Alma Bartlett Guy

The world got quieter this week.

Alma Bartlett Guy—maker, mother, and soft place to land—passed away on July 28, 2025, at 88. She gave love generously, sewed fiercely, and never left the house without her earrings. Her hands were almost never still, and her heart was always full.

Born the eldest of five in the Noble family, Alma quickly learned how to lead, how to work, and how to love without condition. She and her sister Eileen shared a lifelong creative bond—quilting, sewing, and trading ideas even from afar. She married young—just 16—and life met her with challenge and responsibility from the start. Together with her husband Ira Bartlett, she raised a family through determination, grit, and pure love.  They opened a snack bar in King’s Point where the food was good, the stories better, and the parties legendary.

They later moved to mainland Canada, like many Newfoundlanders seeking medical care for a child and new opportunities. They landed in Sudbury—maybe aiming for Alberta, maybe running out of gas—but for Alma, it was a new beginning. She trained as a nurse’s aide and built a new life.

Their home became a haven for displaced Newfoundlanders—who called her “mudder” and meant it. She fed them, housed them, and sent them out stronger than when they came. Respect was expected, laughter was guaranteed, and the kitchen was always open.

Eugene was the first born, charismatic and high-energy, stayed deeply connected to her throughout her life. He carries her strength forward and will be the glue that holds the family together now. Second child, Selwyn, who died of leukemia at the age of two and remained close to her heart. Third child, Derwin, quiet and generous with time, mirrored her giving spirit in his volunteer work. His quilting skills amazed her and brought her quiet delight in later years.

Fifteen years later came her surprise baby, Carol. Alma mothered in her own way: strong, demanding, deeply devoted. To the very end, she’d say, “I’m still the mom,” and no one dared suggest otherwise. Carol didn’t inherit her mother’s love of crafts, yet in Alma’s final year, she picked up the fabrics and sewed her mother’s projects on her behalf. Alma was beyond thrilled—her legacy continuing, stitch by stitch.

Alma made curtains, cancer caps, and even weighted cornhole bags and everything in between. She secured grants that helped people in Green Bay get enough work stamps to avoid social assistance. When work was scarce, Alma created it. Her hands lifted others up—always.

Crafts were her playground—quilting, knitting, sewing, painting, weaving. She was endlessly curious and always learning, always teaching, always creating. Her legacy lives on in the crafts and quilts that she donated over the years.

After Ira’s passing, she found love again with Ches Guy (Alma chased him, and eventually he caught up). They were together for 19 years, until life’s complications shifted their paths. Later, Alma moved into Karwood Retirement Retreat, she immediately joined the Residents’ Council and lobbied for more blueberries and craft classes. And we can’t forget, Alma had the lists needed for projects and Stephanie made them happen. In Stephanie, Alma saw not just a daughter-in-law, but a trusted partner and a generous heart.

Alma is lovingly remembered by her children: Eugene (Marilyn), Derwin (late Susan), and Carol (Stephanie). Her grandchildren: Byron (Christine), Blair (Jeff), and Deidre (Dwayne) great grandchildren: Emma, Carter and Kenzie—were all deeply loved and made her proud. Noble siblings: late Eileen (late Gerald), late Melvia (late Dave), Wilson (Lorraine), Les (Gloria), Christine, and in-laws Cyric (Elaine) Bartlett, and the late Monty (late Thea) Bartlett, and cousin Junior Burt. She is also remembered by many nieces, nephews, neighbours, and “adopted children” who needed a hand and got one.

And in true Alma fashion, one celebration isn’t enough. Her life will be celebrated at Karwood Retirement Retreat on Saturday, August 2 at 2:00 PM, and again when she is laid to rest in Rattling Brook on October 25. Because a life so well-lived deserves extra celebration.

We imagine she’s already got a sewing circle going in the great beyond—hot dinner, strong tea, and fresh curtains. And knowing Alma, it’ll be beautiful—and on time.