Rita "Ann" (Doyle) Briand

Ann, 87 of Halifax, joined her partner in love and life, Daniel Louis Briand (Danny) on Tuesday December 13th, 2022. Born in Inverness, N.S. on October 28, 1935, to Victor Joseph Doyle and Margaret Ann (née Currie), Mom was the third of eight children raised in Whitney Pier, Sydney, Cape Breton.

The depth of Mom’s soul was filled with kindness, generosity, and the spirit of togetherness. She taught us wisdom through actions: never a mean word, always a smile, a gentle touch, and a ready laugh told it all. Patience was bountiful. Energy abundant.

Mom’s focus was family and friends. It was through her special gift to entertain and welcome all, that we all felt her essence. As a family, it started with the importance of our family dinners. Her love expanded hosting annual family gatherings at Christmas, preparing the infamous bridge games, sharing cups of tea over chats with friends, and who could ever forget, our special cottage life at Mira and Little Mushamush. Mom also had an eye for detail and design. Always a lady, elegantly dressed, classy in style that extended to creating a beautifully decorated, loving home.

Mom cared deeply about her faith and church. She gave generously her time and talents to the CWL at St. Pius X and Saint Benedict Parish. And then there was Sears. Her affection ran deep as both an employee and a fervent patron. Sears proved to be the Olympian stadium. Keeping up to Mom’s pace and her capacity to site a bargain for family and friends was gold.

We, her children, Lynn Briand, Québec City; Deborah Hanusiak (Michael) of Halifax; Suzanne Stirling (Terry) of Waterloo; and Joseph Briand (Eva) of Halifax are each so proud to call her ‘mom’. The grandchildren join in the chorus – Victoria Emanuelle, Hannah Forest-Briand; Laura Brett & Joshua Hanusiak; Jordan, Jeremy, Alex, and Daniel Stirling; Lily & Celia Briand. Together Dad and Mom left us a precious legacy - a united family.

Mom is survived by her sisters Monica Sullivan, Charlotte Tanguay and Rosalie Lionais (Dave) and sister-in-law, Mary; her brothers Anselm (Marie), Russell (Dianne), John (Sandra). Mom is predeceased by her brother Albert, brothers-in-law Albert Tanguay and Frank Sullivan, and sister-in-law, Joan Pledge. What was remarkable was that her brothers and sisters were not only siblings but also her friends. To that we add 29 nieces and nephews and many life-long cherished dear friends.

Please know that you can live well with Alzheimer’s disease. There is still joy in life. Every supportive action was invaluable from the inclusion in her bridge group, the loyal drives to and from, the visits, cards, outings, and celebrations all added richness to mom's days. A special acknowledgement to the staff at Evan and Drummond Hall for their compassion and skills. We are forever grateful.

On Friday January 6th at 10 am, a Christian Burial will be held at Saint Benedict Parish followed by a reception. The Parish is located at 45 Radcliffe Drive in Halifax. A family friend, Father Jim O’Connor will officiate the mass. Should you wish to donate in Mom’s memory, please consider the Alzheimer’s Association. https://alzheimer.ca/ns.