Marie Lorraine Jamison

JAMISON, Marie Lorraine - 92 of Halifax, passed away peacefully at Parkstone nursing home on December 31, 2011. Born in Halifax on May 14, 1919 she was the daughter of the late James Edward Gilfoy and Irene Gilfoy (Ahern) and the niece of John Edward Ahern, mayor of Halifax from 1946-1949. Marie was feisty, independent, self-reliant and resourceful. Upon the death of her husband at the young age of thirty-nine, she faced the daunting task of becoming the sole breadwinner and began utilizing her piano skills to support herself and her daughter. Marie’s piano was her “pride and joy” and her life revolved largely around her piano teaching and performing. She brought the joy of music to countless students, both children and adults alike and finished her teaching career in her eighties at the Adult Services Centre. She thrived in her role as an entertainer, performing for many organizations, including St. Vincent’s Guest House, Ward 5 Community Centre, Halifax. Regional Homeowner’s Assoc., The Wish Foundation, Camp Hill Hospital, the Salvation Army, various seniors’ residences including her past home Joseph Howe Manor and most recently for her fellow residents at Parkstone. She was proud to tell you that she had at one time performed for a former city mayor. With boundless energy she was a daily rover into her eighties, traveling by bus throughout the metro area as far as the bus lines would take her and becoming a familiar face about town as she visited public libraries, flea markets and her favorite drop-in spots; Dairy Queen, Tim Horton’s and Burger King. She loved to knit and crochet, often donating her handiwork. She also loved cats, reading and playing cards and Rummoli and enjoyed her many bus trips to the U.S.A. She was a loving mother and her granddaughter, Tiffany, was the apple of her eye. Marie is survived by her daughter, Nancy Marie Jamison of Halifax; her granddaughter, Tiffany Marie Jamison-Horne; her sister, Aileen Grummett (Gilfoy); sister-in-law, Margaret Gilfoy; nieces Jo-Ann, Jayne and Pat and nephew Dan, all residing in Toronto. She was predeceased by her husband, Conrad Quentin Jamison, (Ken); her brother, James Gilfoy and her brother-in-law, Raymond Grummett. Special thanks to many of the staff on Mount Lane unit of Parkstone nursing home for their patience in providing a compassionate, accepting and caring home environment for Marie. Also special thanks to the staff and clients of Atlantic Bag Co. for extending love, caring and kindness towards Mom like a second family during her teaching time there. Also eternal gratitude is extended to Isabelle for filling the major supportive role in helping Nancy deliver loving family care to Marie for the past six years. Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 13 at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax (902) 455-0531. Funeral service will be held at St. Catherine’s Church, 6476 Bayers Road, Halifax. at 12 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, Rev. Lloyd O’Neill officiating. Burial will take place in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society. On-line condolences may be made by visiting www.jasnowfuneralhome.com.