Olive Geraldine SWEENY

Olive Geraldine Lowe May 17, 1918 - June 22, 2005 Funeral arrangements by Campbell's Funeral Home Olive Geraldine (Sweeny) Lowe age 87 of Centennial Villa Amherst, passed away on Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at Georges-L Dumont Hospital, Moncton N.B. Born in Hebron, Yarmouth Co., she was the only child of Harold and Gladys (Mullen) Sweeny. She graduated from Yarmouth Academy, where she enjoyed participating in the many musical and dramatic presentations of the area, often as a featured artist. She was an active member of the Hebron First Baptist Church. Geraldine attended Mount Allison University, majoring in music. To develop her natural, lovely soprano voice, she studied under vocal coach Ethel Peake and director of music Harold S. Hamer. She was employed at Canadian Car and Foundry, and later at Robb Engineering. Voice lessons continued, and she became a valued member of the First Baptist Church Adult Choir and was often featured soloist. She married Gerald S. Lowe in 1945. Geraldine was probably best known for her many years as a respected Antiques Dealer in the Amherst area, operating first from a small shop on Church Street. In the mid sixties, she and her husband completely converted the little schoolhouse in East Amherst into a charming and unique multi level home, housing one of the most distinctive antiques and gift shops for miles around. Under the direction of architect David A. Allen, a highly recognizable and very popular landmark was created, the perfect showcase for years of careful collecting. Her interest in antiques was not confined to her own shop, luckily for the community. She founded the Old Cumberland Antiquarian Society for the collection and study of local antiques. She was an active member of several local historical groups, and was often asked to lecture on the subject of antiques. She was consultant for the Westmorland Historical Society’s restoration of Keiller House, in Dorchester N.B., as well as several other interesting projects. She was one of the founders of the Cumberland County Museum, in Amherst and of the Amherst Area Historical Society. She had a keen eye for interior decoration, was an avid bird watcher, a whale watcher and loved to travel. With a keen sense of humor, she carried out her daily tasks, always enjoying her music, her garden, her cats and the company of many good friends from all walks of life. Geraldine enjoyed reading and conversation on a wide variety of topics, always well informed on the current collecting trends. She will be missed by those who knew her best. Beside her parents she was predeceased by her husband Gerald in 1975. Cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 27, 2005 at 2 p.m. from the First Baptist Church, Amherst with Rev. Byron Corkum officiating. A private Interment will take place at a later date in the Amherst Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to the First Baptist Church, Amherst or the Cumberland County Museum, Amherst. Arrangements are entrusted to Campbell’s Funeral Home 98 Church St., Amherst (902-667-9906) www.campbellsfh.com