Claudette Ann Arthur

Claudette was born on January 21, 1939 in O’Leary, PEI, to the late Lila (MacDonald) and Claude MacNeill.

Claudette is survived by her husband, Robert Brown, and her loving daughter, Heather Arthur. She was predeceased by her first husband, Thomas Arthur, and by her sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Noel Palmer.

Claudette attended Prince of Wales College, where she received her RN. Upon graduation she joined O’Leary Hospital, where the cruel (Claudette’s feeling) head nurse put the beach-loving Claudette on night duty for the whole summer. That ended that phase of her career.

With support from PEI Health, Claudette and her sister headed for Dalhousie University where they each graduated with a BSc in Public Health Nursing. Back in PEI, Claudette was assigned to Summer Side, with responsibility for public health services for the surrounding rural area.

Summer Side was a new beginning. Claudette had her own office and her own car. She had nowhere to live, but that was not a problem. She met a group of young nurses that had a house, and welcomed Claudette to stay with them. They did not have an extra bed, but no problem there either – there was always at least one nurse working night duty, which made a bed available when needed. On the cultural side, the house had an ideal location – midway between the dance hall in Kensington and the RCAF base in St. Eleanors. Young airmen from all over Canada and beyond gathered at the dance hall seeking new friends and companionship. The nurses were pleased to contribute.

Claudette had little supervision in her new job, so where she felt change was in order she made it. Parents from the communities had to bring their children to Summer Side for immunization. Claudette felt this was not the best idea and arranged with the school for her to do the immunizations there. Claudette headed out to the school, unsure if any parents would show up. Cars were lined up on both sides of the road. Claudette was shocked but not panicked. A teacher volunteered to hold each child while Claudette updated the immunization card and did the inoculation. You can imagine the state of the heroic teacher’s dress after holding dozens of terrified six-year-olds for an injection…

One of the airmen, a new immigrant from Scotland, didn’t dance. Neither did Claudette. The mutual deficiency led to a long term relationship. “Scottie” Arthur, Claudette and baby Heather headed to Montreal where Scottie entered McGill. They were not a typical student couple. Scottie was accepted as Navigator on the transatlantic route for CP Air. He felt the extended down time between transatlantic flights would be sufficient for him to take medicine at McGill. When he was away he would have Claudette, who was working with the neonatal unit of the Royal Vic, to attend his classes. Occasionally a professor would meet her on campus and smile at her quizzically while trying to figure out who she was.

They exploited the international airline connection to vacation with Heather all over the world – Scotland, Italy, Spain, Australia, Japan, South Pacific among others.

After Montreal Claudette returned to the Maritimes and worked at the Victoria General Hospital while taking a Bachelor of Nursing and an MBA at Dalhousie University.

Claudette worked for two years as patient liaison for PEI out-of-province patients, then spent the remainder of her career working as clinical trial coordinator for Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation. She worked with several world class Halifax Infirmary research specialists on their clinical trials of products that sometimes changed the standard treatment. She was particularly proud of her role with a US National Institute of Health aneurism study where she was listed as Investigator as well as coordinator.

The family commends our amazing Nova Scotia health care system. It’s more than the dedicated specialists and nursing care people. The physios, food services, discharge planning and extended care specialists all have a highly professional, yet personal dedication to the needs of their patient and her family. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for their exceptional care, kindness, and support.

A reception in celebration of Claudette’s life will be held at the JA Snow Funeral Home on Friday September 5, 2025, 2 to 4 PM.

If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation, or the charity of your choice.