Obituary of Bernadine Purcell

Link to Funeral Mass Video   https://youtu.be/K8GoeBpsh3A

Mary Bernadine Purcell of Landsdown Drive, Antigonish passed away peacefully Monday, August 23, 2021 in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital surrounded by her loving family.  Born in Guysborough Intervale on October 8, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Mary Jane (Fraser) and John Tompkins Chisholm. 

Bernadine Purcell was a woman of deep and unwavering faith. Her life of 90 years was devoted entirely to her faith, her loving family and her community. In all these capacities she was an inspiring model of enduring commitment and never-ending support. Bernadine began her teaching career in Guysborough before attending Normal College. From there, she went on to enjoy a very rewarding teaching career that spanned 35 years. In addition, Bernadine was an active community volunteer, devoting her time to canvasing for charities, including The Heart and Stroke Foundation. Impressively, she was the first female president of Minor Hockey in Nova Scotia. She enjoyed attending hockey games of every level and age range and took great pride in watching her children and grandchildren in all of their sporting activities. Of particular importance was Bernadine’s involvement as a member of St. Ninian’s C.W.L., where she dedicated over 50 years of service holding a number of positions, including president, the lead in organizing countless funeral receptions and proudly serving as a member of the organizing committee for the building of a new St. Ninian Place. 

Bernadine is survived by her seven children, Janet (Colin) Chisholm, Paula (Doug) Avery, Patricia (Norm) MacPherson, Gerard (Terry) Antigonish, Kathleen (Gary) Gray Mississauga, David (Wendy) Oakville, Mark (Jennifer) Fort McMurray.  She was a very proud Nanny to Jennifer, Daniel (Josee Rioux) & Mary Beth Chisholm, Andrew (Sarah MacEachern) & David (Cassie Crowe) Avery, Maria, Sean & Heather MacPherson, Kathryn & Colleen Purcell, Anna & Luke Gray, Jaynie Purcell, Skylyn & Lily Purcell; sister Kaye Chisholm, brothers Roddie (Jean), Jack (Agnes), Antigonish; brother-in-law Bernard Purcell as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by husband Frank, brother Gerald, sister Janet and her Purcell in-laws.​​​

Visitation: Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Antigonish. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 1 pm Friday August 27, 2021 in St. Ninian Cathedral, Antigonish, Rev. Donald MacGillivray presiding. Burial in the Parish Cemetery.  Donations may be made to St. Ninian Cemetery Committee or a charity of your choice. Family flowers only please.