Obituary of Bernadette MacPherson

The family sadly announces that Bernadette MacPherson, formerly of New Glasgow, St. Andrews and Sylvan Valley Road, Antigonish passed away peacefully Monday, May 11th, 2015 at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, Antigonish. Born August 28th,1930 she was the beloved daughter of the late Angus H. MacPherson and Elizabeth Ann (Bessie) MacIsaac MacPherson of St. Andrews. Following graduation from Mount Saint Bernard College Secretarial Program in 1949, she worked in Halifax. In 1958, Bernadette began her career with the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services. For thirty-seven years she was a dedicated and tireless Family Benefits Case Worker. She was well known and respected across the province and greatly appreciated by her colleagues in the Pictou County Office. Bernadette logged many miles throughout Pictou, Colchester and Cumberland Counties while working for the Department. Never deterred by challenging roads or inclement weather, she always got the job done. In 1995 Bernadette retired and moved to Antigonish where she was able to establish new friendships and enjoy wonderful times with her family. She was a member of St. Andrew's Parish and the St. Andrew's Catholic Women's League. For the past four years Bernadette has been a resident of the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home. She has received dignified, compassionate and loving care in Thistledown Cottage. Her family is sincerely grateful for that care. She is survived by her sisters Mary G. Chisholm, St. Andrews; Kathleen MacDougall, Sydney; foster brother, Lewis Hewer (Marie Ayre), Sydney; and by her many nieces and nephews who will miss their dear Aunt Bernie. She was predeceased by her brothers Judge Hugh J. and Harold E. MacPherson; her foster sister Mary Lou (Hewer) Trump; her brothers-in-law Thomas Chisholm, Lorne MacDougall and Edwin Trump; sisters-in-law Jean C. MacPherson (QC) and Gertye MacPherson; nephews Lorne Douglas MacDougall and Gerald Chisholm; niece Jessie Eileen Chisholm; and her dear friend, Del Porter. Bernadette was a remarkable lady. Her creativity, flair for style, life long love of reading and her appreciation for her Scottish and Irish roots were surpassed only by her dogged determination and loyalty to her family. Whether she was bringing a treat to a fortunate colleague at work or hosting a spectacular dinner party in her home, she was a gracious and meticulous hostess. Her attention to detail at work and at home was admirable. Visitation will be Friday May 22nd, 2015 between the hours of 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm at MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant Street, Antigonish. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday May 23rd, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Andrew's Church, St Andrews with Rev. Charles Cameron and Rev. Daniel MacDonald presiding. Burial will be in the South River Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations in Bernadette's memory can be made to the Arthritis Society or to the St. Andrew's Parish Cemetery Fund.