Obituary of Bertha Marie Nadeau

Nadeau, Bertha Marie, 92 of the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, Antigonish, formerly of the Orchard Villa passed Dec 12, 2013 in the home. Born in Edmunston she was a daughter of the late Louison and Gertrude (Cyr) Nadeau.Bertha had an independent and adventurous spirit. Despite the challenge of being blind from the age of nineteen, she became a capable businesswoman, operating the CNIB canteen at St. Martha’s Hospital for many years. In later life she served as a local representative for Beauty Counsellor Cosmetics. Bertha drew great strength from her faith, and was for many years a member of the Faith in God Prayer Group at St. Ninian's Parish. She also had special respect for the local L’Arche community. She enjoyed travelling, craft work, music and preparing elegant meals for guests. With a quick wit, Bertha could tease her friends in both English and French. The summer gardens at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home delighted her, and she had a deep appreciation for the kindness of the staff. Bertha received several lifetime awards, including special recognition from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind for volunteer work, and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. She particularly cherished a special apostolic blessing from His Holiness Pope Paul VI in 1975. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers and sisters Azilda Bélanger, Liguori Nadeau, Jeanne Brown, Reno Nadeau, Ludger Nadeau, Aurore Levesque, Gilbert Nadeau. Visitation from 11:00-1:30 Saturday in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St, Antigonish. Funeral Mass 2pm Saturday in St. Ninian’s Cathedral, Rev Donald MacGillivray presiding. Burial at a later date in Edmunston, NB. Donations to the CNIB or St. Ninian Foundation.