Avis Elizabeth Sparks (née Sypher), was born May 2, 1929, in Digby, Nova Scotia. She was the only child of Reginald Sypher of Sandy Cove, NS and Glennie Morehouse of Centreville, NS. Avis was predeceased by her husband, Clifton Sparks of New Glasgow, NS. Avis is survived by her immediate family: sons Bruce (Margaret Nicholson) and Gary (Sheilagh Sparks); daughter Joanne (David Williams); grandsons Nathaniel Williams (Jinesea) and Riley Sparks; granddaughters Erin Sparks (fiancé Patrick) and Kate Williams (Daniel). Her family was everything to Avis, and she will be greatly missed by us all. Avis was raised in Sandy Cove where her parents operated the local inn. She attended Mount Allison School for Girls and later studied music (piano and organ) at Acadia University. In her first year at Acadia she met Clifton; the two were inseparable, and married in 1949. They were together for the next 45 years, raising their children and doting on grandchildren. She was the most loving grandmother. She sang and danced with her grandchildren for as long as their energy lasted and, although she later revealed it was not her favourite game, would play Monopoly with them for hours. She knit more sweaters and quilted more quilts than you could shake a stick at. Visitors to her home were met with freshly baked cookies, squares and the question, "Can I get you anything, dear?" in case something was missed. She enjoyed the company of several cats over the years, and her grandchildren wondered if she and the cats really could talk to each other, as she would have them believe. In the early years, the family lived in Halifax with Clifton working for the provincial government and Avis teaching piano and playing the organ at Bedford United Church. In 1965, the family moved to Ottawa where Avis worked in the finance department of Canada Post. Her life-long love of music continued as the accompanist for the Canada Post choir and an organist in several Ottawa area churches. Avis and Clifton built a cottage near Perth and spent many summer days at the Lake, faithfully recording the date of the first swim each year. In the late 80s they moved to the Perth area, where they renovated an old house and later moved into town. Avis was a long-time member of St. Paul's United Church, Perth. She was a volunteer with the Perth Hospital for more than 20 years, and a stubborn advocate for a garden that improved the view from a patient waiting area. Avis worked tirelessly for her family and her community. Even as her health declined, Avis never lost her sense of community and love of people. She was an enthusiastic walker and a familiar face around town, with cheerful greetings to friends along the way. Avis was a proud Maritimer and was passionate about her village of Sandy Cove, where her ashes will be buried beside her parents and her beloved Clifton. A reception will be held at Blair's Funeral Home, Perth, on Monday, January 2, 2017 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. A service and interment will be held this summer at Zion United Church, Sandy Cove, NS.