Helen "Jackie" Jacqueline Haley

aged 85, passed away on July 23, 2025, with her daughter and son-in-law holding her hand.

Jackie was born in Halifax, N.S. on June 20, 1940, the youngest daughter of the late Jim and Helen Gates.

She worked for over 30 years at the Registry of Deeds and was proud of her career and the friendships she made there.

Jackie embraced every opportunity to be social. In her younger years, she ventured out with her sisters and friends to the St. Mary’s Boat Club. Once married, she danced the night away at the Mess, rarely missing a Saturday night. She camped each summer with her mom, daughter, and sisters. Later in life, it was Jackie who went out playing darts and left Harold at home—he never saw that coming. You could always count on her to say yes to a party, dinner, or even just a quick coffee. She loved going out with friends, especially Patsy and Christie in recent years, and always returned with stories to share.

Jackie was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Harold Haley. He left a void in her life that was never filled. They looked after each other all their lives, and now, she is back by his side.

Jackie is survived by her daughter Debbie and son-in-law Mike Hicks. She loved Debbie deeply as her only child and extended that love to Mike, whom she cherished like a son. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Amy and Matthew; her sister-in-law Rosemary Haley; and her nieces and nephews, some of whom she remained close to throughout her life. Rosemary was more than a sister-in-law—she was a dear and trusted friend. Jackie also held a special fondness for her cousin Dennis Gates.

Amy and Matt were the light of her life, and in her eyes, they could do no wrong. She was a huge presence in their lives: changing diapers, wrangling them as toddlers, cheering at hockey games, going on breakfast dates—and even riding rollercoasters at Disney that she later regretted—just to make memories with them. Nanny and GaGa never missed a chance to spoil the kids, often prompting Debbie to ask, “And where were these parents when I was growing up?”—but she wouldn’t have had it any other way. Even her little dog Toby was spoiled, enjoying daily snuggles and too many treats.

She was also predeceased by her sisters and their husbands, Mary and Joe Newell and Betty and Ron MacDonald; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marguerite and Harrison O’Brien; her brother-in- law Gordie Haley; as well as dear friends and nephews.

Jackie often said she regretted not travelling more—so take the trip and think of her fondly when you do. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jackie’s life at a gathering on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 7–9 pm at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. A funeral service will be held at St. John Vianney, 4 Beaver Bank Road, Lower Sackville, on Thursday, August 7 at 11:00 am, with a reception to follow. Burial will be for family only. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.