Burrows, Geraldine Reid (Jerry) – 95, Brookfield - January 20, 1920 - May 25, 2015
Geraldine (Jerry) Reid Burrows was born in Halifax, to Weldon and Sarah Maude (Flemming) Dickey. She grew up in a beautiful farmhouse in Middle Stewiacke where she shared in the chores, learned to play piano, and began her life of volunteerism by joining the church choir at 14. Seventy years later, at age 84, she retired. When her school days were over, she remained at home where she helped her ailing mother, and taught piano lessons. Weekends often meant going to dances with girlfriends where she eventually met our father who shared her love of dance and music-a love that bonded them for life. They were married in 1942 at the farmhouse and their life together began in Moncton. When the war ended, they returned to Brookfield, a community they loved, and where they spent their entire life together. She was the straight man in the marriage, and the disciplinarian because someone had to be. Mum raised three children, taught piano, took in numerous boarders, ran a store and pool hall, looked after her mother and then her mother-in-law, sang in the church choir and played as church organist for 25 years. She was a lifelong blood donor, a long-time volunteer at the Food Bank, and an active member of the UCW. She belonged to various groups within the church, and it was her foundation. She also loved her community and was a staunch supporter of all things "Brookfield". Our kitchen was always full of baked goods and much of that was for a community or church event. It was a family joke that our father would quietly wander around these events until he found her creations. As kids, our friends were frequent visitors- always room for one more. Her whole life was spent on the go to something; and, if it required a car, she was in and usually the driver. After years of waiting, she was finally blessed with six grandchildren whom she loved with all her heart. At 92 years old she was blessed with three great-grandchildren. Geraldine Burrows is a tough act to follow, and with her passing we will honour her memory by attempting to exhibit her strength, innate happiness, work ethic, and kindness. Geraldine was predeceased by husband, Victor, parents, Weldon and Maude, brother Stanley, first-born son, Harold Douglas in infancy, and in-laws, Graham and Nettie Burrows. She is survived by her children, Joan (Terry) Fisher, Cole Harbour, Graham (Elizabeth) Burrows, Truro, and Connie (Bruce) Monk, Murphy Cove, and her grandchildren: Meaghan (Greg) Williams, Hong Kong; Jenanne Fisher, Hong Kong; Morgan Burrows, Truro; Adam (Kelly) Burrows, Saskatchewan; AJ Monk, Grand Cayman; Gina Monk, Halifax, as well as great grands Ayden Burrows, Kai Burrows, and Lily Williams. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30 from 6-8 pm in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow Street, Truro; funeral service on Sunday, May 31 at 3 pm in Knox United Church Brookfield with Rev. Keith Gale officiating. Family flowers only. Donations to Knox United, Brookfield, Canadian Cancer Society, or Don Henderson Memorial Sportsplex. On-line condolences may be made at www.ColchesterCommunity.com
We like to think Mum and Dad are dancing together again. Rest in peace, Mum.