Gladys May Merrigan

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gladys May Merrigan (nee Carter) War Bride, 97 of Fairview, NS on June 16, 2026, at Rosecrest Meadows in Lr. Sackville. Born July 17, 1928, in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, England she was the daughter of the late Agnes and Thomas Carter. Gladys was working at the Rex Cinema in Haslemere, Surrey during WW2 when the engine of a plane fell into the auditorium. She met wounded Canadian soldier, Pte. Bill Merrigan, at a dance and married the next year. For love, she took a chance, arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax Dec. 18, 1946, on the Samaria, along with other war brides and their children. From surviving the bombing of England, carrying her gas mask to school and living on rationed food to bravely moving to a young cold country with all her belongings in a small trunk, she left family and friends and faced the unknown with strength, humour, stubbornness and grace. Gladys loved to feed family and friends, and her home was always welcoming. She made many friends working at the Dominion Store on Spring Garden Rd. and through membership in the Nova Scotia War Brides Association. In retirement, she especially enjoyed her grandchildren. Gladys was predeceased by her husband William “Bill” Merrigan in 2009, sisters Mary Watts and Edna O’Brien, mother-in-law Jennie Merrigan, sister-in-law Jean Barrie and son-in-law Gilbert Vienneau. She is survived by her children: Hazel Vienneau (Halifax), David (Paula) Merrigan (Beaver Bank), William “Bill” (Elizabeth) Merrigan (Lr. Sackville), Jane (Ron) Giles (Bedford), sister: Hazel Cartwright (England), grandchildren: Brent (Lynn) Roeding, Kenneth Merrigan, Stephen Merrigan, Crystal Sheen, Marcus Merrigan, Adam (Avery) Giles, Lauren Giles and many great and great-great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place and visitation will be held at a later date at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax. Interment to be at NS Veterans’ Columbarium, Fairview Lawn Cemetery.

Special thanks to the staff of Melville Gardens for 4 ½ years of care and to her wonderful companions from Comforting Companions Care Providers.

Donations can be made to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 or charity of choice.