Marie Kilroy

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Anne Marie Kilroy of Dartmouth on July 1st, 2026, at the age of 96. She passed away peacefully at home with her two daughters by her side.

Born and raised in the Acadian French village of Salmon River, Yarmouth County, Marie was the daughter of the late J. Eddy and Alphree (Gaudet) Deveau.

Marie is survived by her loving children, Mary Jane, John (Jean), Tony (Krissie), Michelle (Darren), and Tom (Nicole). She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Teesha (Scott), Maggie (Jewel), Kayden, Cally, Sam, and Jacob, and by her great-grandchildren, Dhaylen, Brandon, Quincy, and her youngest great-granddaughter, Sadie Jane.

Marie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Harold Thomas Kilroy, her sister, Terese Bartlett, and daughter in law, Seana Kilroy.

Growing up, Marie and her sister spoke only Acadian French until Grade 9, when they enrolled at Mount Saint Vincent Boarding School, where Marie graduated with honours. She then entered the Halifax Infirmary School of Nursing and graduated as a Registered Nurse.

Following graduation, Marie worked in Montreal and later in Boston. She often fondly recalled how she could watch live baseball games from her apartment window rather than listening to them on the radio with her father.

After returning to Halifax, she worked at the Victoria General Hospital. Not long after her return, she met Harold. Following their first date, they enjoyed a brief six-month engagement before marrying and starting their family. Along the way, Marie welcomed not only her growing family but also her brother-in-law Jack and boarder Gerry O'Neil, who came as a package deal.

Marie too After taking time away from nursing to raise her five children, Marie returned to her profession at St. Vincent's Guest Home when her youngest child reached the age of five. She continued nursing until the age of 68, after which she happily embraced another full-time role of “Nanny” to her grandchildren. Marie also had a lifelong passion for painting and was well known for creating a Christmas mural on her front window each year.

When Harold was battling cancer, Mary Jane moved in with her parents to help care for him. During that time, she made a promise to her father that she would remain by her mother's side throughout her journey with dementia. Mary Jane lovingly fulfilled that promise, living with and caring for Marie for the past 12 years, ensuring she could remain in the comfort of her own home. The family is also grateful to Michelle for her invaluable support and

assistance over the years. Special thanks are extended to John, Teesha (Scott), and Tom for their love, support, and helping hands whenever needed.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Northwood for their care and compassion. Special thanks are extended to Stella, Carole Anne, and Debbie for the exceptional care they provided. The family would also like to thank Father Toochukwu for his prayers and support, as well as the paramedics and members of the Halifax Regional Police for their kindness and professionalism during a difficult time.

Family and friends are invited to join us for a service on July 9th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Mattatall Funeral Home, 217 Portland Street, Dartmouth, with a reception to follow.

Marie's kindness, strength, devotion to her family, and caring spirit will be remembered always by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers a donation to the Alzheimer's Society of NS or a charity of your choice.