Vera B. Stone

STONE, Vera Bernice - 95, of Halifax, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2018 at Drummond Hall, The Parklands Clayton Park. She was born in 1922 in St. John, New Brunswick to James William and Priscilla (Tucker) McCarthy. The family moved to Halifax when she was still very young and where she remained a lifelong resident. She attended Quinpool Rd School and Richmond Junior High in Halifax. She worked briefly in the engineering department of the former Maritime Tel and Tel Co. During that time she made a career change decision and attended the Nova Scotia Normal College in Truro graduating with her teaching degree in preparation for the career she was to love so much and excel at. She began and continued her career in various Halifax schools until securing a permanent teaching position at her former Richmond Junior High School and later LeMarchant Street School. In 1980, The Atlantic Institute of Education celebrated its’ tenth anniversary and Vera was awarded the Meritorious Service Certificate for her contribution to excellence in teaching in the Public Schools. Throughout her life she would be visited by former students as a show of gratitude for her dedication in their development and successes in life. Later in life she attained her Bachelor of Arts degree Cum Laude from St Mary’s University, graduating in 1969. After 35 years Vera retired from teaching but not from serving her community. Her lifelong passion with Girl Guides of Canada, began at the age of thirteen and she remained a Life Member until her death. For Vera there was no organization that could hold a candle to the Girl Guides. Her involvement with them was a source of great pride and pleasure. Vera received her 80 Year Membership Pin in 2015. She filled a multitude of roles including a most demanding Nova Scotia Provincial Commissioner position, 1981-1986. Vera actually retired from teaching prior to her planned date in order to be able to dedicate herself to the organization of which she was so proud. She later served as Archives Director from 2000 – 2012, revamping a tired system into one which could serve the organization for years to come. Ever up for a challenge, Vera’s was a founding member and Chair of the Trans Canada Trails Committee of the Nova Scotia Trails Federation from 1998-2001. A tribute to her in this role is located on the Dartmouth Waterfront Boardwalk near Alderney Landing for any and all to see. Such honours are usually given posthumously. Her role in this endeavor contributed to a legacy she and many others have left us as the Nova Scotia contribution to the 24,000 Km of the Longest Recreational Trail in the world. Vera met the man who was to become the love of her life and later married Charles Stone in 1954. Together they made their home on Walnut Street where Vera remained after Charles’ passing in 1992 until she moved into The Berkley and later Drummond Hall, The Parklands where she remained to the end. Like all members of her family, Vera had a lifetime love of her summer property at Taylor’s Head on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. Here, she and “Charlie” built their own summer home where they spent many happy years along with her brothers, sisters and nieces and nephews and their families. Vera was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was predeceased by her husband Charles, sisters Jessie (Russ) James; Jean (San) Scott, brothers Raymond (Florence) McCarthy and Gerald (Pat) McCarthy, nieces, Elizabeth Jean (James) Sawler and Nancy McCarthy. She is survived by nieces, Sandra ( Don ) Mc Bain, Halifax and Anne (McCarthy) Clarke, Ottawa, nephews Jim (Donna, deceased) McCarthy, Gerald James, David (Lois) James and Michael McCarthy all of Dartmouth, Barton (Betty) Stone, St. Augustine , Florida, and Darrell (Julie) Stone, Maple Ridge, B.C. and numerous grand-nieces and nephews in Canada, United States and New Zealand. A visitation will be held from 6-9 PM on Wednesday, May 23, in Cruikshank’s Funeral Home 2666 Windsor Street, with a Celebration of Life on Thursday, May 24, at 1pm in Cruikshank’s Funeral Home. Burial in St. John’s Cemetery at a later date. Family flowers only. Donations in Vera’s memory will be welcomed by The Friends of St James United Church, Spry Bay or The Girl Guides of Canada. We would like to thank Dr. Angela Morash and the staff at Drummond Hall, The Parklands for the attentive care of Vera during her time with them as well as family and friends for their support during her final days. Hers has been a life well lived and she has left a legacy for so many. She was a lady of great integrity and held strong to her principles to the end. She was a contributor and will be missed. Online condolences may be viewed or sent to: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com