families into one, with Nanny being the matriarch of both.

After many years, Albert too had passed. Theresa continued doing crafts, knitting, crocheting, and spending time with grandkids, teaching them the important things. Mom was a wonderful baker. As a cook… well, like I said, Mom was a wonderful baker. Mom was a devoted Christian and attended church with her son Gary as often as she could. Theresa prayed for the day she would enter the Kingdom of God. She would often visit the seniors’ residence in Sydney Mines and spend time there making friends, diminishing the loneliness for both her and them. These are some of the many reasons tears are falling upon our hearts, as Mom never stopped giving to everyone, but to our family the most.

“The world changes from year to year, our lives from day to day, but the love and memories of our loved ones shall never pass.” — Unknown
May you find eternal peace, Theresa, resting with the angels while surrounded by all your loved ones who went before you.

Theresa Marie Aylward is survived by her six children: Gary (Mary) Rideout, Arther (Joan) Rideout, Dianne MacAulay, Donna (Anthony) Hendriksen, Gregory (Sandra) Rideout, and Ralph Rideout; her stepchildren, Francis, Derrick, Joe Aylward, and Wanda MacKey. She is also survived by her brother, Dave (Sonny) Collier; her sister-in-law, Bernice Rideout; and many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Theresa was predeceased by her parents, Charles Collier and Catherine Tobin; her first husband, Valentine Rideout; her second husband, Albert Aylward; brothers John and Charles; and sisters Peggy and Milley. She was also predeceased by her brothers-in-law Fred, Donald, and Clarence Rideout; sisters-in-law Margret, Florence, and Lorette; a grandson, Trevor Rideout; two stepsons, Johnny and Brian Aylward; and one son-in-law, Blair MacAulay.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Northside Community Guest Home. Your hard work, dedication, compassion, and friendship shown to our mom are beyond words. We are not only grateful, but humbled to know such wonderful people walk among us. We will forever carry you in our hearts. Thank you.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 5, from 2–4 p.m. and again from 7–9 p.m. at J.M. Jobes Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will take place on Tuesday, January 6, at 2:00 p.m., also at J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Rob Jones. Following the Celebration of Life, the family warmly invites all to join them for a luncheon at the NSK Northside Soup Kitchen, 127 Brook Street, North Sydney, NS (B2A 2K3), to share a meal and stories. All are welcome to attend.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Theresa Marie Aylward, please visit our floral store.