HEMPHILL, June B.

January 19, 1926 – February 1, 2014

On Saturday, February 1, 2014, June Bernice Hemphill, 88, peacefully bid farewell to her family and friends, as well as the veterans and staff at the Colonel Belcher Veterans Care Centre in Calgary, Alberta. Born in Toronto, June was the eldest child of James Edward and Alberta Faustina (Pearson) Beasley. She is survived by her children, Linda (Sterling) MacCallum of Vermilion, Alberta; Bruce (Anita) of Lyons Brook, Nova Scotia; Eric (Marilyn) of Wake Forest, North Carolina and Douglas of Calgary, Alberta; daughter-in law, Deanne of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; sister-in law, Catherine Archdekin, Brampton, Ontario; and special family, Connie Kent, Joyce Tucker, Jean MacDonald, Audrey Melanson, and Elwin (Janet) Hemphill. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her son, Stephen; grandson, Andrew MacCallum; sister and brother-in-law, Wes and Doreen Markle; and brother, James. It was in the world of numbers that June found her niche, and her bookkeeping career began at the same time as her naval career overseas with the W.R.C.N.S. She extended her relationship with Canada’s armed forces by joining the Royal Canadian Legion, serving on the executive of three branches. Last year she was presented with the Legion’s gold long service pin. June loved to sing, participating in community and church choirs. Her courageous and adventurous spirit led her to work in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, and Alberta, and to travel extensively throughout North America, always accompanied by a beloved dog. A prolific knitter and especially talented seamstress, she enthusiastically embraced quilting in her retirement years. Cremation has taken place, and services were held in Calgary. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 PM Monday, June 16, in Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, Pictou, with Father Peter MacDonald officiating. Interment will be in Stella Maris Parish Cemetery. A reception will follow. No flowers, please, but if friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the SPCA, or a charity of your choice. www.mclarenfuneral.ca