Merna Wadden

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Merna (Westwood) Wadden in the Northside Community Guest Home on October 8th, 2025, at the age of 89. Born August 22, 1936, in Glace Bay, she was the daughter of Walter and Martha (Adams) Westwood.

Growing up in Glace Bay during the war shaped her personality. Experiencing the effects of rations and seeing her father eking out a living by taking on work as a neighborhood shoemaker, she had an ingrained sense of frugality. Despite this, she spoke fondly of her childhood years. In part to help support her parents, she left high school to take retail and lunch counter jobs in Glace Bay where she met her husband, Art Wadden (predeceased).

A quiet woman, her style was distinctive blond hair and solid colors, usually pink. She always kept a meticulously tidy home – a trait which seems to have laid dormant until reappearing in her great granddaughter. She was a stay-at-home intensely loving mother who enjoyed baking, skating, sewing, knitting and crocheting. Her beautiful afghans will be lovingly remembered.

One of her preferred activities was to take an evening family drive, often ending up at Fuzzies chip wagon in Sydney. During the 70s many summer family vacations would lead to the Boston area where the shopping in the nearby town of Saugus would be her most loved part. In 1973 the family took a 20,000 km road trip to California and back via Florida, all the while spending each night in a campground in a camper trailer that was towed the entire way. Always looking for a bargain, the sight of a K-Mart would bring joy to her heart.

Christmas was her favourite time, and the preparation was as important as the day itself. She would start buying gifts in August and enjoy decorating the house in every way that she could. Her grandchildren always remember “Nanny presents” where there would always be a generous pile for each child. Sometimes they would generate a laugh when the size of clothing was way too big, but her heart was always in it. Her generosity at Christmas extended to her food portions when cooking for her grandchildren, often making a pound of potatoes for each person, not to mention the turkey, many other vegetables, along with several home-made desserts. For her it was all about giving joy to the kids.

She lived in Glace Bay, Sydney and Halifax, always near one of her children. The last three years she spent at the Northside Community Guest home, where she was exceptionally well cared for. Her family extends well-deserved thanks to the staff there. These were happy years where she made many friends.

Merna is survived by her son Glenn (Ann) and daughter Brenda George (Bradley), her cherished grandchildren Sherri and Janna George, Linda Charbonneau (Matt and children Rebecca, Adeline and Levi), Paul Wadden (Hrefna and children Bella and Finnur) Jenny Bauer (Iain and children Wallace, Frances and Arthur) and Michael Wadden (Jayla Spooner). She is also survived by her nephews Walter and Kevin Westwood. She was predeceased by her only sibling Walter Westwood.

A graveside service will be held at 11am. Monday, November 3rd, at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Glace Bay. There will be no visitation. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting pattenfuneral.com.