Obituary of Isabel Ann Halfpenny

 Isabel Ann Halfpenny 

Melford, Guysborough County

 It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Isabel Ann Halfpenny, on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the home of her daughter, Laurie Halfpenny MacQuarrie, surrounded by her family, after a short illness which she faced with strength and grace.

Isabel was born in Mulgrave to the late Joseph and Jeanette Stewart (Shea). Besides her daughter, left to mourn are her pride and joy, her grandchildren, Drew (Cat MacIntyre), and Taylor (Sheumais MacLeod), as well as Blaine, who was like a son to Isabel and who was a constant to her, Laurie, Drew, and Taylor during her illness.

Also grieving are her siblings, Joyce Amirault, Glenda Fenech, Bill Stewart (Monica), Neil Stewart (Betty), Russell Stewart (Jennifer), Doug McCall (Tina), brother-in-law Ira Halfpenny (Elizabeth), and her beloved nieces and nephews.

Isabel was predeceased by her husband Calvin (Cab) Halfpenny in 1975 and her son Russell James in infancy, her step-father, Gordon McCall, her brother Daniel Stewart, her sister Yvonne Filipek, her sisters-in-law, Agnes Stewart, and Evelyn Sample, her brothers-in-law, Rudy Amirault, Joe Fenech, Bob Filipek, Doug Halfpenny, Seymour Halfpenny, Gordon Halfpenny, and Everett Halfpenny, and her father- and mother-in-law, Russell and Beatrice Halfpenny, with whom she shared a very special relationship.

Isabel developed a strong work ethic at a young age. She began working at 15, and continued until her retirement in 2004, when she was co-owner of Strait Supplies Limited. During her working career, she was a dedicated mother, raising her young daughter on her own, while also attending St. Francis Xavier University part-time.

Isabel was a founding member of the Seven Communities’ Volunteer Fire Department and the Ladies’ Auxiliary. Although not impacted herself, for 10 years, she served as the Secretary for the Melford Landowners’ Association when land was expropriated by the government for the proposed Shaheen Refinery, to ensure that others were properly compensated.

Isabel was a Board Member for the Regional Occupation Centre Society, the Mulgrave and Area Resting Place, and the Mulgrave Medical Centre, and she was a mentor with SAERC’s Young Achievers program.

She served for many years as the Treasurer for the Celtic Touch Dancers, overseeing finances for trips to Florida and Scotland. Isabel was always eager to volunteer her time for fundraising efforts, and was also a valued seamstress for the troupe.

An adherent of St. James Anglican Church, she served on Parish Council, as a lay reader, event planner, and Altar Guild member.

She was fiercely independent, always stylish, and above-all, kindhearted. She loved to travel, and had many adventures throughout Canada, the US, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa. When she wasn’t busy in the community, she loved to watch Coronation Street, the Blue Jays, and Brad Gushue’s curling team. In 2020, during the pandemic, Isabel and Laurie started to collect sea glass, including some finds in Ireland and Scotland. Her efforts can be found in Laurie's creations.

Isabel was always front row to anything going on in her family’s lives, with a smile on her face and full of encouragement and enthusiasm. Her most valued time was with her daughter and grandchildren. Where they went, she went. She supported everything they did and was a constant presence in their lives. She had much love to give her family and valued all the time they were able to spend together.

She enjoyed cooking and sewing, and especially making Halloween costumes for her grandchildren and highland dancing outfits for Taylor, as well as quilting. She loved music, Elvis Presley in particular, and she always enjoyed jiving with her brothers.

The family would like to thank Dr. Che, Dr. Rice, Isabel’s continuing care and palliative nurses, Allison, Kyla, Rachael, and Paula, Dr. Hanspal, Darlene MacIntyre, Michael Hatt and staff at The Medicine Shoppe, the nurses, and staff at Strait Richmond Hospital, and to Taylor, for the exceptional level of care that she was able to provide to Nanny at home.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 14, in the Mulgrave and Area Resting Place from 2 – 8 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 15, in St. Lawrence Parish Church, Mulgrave at 1p.m., with Rev. Susan Slater officiating. Reception will be held at the Mulgrave Fire Hall following the funeral service. Burial to follow in the St. James Anglican Church Cemetery, Middle Melford.

Donations in Isabel’s memory may be made to the Mulgrave and Area Resting Place.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com