Mary B. Arneaud

Mary Arneaud (Flynn) 90 of Halifax passed away August 31,2014 . Mary born in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales on February 13th, 1924. Like many women of her generation, she became a nurse in London, England and then at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading at the end of the war. She met her husband John (Jack) in England where he was studying to become a doctor. In 1949 they married and travelled to Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies to begin their life together. In 1969 part of the family immigrated to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Mary always had a strong desire to help others. She dedicated her life outside of her family to volunteerism in the community. She first began as a volunteer at the Museum of Natural History and taught children for 25 years. Later, she delivered meals for Meals on Wheels and stayed with them for over 35years, retiring at the age of 89 years young. Mary volunteered at Northwood Seniors Residence bringing their residents to church. In 1977 Mary joined Women for Music; she was nominated for the Flare Magazine Volunteer award in 2006. Mary also spent time volunteering with CNIB and recently joined the Welsh Society of Halifax. As a devout Catholic, Mary took great pride and enjoyment in involvement with her church. Overall, her contribution to the community and church was felt by many and her family is very proud of her legacy.

Mary loved the arts but especially theatre, ballet and music. She attended Neptune Theatre in Halifax loyally and the opera in various cities. Mary and Jack were long time attendees at the Symphony Nova Scotia and many of their close friendships were formed from the people they met there. She was happiest spending as much time as she could at the family cottage in Paddy's Head. Mary and Jack worked hard building the cottage and it has become the family's favourite retreat. The annual lobster supper was a tradition enjoyed by family, friends and anyone visiting. Mary's last days were spent at the Halifax Infirmary and the family is thankful for the care and compassion shown by her family physician Dr. David Tilley and all the staff on floor 8.4: Bless you all.

Mary is survived by: Elizabeth (Dereck Foster, deceased), United Kingdom; John (Petula), Australia; Peter, Halifax; Helen (Terry Crocker), Halifax; and Theresa (Rob Candy), Toronto. Her grandchildren, Timothy, Nicholas, Christopher and Simon, Australia; Andrew and Gareth, UK; Rachel, Calgary; Sarah, Halifax; and her great-grandchildren, Ananke, Alexander, Australia; Dylan, Halifax; George and Megan, UK; all were a continued source of joy and pride for both Mary and Jack. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. John (Jack) Arneaud.

Visitation will be held at Cruikshank's Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor St, Halifax on Sunday, September 7 from 2pm until 4pm.

The mass celebrating Mary’s life will be held at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 6032 Normandy Drive, Halifax on Monday 8th September, at 10 am. Burial will be in Trinidad at a later date. Family flowers only please. To send or view an online condolence please visit:

www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com. Donations to Women for Music http://womenformusic.com