Mary Bernadette HALLIDAY-SMITH (Nee: CROTTY), age 74, passed peacefully away at the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow, after a courageous battle with Cancer. Bernadette was comforted with her family at her side as she passed. Formerly of St. John’s, NL, Bernadette was an accomplished musician and was widely known for her musical contributions to her native Newfoundland and her adopted home of Pictou County, NS. Bernadette moved to Pictou County in 1973 with her late Husband Alex HALLIDAY where she began a 20 year career with the Unemployment Insurance Center in New Glasgow. During that time, Bernadette was the organist and choir director for the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. There she developed strong ties and relationships with the musical community of Pictou County. Those ties blossomed into a special musical gift to the Pictou County Community. Bernadette became an integral part of the New Glasgow Music Festival as a volunteer, accompanist and active supporter. Bernadette’s community involvement stretched far and wide with her spearheading the Food and Fun annual fundraiser at the “Kirk” to her involvement with the “Kirk” choir, Trinitarians, Male Chorus and the Musical Theatre. Bernadette returned to Newfoundland in 1991 to continue her career with UIC. While there she shared her musical talents, infectious smile and her wonderful sense of humour, playing Mrs. LYNDE in the Peter MacDonald Production of Anne of Green Gables. Bernadette returned to Pictou County in 2002 and married Aubrey J SMITH of New Glasgow. She rekindled her ties to the musical community in Pictou County where she was a sought after organist, accompanist and mentor for many local performers. She enjoyed travelling, singing with her grandchildren and sharing laughs with her many friends and people whose lives she has touched. Bernadette will be fondly remembered for her genuine friendship, her generosity and her many contributions to the musical community. Bernadette was predeceased by her parents Patrick and Annie CROTTY, her sister, Carmel EVERARD and her first husband, Alexander W. HALLIDAY. She leaves to mourn and celebrate her life, husband Aubrey SMITH, her loving daughter, Tina WHITE (George) and son Stephen HALLIDAY (Paula), her six cherished grandchildren, Christina and Katie WHITE of St. John’s, NL. Alex, Andrew, Carleigh and Camryn HALLIDAY of New Glasgow, as well as, her sisters Rosemary KENNEDY, Noelle GARCIA and brothers Frank and Paul CROTTY. Bernadette also leaves behind a large circle of beloved extended family and devoted friends. Funeral arrangements and cremation are under the Direction of the H.W. Angus Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Visitation will occur at the H.W. Angus funeral home on Friday, Sept. 21st from 2-4PM and 7-9PM. Funeral Service will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in New Glasgow on Saturday, Sept. 22nd at 11:00AM. A private family burial will take place at the Marshdale Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bernadette’s name to the “Run for The Cure” breast cancer foundation or the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Unit.
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