Heather Dron Barrett

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Heather passed peacefully on February 17, 2023 with her daughter, Jo-Ann Haley, at her side. Heather was born in Bedford on June 22nd, 1935, the youngest daughter of the late Edward and Rita May (Collicutt) Thompson. Heather is predeceased by her parents, sisters, Lucille (Burton) Crowe, Windsor, ON; Ruth (Bennet) Colp, Halifax; Eleanor (Cecil) Lowe, Ottawa, ON; Jean (Burton) Frellick, Bridgewater; Audrey (Ken) Burn, Ottawa, ON. She is survived by her brother, Rev. Edward P. Thompson, Halifax, and many nieces and nephews.

Heather will be forever loved and missed by her husband and best friend of 66+ years, Keith. Her two sons, Michael “Mike” (Lorraine), Stillwater Lake, and Andrew, Victoria, B.C.; her daughter Jo-Ann Haley (Richard - Deceased), Bedford; and her three grandsons, Douglas and Jonathan, Stillwater Lake, and Matthew (Fay) Haley, Dartmouth. After their marriage in 1956, Heather and Keith spent the next 6 years moving around the province due to various postings with Nova Scotia Power - Brenton Cove on the Cabot Trail, Bear River, Weymouth, and Head of St. Margaret’s Bay. In 1962, they decided it was time to own a home, which they built in Wedgewood Park, Halifax; where they lived until 1982, at which time they moved to Bedford where they lived until her passing.

As a child, Heather was an avid reader and in her teenage years, she enjoyed playing tennis at the Bedford Tennis Club (now the Bedford Yacht Club), where she and her partner won as doubles champs. Heather graduated from the Halifax Vocational School in 1953 and worked at Dalhousie University and then for a Customs & Excise Broker from her graduation until their marriage in 1956. While living in Wedgewood Park, Heather volunteered with Brownies and taught Sunday school. After many years of devoting her time to family, she returned to school and then to work from 1976 until 1980.

Heather’s outside interests included the Bedford Garden Club and a Dinner Club, both of which included a good conversation with friends. Always up for fun, she enjoyed aluminum boat rides to the China Town restaurant for egg rolls with Keith. Keith would like all to know that Heather was his greatest supporter during the last 66+ years. Enabling him to further his education, and take part in many organizations; all with her strength, support and with the sacrifices she made to allow this to occur. The best of travelling companions. They also enjoyed many trips to Business meetings in Canada and vacations in Canada, US, Mexico and abroad.

Heather was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. We were all extremely fortunate to have her looking after us and at times worrying about us. Heather also wanted the best for each of us; she would move heaven and earth to make everyone around her feel comfortable. Heather also loved the finer things in life, including a nice car, in 1980, with her cash in hand; she went to purchase a Mustang. The sales person suggested to her that she return with her husband to assist with the purchase. In response, she simply left and went across the street and purchased a 1980 Camaro. Her next purchase was a Jaguar in 1996, which she then traded the following year for a 1996 Mercedes 220, which is still in the garage to this day, corded phone and all.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr. Halifax, where a visitation will take place on Monday February 27th from 5 -8 PM.

Celebration of life service will take place at Bedford United Church on Tuesday February 28 at 2 pm, it will be followed by a reception in the church hall. A burial service for family will take place in the spring. We respectfully request family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army, Hospice Halifax, or to a charity of your choice.

On line condolences can be made by visiting www.jasnowfuneralhome.com