ARMSTRONG (Bourque), Bernadette Marie – age 98, formerly of Bell Neck, Yarmouth Co., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at Nakile Home for Special Care. Born in Ste. Anne du Ruisseau, she was the youngest of five children, daughter of the late Vincent and Françoise (Babin) Bourque. She was surrounded, comforted and held by her family who shared her love and who brought her so much pride and joy. She is survived by her loving children, Johnny (Yvonne), Arcadia; Tommy (Elaine), Fredericton; Michael (Brenda), Belleville; Dale (Frank) and Karen (Paul), both of Halifax and Paula (Reneault), Montreal; grandchildren, Daniel, Justin, Sarah, Ian, Jennifer, Jessica, Jordan, Francis and Alec, as well as four great-grandchildren. Aside from her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband Paul, as well as her siblings Vicki, Pauline, Lucille and Leo. Bernadette graduated from Normal College in Truro and started teaching at North Belleville school before moving to a one-room schoolhouse in Bell Neck. She stopped teaching to raise six children and resumed teaching at École Ste. Anne du Ruisseau where many people will remember her as the librarian. Throughout her life, Bernadette’s many interests included trout fishing and duck hunting with Paul, doing crossword puzzles, playing scrabble, cards, and the piano. Music was a passion of Bernadette’s, having sung with the Nova Chords and La Chorale Acadienne-du-Sud-Ouest. She participated in multiple Nova Chords competitions and traveled to events in Ottawa and Maine. She was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and received much contentment from music right up until her final hours. She was a devoted member of Saint Anne’s Parish where, at the age of 80, she was recognized for 25 years of directing the congregation in song. Her faith in the Catholic Church provided her great comfort and strength. The family received friends at H.M. Huskilson’s Funeral Home, 29 Albert St., Yarmouth, from 7-9 p.m., Friday, with prayers at 8 p.m. The funeral Mass took place at Ste. Anne’s Catholic Church, Ste. Anne du Ruisseau at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 23, Father Albeni d’Entremont officiated. Interment followed in the parish cemetery. Donations in memory of Bernadette may be made to a charity of your choice. Her children wish to express a sincere thanks to the attending physicians, nursing and support staff at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital, and especially the staff at Nakile who cared for Bernadette during the final weeks of her life. You may sign the on-line guestbook or leave messages of condolence for the family by visiting www.huskilson.net