Bertha Beatrice Finley

FINLEY, BERTHA BEATRICE (Babs) 92, of Halifax, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2016. Born on May 5, 1923 in New Carlisle, QC, she was a daughter of the late Dr. Hamlin and Mrs. Helen Watkins. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Prior to settling in Halifax, NS, Babs lived in Cheticamp, NS, the Madeline Islands, QC, spent her teen years in Somerville, MA, where she graduated from Somerville High School, and finally Charlottetown, PE. She started her career at Maritime Electric in Charlottetown, PE and it was there that she met Lorne, her husband of almost 69 years. Once she had her children, she became a full time homemaker. Babs was always willing to help others when needed and devoted her time to volunteering at the church, her children’s schools and the Red Cross.

Babs was a Life Member of the United Church Women (UCW), an active member at Bethany United Church for almost 60 years, holding offices on the UCW Executive; several times Leader and Treasurer of the Rackham UCW Unit; long time Treasurer of the Flower Fund; was on the Board of Managers; for decades was the Co-Chair of the UCW Social Committee responsible for the church kitchen, fund raisers, Tea and Sales, Men’s Club Suppers, Bridge Card Socials, Mother and Daughter Banquets; started Church catered Funeral receptions; Financial Chair of the UCW; Treasurer of the UCW; and member of the Couples Club.

Babs is survived by her husband, Alexander Lorne Finley, Halifax; daughters, Priscilla Crowther (Gary), Hammonds Plains; and Karen Finley (Ged Downey), Halifax; grandchildren, Leanne Marchant (Tyler), Okotoks, AB and Nicholas Crowther, Barrhead, AB; great grandchildren, Emily and William Marchant, and Shelby Crowther; brother-in-law, Roy Tallentire, Middleton-in-Teasdale, England; 3 nephews and their families, England; 2 nephews and a niece and their families in Charlottetown, PE. She is pre-deceased by a brother, Madeleine Islands, QC; her sister and brother-in-law, Priscilla (Pat) and Howard Walker, Stratford, PE; sister-in-law, Pearl Tallentire, Middleton-in-Teasdale, England.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 22, 2016 from 7pm – 9 pm in the MacKinnon Chapel at Bethany United Church. Funeral Service to be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 2 pm at Bethany United Church, 7171 Clinton Avenue, Halifax, NS B3L 3Y9; 902-455-0521; [email protected]. Interment at Peter’s Road Cemetery, Kings County, PE at a later date.

Donations can be made in Babs’ name to Bethany United Church; The Flower Fund at Bethany United Church; or a charity of your choice.