Patricia Claire Haliburton
June 17, 1935 – June 26, 2018
Patricia Claire (Mills) Haliburton died peacefully at her home in Digby, with family at her side, on the night of June 26, 2018.
She was born in June, 1935, the third daughter of Lloyd and Jean Mills (nee Wilson), Salt Springs (Springhill), Nova Scotia. Pat grew up on a traditional dairy farm, with her parents and two sisters, and her cherished maternal grandfather, Mitchell “Pop” Wilson, who was like a second father. She went directly from high school to the Highland View Hospital School of Nursing, in Amherst in 1955, where she graduated with top marks as a registered nurse. She stayed on to teach there, and also taught at the Children’s Hospital in Halifax, making many life-long friends along the way.
In 1956, she was one of the nurses who raced to the Springhill mine to work non-stop for three days after the devastating explosion. She was assigned to the pithead to assess the injured miners (many she would have known personally) as they emerged, and ride with them to the makeshift emergency room at the armoury building.
She was a gentle soul but, when it was needed, she could combine her marshmallow heart with nerves of steel. She eventually left nursing for her preferred career as a mother, home-maker and partner (in every sense of the word) to her devoted husband, Charles. She kept their home humming with love, wonderful food and music, but was also the disciplinarian of the family.
She avidly pursued her interest in photography, and was a freelance photographer/journalist for The Chronicle Herald for several years, while raising her two youngest children. An enthusiastic dancer, she was known to jive and waltz her way into the wee hours. She and her favourite dance partner, Charles, could also show off a Charleston that drew a crowd. Her passion for playing music re-emerged during her golden years, and she spent many hours on her violin, playing at home as well as in the community. She had an ear for good music and an eye for good art. Her friends will remember her as a loving, fun and feisty woman who lived her life with great humour and spirit.
She loved parties and entertaining, and had a natural way of making people feel at ease. She was an excellent listener and often found herself the confidante of many, who sensed her trustworthy nature and non-judgemental ear.
She was devoted to her family, and was truly the “heart of the home.” She is survived by her loving husband, Charles, Digby; and sisters Mary Lou Raymond, Smiths Cove, and Ruth Smith, Springhill; children Stephen (Oxford, Miss.), Geoffrey (Winnipeg), Carol (Dartmouth), Debbie, (St. John’s) Edward (Parson, BC) and Sarah (Dartmouth); six grandchildren and one great-grandchild; along with many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased
Born: June 17, 1935 Death: June 26, 2018
by sister Stephanie, as well as her dearest friend, Joan Melanson, who nursed alongside her in Digby, and whom she regarded as family. On Friday, July 13th, at 4:30pm, a service to honour Pat’s life will be held at Grace United Church, in Digby, followed by a wake at the Haliburton home. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Canada, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., 902-825-3448.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Patricia Claire Haliburton 2018.source
Death notice for the town of: Middleton, Province: Nova Scotia