Michelle Rae Burton

Michelle Rae Burton passed away on November 29th after a battle with cancer. She lived a full, adventurous and love-filled life – with many moves - as detailed below in her own words. These words have been written, revised, and expanded by Michelle many times over the past thirty years.

“I was born in Windsor, Nova Scotia to Raymond and Joan (Webb) Burton, as one of six siblings, Denise, Janine, Christine, Marianne (my twin) and Peter. We moved to Newbury Street in the north end of Halifax, which my dad and grandfather built. We spent all our summers at our cottage on Piggott Lake. When I was 18, we left Halifax for Moncton. Not big enough for me so I went back to Halifax with Marianne. No more Acadian Lines bus trips- hip hip hooray!!! And that’s when the real fun started…I am now on my own (mostly)!

• First, I lived on Lawrence Street (with Marianne) in a basement apartment - Gotta go, too many spiders.

• Cork Street - Had a great time here in our bachelor apartment. Our neighbors loved us.

• Windsor Street –We moved in with five girls - what a headache... couldn't live with people who worked full time... they were too cranky.

• Barrington Street - Staying with my Mom's friend but I felt like a foster child... had to go. (Marianne and I go solo)

• Merkel Street – Too small so I went to live with Marianne again.

• Kencrest Avenue - Got evicted! Marianne leaves me... weep weep. Life starts to take a turn for the worst... spent a night in jail after losing Marianne's car. All hell breaks loose!

• North Street - Met a guy. Got robbed and back to the north end we go.

• Rosemeade Avenue - Basement apartment. Had a great time here. Didn't know if I lived upstairs or downstairs half the time.

• St. Paul's Street - Basement apartment – with the guy from North Street. Big mistake! Got rid of him.

• John Parr Drive (aka 123 Sesame Street). Was here for a good time, not a long time.

• Memorial Drive - Bigger bugs than Lawrence Street. Gotta go again!

• Met another guy. Hello Toronto! Atmosphere too big... going back to the north end again. Left the guy behind.

• Plateau Crescent - God love Marianne – we’re roommates again! Yay!

• Newbury Street - Marianne and her hubby’s first house. Finally got a room... I think I'm set!

• Kencrest Avenue (2 doors down from Marianne). Met a guy - he comes with me.

• Livingstone Place - I'm a bride for 1 ½ years but can't stand it... I'm going solo again.

• Newbury Street - Back with Marianne again.

• Kencrest Avenue - No parking and a rodent on the premises... off I go.

• Newbury Street - Vowing this will be the last time!

• Lady Hammond Road - I love it here... rent expensive but I can spy on Jenny's Place. Met a couple of good-looking firemen here but firehose not big enough so I'm moving on further north.

• Rector Street - Had a blast - house sold.

• Cresthaven Drive – Back with Marianne. Happy to have my own room!

• Rector Street – Wasn’t ready to move but the apartment is new. Bugs are bigger than ever. Lasted five months.

• Rector Street – Started dating the guy upstairs. Roommate left so I moved on up. Owners decide they want back in.

• Rector Street – Moved down the street in a snowstorm. What have we done! Place way too small. Gotta get outta here.

• Massachusetts Avenue – Finally can afford movers! I’ve landed. Anyone can come and stay, go, visit…I’m not leaving.

• Miss my twin… going back to Cresthaven again.

• Met a new guy and decide to try country living in Stewiacke. Love the cheap smokes.

• Miss the city and Eastlink bingo. Back to Cresthaven I go. Broke my leg and couch surf for the summer.

• Head for Robie Street. Friends love my bingo hall here. Especially the canteen. It’s where everybody knows your name. Life is good.

• Was offered cheaper rent so back to Massachusetts I go.

• Life hits me like a ton of bricks! Spend the last 15 months between Massachusetts, Cresthaven and medical appointments with lots of support from family and friends.

What a beautiful ride life was… made even better because my twin sister was beside me all the way.”

Among other jobs, Michelle worked at the IWK and was a union member at the International Longshoremen’s Association Local 269. She made many long-lasting friendships along the way. She loved girls’ weekends at the cottage, playing the lottery, socializing with her friends, and dancing/playing her tambourine at every opportunity. She brought life to the party!

Michelle loved in big ways. She handed out popsicles to construction workers in the summer heat and dressed as Santa to visit nursing homes at Christmas - all because she loved to brighten everyone’s day. Kindness wasn’t something she did; it was who she was. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank Father Nathanael DesRoches, her oncology doctors, Dr. Ha and Dr. Drucker, as well as the incredible staff at 5 West Dartmouth General Hospital for their care and compassion during Michelle’s stay. We would also like to thank Michelle’s sister, Denise and her niece Abbey for helping Michelle navigate her way on her journey. And of course, we need to thank her twin sister, Marianne, for supporting her in every way and being her voice.

She fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.

Visitation will be at JA Snows Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive 2 – 4, 6:30 – 9 December 11th, 2025. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Stephen Church, 6032 Normandy Drive, Halifax, B3K 4S6 on December 12, at 11AM. Reception to follow in the church hall. Link to livestream at https://www.youtube.com/live/twHhIdSX4KY.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Souls Harbour Rescue Mission.