PICTOU – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ellen, age 89 on May 4th, 2015 at the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow.
Born on September 30, 1925 in Antigonish, she was the daughter of the late Perley M. Cunningham and Violet M. (Turnbull) Cunningham.
She graduated from high school in Antigonish, attended St. FX for two years and then graduated from Saint John's Nursing School. She married John (Jack) McKean Hayward in Pictou in 1949 and between then and 1974 she was a full time wife and mother. Upon Jack's death in 1974, she recertified as a nurse and went to work first at Edward Mortimer Place and then at Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital, ensuring that her three sons graduated from university. Following her retirement in 1990 her favorite pastimes were visits from her family, knitting her beautiful sweaters for family and friends and her daily walks on the Jitney Trail. In June of 2014 failing health led to her move to Glen Haven Manor. To her surprise, she loved the Manor with the fellow residents and the friendly staff becoming a new family.
Ellen is survived by her sons, Doug (Sylvia), Pictou; Jack (Kathy), Bridgewater and Bob (Liz), Socorro, New Mexico as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, Jack, her sister, Laura and her brothers, Roy and Harold.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at McLaren Funeral Home in Pictou on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. There will be no funeral service at Ellen's request.
Family flowers only. Donations in Ellen's memory can be made to a charity of your choice.
www.mclarenfuneral.ca