Georgina Bridget Sutherland

The most important thing in the world to Jo was her family. In anticipation of the Christmas season, she would always make things special, from decorating the house top to bottom, to cooking up every manner of cookies and squares to make sure everyone had their favorite type. Christmas tree themes were changed every year, and there was always a new puzzle to work on, or a new game to play. Jo and Don so enjoyed spending time with their son Alan and and his wife Judi, and their cherished granddaughters, Catie and Sarah when they came to visit. It was an opportunity for all of the family to be together from both near and far. Jo loved it when her niece Sherri would visit from out west, when Evelyn would come and stay with them, or her brother Aubrey, his wife Millicent and their children would come for a visit. She enjoyed visiting with Ellen and Steve when they were in town, and the door was always open to friends and family.

Jo was a generous and compassionate friend to many, and gave freely of her time to help others. She volunteered with many organizations, such as the IWK auxiliary for over 50 years, and was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s church, assisting in many fundraising activities. Jo loved to bake and entertain, and could host a party for five or fifty people on a moment’s notice

( with china teacups and appropriate cutlery no less - plastic was not in her vocabulary!)

She loved to laugh and always found humour in many situations, and was constantly learning new things, be it rug hooking, watercolours, or new crafts. Jo had a thirst for knowledge and was an avid reader, who would have a pile of books on hand as she read them so fast.

Jo was a long time member of the Halifax Curling Club, and among her many accolades, she represented Nova Scotia in the Scotties Canadian Curling Championship and the Women’s Masters Curling Championship. At one point, Jo also travelled with her team to Ottawa to participate in the Crystal Heart Bonspiel which supported the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Additionally, Jo was an avid knitter, and many were gifted with presents of scarves, sweaters and hats over the years. She and a group of friends made baby blankets, booties and hats for premature babies at the IWK, which she could easily make within a week or less. Jo would make socks for all of her family, and then make more socks, mittens and hats to donate to others in need to keep them warm.

Jo was always impeccably dressed and would walk out the door looking amazing, even in her most casual clothes. She always had lipstick on, nails polished in a variety of colours and would wear a great pair of earrings as she went out the door. Jo could dress up any ensemble with one of her many scarves, brooches or necklaces to give her outfit just the right touch.

Card games were Jo’s passion. When it came to bridge, she just loved the game. Jo and her husband Don played frequently with their bridge club or with friends, and she would continue to play bridge well into her mid 90’s. She also loved playing cribbage, enjoying the many friendships that she made through playing this card game. Jo had a special talent as she was able to make any plant grow, even when they looked like there was no hope for them. Jo would nurture them along and they flourished under her care. Her Christmas cactuses were a thing of beauty, and she had more than one that was over 50 years old!

Jo was predeceased by her beloved husband, Don, son Carl, sister Doris (Louis), and brother Aubrey (Millicent). She is survived by her loving son Alan (Judi), cherished granddaughters, Catie and Sarah (Quinten), and her great -grandson Sebastian, whom she adored. She is survived by her brother, Larry. Jo will fondly be remembered by her niece Evelyn, whose kindness and care was so very much appreciated, and by her many nieces and nephews and their extended families throughout Nova Scotia and Canada.

Jo will be greatly missed by members of St. Peter’s Anglican Church, her life long friends especially Barbara Churchill, and her many friends at Parkland Clayton Park.

Cremation has taken place and there will be a private service and internment.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia.