MURPHY, Bertha Anna “Anne” (95) - It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Mom on August 3, 2011 at Yarmouth Regional Hospital. However, our hearts are filled with joy that she is now with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Anne was the oldest child of 16, born to John Ray and Marion Harding (Hamilton) Nickerson on September 7, 1915 in Lower Argyle at the home of her grandparents, George and Rhoda Hamilton. From the age of six she was raised by “Nana” Sarah Olive (Nickerson) and “Grampa” Stillman Smith. Mom was a strong and determined woman who raised her 5 daughters, often by herself, while our father was fighting in World War 2, the Korean War and as a Canadian Peacekeeper in Egypt. As a military wife, she adjusted well to each posting. Mom was always very sociable, generous and a willing listener to everyone who needed encouragement. She worked at the Officers’ Mess in Camp Borden, Yarmouth Royal Store Restaurant, Yarmouth Hospital Kitchen and as a caregiver. She was a great cook, meticulous housekeeper and a person who loved to read, watch the news and talk on the phone to friends and family. She is survived by daughters Elaine “Hattie” Rice, Marilyn Joy Bush, Kathleen Dale (Ron) Howe, Deborah Judith Anne (Wayne) Fevens, Son-in-law Borden Hurst, 15 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren, sisters Buda (deceased Preston) Owen, Virginia (deceased Murray) Crowell, Cora (deceased Robert) Brown, Mavia (deceased Paul) Goodwin, and brothers Adelbert (deceased Margret), James, Howard (Florence), William (Irene), and John (Ellen), many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband William Russell Murphy, daughter Pauline Alice Hurst, grandson Joshua Andrew Fevens, great grandson Michael Murphy Hurst, sons in law Allan Bush and Gary Rice, sisters Ruby (deceased Cecil) Goodwin, Roselind Nickerson, Dorothy Goodwin, Regina (deceased Ralph) Hines, Freda Goodwin and brother Cecil Nickerson. A special “thank you” to the members of Yarmouth North Baptist Church who visited Mom and sent special cards and gifts, Roland Muise and the staff of Harbour South Medical Clinic, and Jim MacLeod and staff of Pharmasave for all their help – especially during this past year. And last, but not least, a heart-felt “thanks you” to that staff and residents of Vancouver Place Seniors Residence who went far beyond what was required, treated her with such compassion and dignity and became Mom’s family. Mom loved each and every one of you. There was no visitation at the request of Mom. The funeral was held on Monday, August 8 at 2:00 pm from Sweeny’s Funeral Home and Chapel Yarmouth N.S. Officiated by Rev. Bill Newell and Rev. Robert Baker. Family flowers only. Burial followed in the Cheggogin Cemetery. Donations may be made to Yarmouth North Baptist Church, Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Liver Foundation, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada or the Gideons. A reception followed the service at Yarmouth North Baptist Church, Elm Street, Yarmouth. Online condolences may be sent by visiting: www.sweenysfuneralhome.net or emailing: sweenysfh@eastlink.ca
“We do not lose the ones we love.
They only go before,
Where there is everlasting life,
And sorrow is no more.
There the soul will always live,
And peace is everywhere.
We do not lose the ones we love,
God takes them in His care.”