Obituary of Morlean Ivernia Ringer
98, passed away peacefully after complications with cancer on Friday, May 8, 2026 on the palliative care floor of the QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Born in Riverport, October 14 1927, she was the eldest daughter of the late Russell and Vleits (Walters) Spindler.
Beginning from a young age Morlean was an active member of her church, participating in Sunday School and youth choir and continuing her involvement into adulthood. She was a dedicated volunteer, serving various positions from president, to treasurer, to secretary for such organizations as United Church Women’s Group and the Legion’s Ladies Auxiliary. She also collected for the Salvation Army, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, and delivered food with Meals on Wheels. The only thing she finished faster than a good book was her knitting, producing warm and beautiful garments for all generations of her family, as well as making baby hats for the IWK and prayer shawls for the church.
She was predeceased by her cherished husband, Terrance “Ted” Ringer, whom she married on March 26 1949, spending 56 years together, loving, laughing, occasionally bickering, but mostly busy in their kitchen, making everyone feel welcome to their table. She is survived by their three daughters, Peggy (Rodney) MacMillan, Comox BC; Patricia (Bruce) Lloy, Stony Plain, AB; and Mona (Danny) Cox, Fletchers Lake, NS, as well as 7 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, her sister Shirley Ross, Calgary AB and brother Lovett (Annette) Spindler, Kelowna BC and several nieces and nephews.
Morlean took her role as family matriarch seriously, sharing news between family members across the miles with letters and cards to all her “pen pals”, routine phone calls, and eventually email. She enjoyed occasional trips including an anniversary to Bermuda, travelling West to see family, and going to Disney World. Although she was a homebody, she never turned down a drive back to the South Shore.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Friday May 15, 2026 at St John’s United Church, Fall River, Rev David Hann officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall. Interment will take place at a later date at Shepherds Hill Cemetery, Riverport NS.
