In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

KEATING, Emilia Paulina (Paula) (HEALY, deBRUIJN) - Age 86 of Halifax passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 5 at the QEII Hospital, Infirmary site. She is survived by her children Betty Egan (Frank), James Healy (Margaret), Patricia Neves (John), Bill Healy (Synnove), and Colleen Murphy (Scott), stepchildren Bev Settle (Gerry) and Barry Keating (Shirley). She was a loving Grandma to Sally, Andrew (Ponnu), Kendra, Francis, James, Jodyn, Katie, Patrick, Becky, Frances, Nate, Sam, Anne and Violet and great grandson Romeo. Mom was born in Holland, Netherlands in 1935 and immigrated to Canada as a young woman. She was a Wren in the Royal Canadian Navy until she married and started her family. She was widowed in 1976 and raised her 5 children on her own. Mom lived for many years in Westmoor 57 Co-op, serving on the Board of Directors and helping to organize events for co-op members. She worked multiple jobs, including at Saint Mary’s University and Sears to give her children everything she could. She always put everyone else’s needs above her own. After raising her children, she married Lloyd Keating and welcomed his children and grandchildren into her heart. When Lloyd was diagnosed with cancer she devoted her time to caring for him and ensuring he was comfortable. Finding herself alone in her home, Mom moved into an apartment at Westmoor Lodge. As was her style, she organized a Tenants’ Association, taking on the role of treasurer. Social events including weekly bingo games, monthly birthday parties for residents, barbecues, and potlucks for special occasions were all planned and carried out under her guidance. Mom enjoyed volunteering with Spencer House Seniors Centre and eventually became a member, joining in on many of their activities including line dancing and belly dancing. She began a knitting circle, encouraging other members to knit baby hats and finger puppets for the IWK Hospital, chemo bags for cancer patients, and poppies to support the Army Museum at the Halifax Citadel. She often helped to prepare and serve lunches to members, read books aloud to other members, acted in several plays and enjoyed bus trips to various sites across the province. She was honoured to be nominated by Spencer House for a Remarkable Seniors Award which was awarded to her at the 50+ Expo in 2011. She also received an award for outstanding volunteer service from Halifax Regional Municipality in 2006, and Senior of the Year from Spencer House in 2013. Mom was a long-time member of Hope United Church (formerly Edgewood United and Edgewood/Oxford United) where she developed many friendships. She often served as a greeter, counted the offering, provided snacks and made coffee for fellowship time after the Sunday services, was an active member of the quilting group and knit many prayer shawls to bring comfort to those who needed it. Any church suppers, spring fairs or other activities at the church you could count on Paula to be there helping out with whatever needed to be done. At Christmas time she spent many hours attending to the Salvation Army Kettle. Mom believed the way to a person’s heart was through their stomach. Any time we were away we could count on having a hot, homemade meal being ready when we returned. No one in the family had to do Christmas baking. Cookies, pound cakes and squares were baked and shared, more than any of us could eat. She continued baking until the end. When Mom was taken to hospital last week, a cake was cooling on her counter. In recent years Mom was thrilled to have 2 of her children who had lived away move back to Halifax. She spent many evenings doing jigsaw puzzles and playing cards with her children and grandchildren. She took great joy in taking our nickels in a Rummoli game, and if she skunked you at cribbage everyone would hear about her triumph. We have so many wonderful memories which we hope will fill the holes that have been left in our hearts. Arrangements have been entrusted to Atlantic Funeral Home, Bayers Road. We will come together to celebrate Mom’s incredible life on Saturday, February 12 at 1PM at Hope United Church, Connaught Avenue, Halifax. Due to current Public Health restrictions, we are required to limit the number of friends in attendance at Mom’s service. If you would like to attend, please contact Patricia by phone or text at 902-237-4482 to confirm. The service will also be live streamed for those who are unable to attend in person. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mom’s memory to Spencer House Seniors Centre or Make-A-Wish Canada, Nova Scotia Division are greatly appreciated. To Leave an online condolence as well as view the Livestreamed service please visit the Halifax Chapel at www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com