With sadness the family of Erma McLaren, 92, announces her passing on March 30, 2009.
An active and vital woman to the end, she passed away peacefully at the Shiretown Nursing Home.
Born June 30, 1916 in Meadowville, Pictou County, she was the daughter of the late John and Margaret Murray.
Growing up on a farm, she learned the rewards of hard work, self sufficiency and the love of God – values she carried throughout her life. A 73 year resident of the ‘Old Town’ as she affectionately called Pictou, she made the leap to independent living in 1936 and ultimately met and married her life-long love, Stan McLaren, in 1939. They raised a family of three children. She worked side by side with her husband in the funeral business until his death in 1968. Erma then joined the staff of the Pictou Medical Clinic until her retirement in 1981. Erma was a woman of boundless energy and drive. She channeled that energy into her family life, her church and the community. Her family was the most important part of her life and she had a deep interest in knowing all about what was going on. She took delight in everyone’s successes and gave support and encouragement when needed. She took great pride, with a daily sense of accomplishment in a neat and tidy home as well as her appearance with her signature white blouse. An active volunteer for most of her life she never refused a request for help. She worked tirelessly on behalf of the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Cancer Society, United Way, just to name a few, and was a proud 71 year member of the Princess Rebekah Lodge #4. She was an active member of Pictou United Church and a dedicated worker in Unit 3 of the United Church Women. Her pies, biscuits and sweets were popular items at the dinners and suppers she worked to support over many, many years. She passed on to her family the value of a positive outlook on life. As she would say, no matter your situation your happiness was all up to you. Always greeting family and visitors alike with a smile you immediately felt welcomed and at ease and of course you could not leave her home without a cup of tea. Certainly, a view of life to be emulated.
Erma is survived by children: Beverly, Richmond, Texas; Bill (Diane), Mississauga, Ontario; and Murray (Zelda), Pictou; grandchildren: Leslie, Ian, Maggie, Karyna, Sonya, great-grandchildren, Stuart and Nicholas; and sister, Jeanette Guy, Halifax; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Stanley; and brothers, Harold and Russell.
Visitation will be held at the McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou, Sunday, April 5th from 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held Monday, April 6th at 2 p.m. from Pictou United Church with Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity officiating. Burial at the Seaview Cemetery.
Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pictou United Church or a charity of your choice.