Geraldine Catherine Turner

Turner (Earle), Geraldine Catherine, 97 years, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, May 8, 2013, in Parkstone Enhanced Care, Seton Way. The last surviving member of her family, Gerry was born in Halifax March 19, 1916, and was one of seven daughters and sons born to James and Mary (Ward) Earle. Brought up on Elm Street, Gerry attended Oxford School and St. Patrick’s Girls’ School.

She met and married the love of her life, Bruce, during the war years, on September 21, 1942. They happily celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past year. They moved from Elm Street after the war, to Armcrescent East where they raised four children. Gerry worked as a legal secretary for Kannigsberg Law Firm before staying home to raise her children. After the children had grown, she worked for Beth Israel Synagogue. In later years, Gerry and Bruce could be seen at the “Christmas at the Forum” where Gerry sold her smocked dresses and Bruce his wood carvings. Gerry was always proud to have lived her entire life in Nova Scotia and more so to be a Haligonian. She kept everyone amused when asked, “How are you?” She would always reply, “Not bad for an old girl.”

Gerry is survived by her husband, Bruce, daughter Jan Cochrane (Phillip), sons Michael, Eric (Marie) and Greg (Lynn); grandchildren, Ericka, Sean, Erin, Adrianne and Christopher; great-grandchildren: Ben, Nik, Julia, and Liam, as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Gerry was predeceased by brothers, James and William (Bill); sisters, Marian Venner, Vera Power, Mary Craig, and Marie Tobin.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be Sunday, May 12, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., in Cruickshank’s Halifax Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street in Halifax. The funeral will be held, in the Chapel, at Cruickshank’s Halifax Funeral Home, on Monday, May 13, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. Father Lloyd O’Neill officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery immediately following the ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia in Halifax. Special thanks to the caregivers who kept Mom and Dad in their home for as long as was possible, Bernadette Shea, Donna Pye, Mary Corbin, and the staff of Seton Way for their kindness and compassion in Mom’s final year.

To view or to send messages of condolence to the family, please visit: www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com