ERSKINE (Larkin), Brenda Mary Therese

The family of Brenda Mary Therese Erskine (Larkin) is deeply saddened to announce that she passed away on November 27, 2019 at the age of 84, but grateful that she did so peacefully and surrounded by love. Brenda was predeceased by her loving husband, Hugh; and her brothers-in-law, Willard Erskine, Raymond Atwood, Keith Fancy and sister-inlaw, Dorothy Fancy. She is survived by her children, Sean and Tara (Brent Culligan); grandchildren, Katherine, Anya, Maeve and Declan; sisters, Patricia Larkin, Ireland; and Sheena Larkin LaBrie, Bedford; brothers, Greg Larkin (Deirdre), Ireland; and Maurice Larkin, Halifax; sistersin-law, Phyllis Atwood, Jean Erskine, Colleen Larkin; and many nieces and nephews. Born in Port Rush, in County Derry, Northern Ireland, Brenda grew up in Magherafelt and Belfast. She followed her brother Maurice to Canada in 1966 and planned to stay for a year but stayed for over 50 years. A registered nurse who loved working in the O.R., Brenda did her training at Mid-Ulster Hospital in Magherafelt and worked at various hospitals including the South Tyrone Hospital in Omagh; the City Hospital in Belfast; Charing Cross Hospital in London, England; and later the original Halifax Infirmary and Musqudoboit Valley Memorial Hospital. Ever kind and patient, Brenda will be remembered for her warm smile, generous nature and interest in others. A passionate community volunteer, Brenda dedicated her time and talents over the years to many organizations, including the Women’s Institute; the Pony Club; as a founder of the Fellowship Club for seniors in Upper Musquodoboit (long before she was a senior); the building of the largest wooden playground in Nova Scotia; the establishment of the funeral co-operative Arimathea; various political campaigns, and many roles with Holy Cross Church. An accomplished pie maker, it was Brenda’s idea to sell pies at the Halifax County Exhibition to raise the funds to build Holy Cross, which became known as "the church that pies built." An amateur dramatist, Brenda will be remembered for her leading roles in Arsenic & Old Lace by the Musquodoboit Valley Players and more recently in the Wizard of Oz by the Parkland Players, where she was the Wicked Witch of the West, acting alongside her Corgi, Shane, who played Toto. Six years ago Brenda moved from Upper Musquodoboit into Halifax to be closer to her family. She loved her time in Parkland at the Gardens where she was an active member of the singing, poetry, and drama groups and a founding member of the cribbage club. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 2nd at 11 a.m. in Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, 11645 Hwy. 224, Middle Musquodoboit, Father Michael Walsh officiating. A reception will follow in the church. Burial in Hillcrest Cemetery, Upper Musquodoboit. Arrangements under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Co-operative. An Irish Wake and Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 2nd from 5-8 p.m. in the Royal Artillery Park Officers’ Mess, 1575 Queen St., Halifax. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a local charity of your choice.