Obituary of Darlene Mary Ernst

Darlene Mary Ernst

Port Hood formerly of Port Hawkesbury

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Darlene Ernst, surrounded by family, on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital.

Darlene entered the world on September 26, 1944, to the late William and Anita (Murry) Reynolds in Port Hastings with siblings, Sylvia and her late brother, Elwood.

Darlene lived two wonderful lives. In 1965 she married her first love, the late Elias MacIsaac and they welcomed their beloved daughter, Leigh in 1966. Darlene and Elias shared 24 incredible years together in Port Hawkesbury, from snowmobiling to camping and simply spending time with their best friends and family, especially with her sister, Sylvia and husband, Donald Roddie and brother, Elwood.

Sadly in 1989, Darlene lost her first love, Elias.

In 1990 her next life began when she crossed paths with Greg Ernst, her devoted husband of 30 years. They settled in Port Hood and the memories they share together will live on forever.

Darlene was willing to take on anything, from getting her tractor-trailer and motorcycle license to travelling North America with Greg in their motor home. She was an entrepreneur with many talents. Throughout recent years you could find her cruising down Route 19 in her little red car, mowing the lawn or capturing the perfect sunset from her backyard. No matter what, there was always food on the table (delicious even though she would tell you it was ruined if you were a minute late). And don’t you dare say “no” when she asks if you want more because she was already giving you another scoop of potatoes before you could answer.

Those who knew her best knew that her pride and joy was her daughter Leigh and her three granddaughters, Jaymee, Jasmyn and Celia. There was so much unconditional love between her, and her girls. She loved them more than life itself. Darlene was a positive influence and inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She left a lasting impression on everyone who crossed her path. She was everyone’s, Nannie.

It's clear that Darlene's positivity, warmth, and generosity made a significant impact on the lives of those around her. Her memory will continue to live on through the stories, memories, and moments shared by her loved ones. In times of grief, it's important to hold onto the joy and love she brought into the world.

Darlene is survived by her husband, Greg Ernst, daughter and son-in-law, Leigh and Darryl MacDonald, and her priced possessions and granddaughters, Jaymee (Cody) Marchand, Jasmyn and Celia, her sister Sylvia (Donald) MacDonald, many nephews and nieces and their families, Dean (Holly) MacDonald, Darren (Tammy) MacDonald, Dale (Gerard) Ryan, Joel Reynolds, Ben (Whitney) Reynolds and Erica Reynolds. She is also survived by her honorary Allan Ian family, whom she loved and cherished so much.

She was predeceased by her parents, William and Anita Reynolds, her husband, Elias MacIsaac, and her brother, Elwood (Therese) Reynolds.

We cannot thank Nannie’s healthcare team enough, with special appreciation to Dr. Bhreagh MacDougall, Dr. Kate MacInnes, Dr. Susie Egar, and the most compassionate and caring nurses in Oncology, Ambulatory Care, Emergency, Palliative Care and Active Care departments at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 31, 2023, in St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Port Hawkesbury, and from where the funeral mass will be held at 11a.m. with Father Duncan MacIsaac officiating. Following the mass, the burial will take place in St. Joseph Parish Cemetery, and a reception will follow in St. Joseph Parish Hall, Port Hawkesbury.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Darlene to the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital Ambulatory Care, Oncology and Active Care Departments or to the charity of your choice.

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

I’d like the memory of me

to be a happy one.

I’d like to leave an afterglow

of smiles when day is done

I’d like to leave an echo

whispering softly down the ways,

of happy times and laughing times

and bright and sunny days

I’d like the tears of those who grieve

to dry before the sun,

of happy memories that I leave

behind when day is done.