Linden Jane Phelan

It is with deep sadness that the family of Linden (Linda) Jane Phelan announce her passing on November 6, 2016 at the QEII Health Sciences Center, Halifax Infirmary Site at the age of 94. Born on January 21, 1922 in Mapleton, Hants Country, she was the third of 12 children of the late Bertha (Whitehead) and Milton Haines.

In 1949, she married James Phelan, and together, they raised four children, Margaret, Mary, Maureen and Nicholas on Walnut Street in Halifax. Linden was a giving soul who took pleasure in the simple things in life, especially telling stories over a good cup of tea. She was always smiling and had a wonderful sense of humour.

Linden was a long-time member of the Children of Mary at St. Mary’s Basilica and the Catholic Women’s League at St. Thomas Aquinas. In her later years, Linden’s interests grew with her membership in various senior’s clubs, including the Northern Lights, Chebucto Links and Spencer House Seniors Centre. Following the loss of her husband in 1988, she became an active member of Spencer House, which quickly became a wonderful source of friendships and good times. It was there that she learned to line dance, tole paint and even walk the runway as a senior’s fashion model. Linden also loved to play Bingo.

Linden was a lady of many talents, but felt most at home while in the kitchen. She loved to cook. With a growing family, she took great care and delight in making homemade preserves and pickles with fresh produce from her brother-in-law Robbie’s farm in the valley. She also loved to make sandwich trays for the church and various other seniors’ organizations. She took great delight in making and decorating cakes for every occasion, especially character birthday cakes for her grandchildren. Many would remember her infamous Easter lamb cakes!

Another passion of Linden’s was gardening. She took pride in her red rose gardens and enjoyed snipping a bloom or two for anyone who would ask. Linden was also a bird and animal lover who had many pets over the years. Her most special pet was a small white cat named Tiny who was well-known at the Halifax campus of the Université Sainte-Anne.

Linden had an adventurous spirit and was always up for anything. She loved her bus trips, and was able to explore many parts of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick with her friends from Spencer House and other seniors’ groups. Her most favorite times were spent with her dear friend, Gracie, especially on summer vacations at Milford House.

Due to deteriorating health, her last adventure took her to Northwood on the Harbour Long Term Care facility, where she affectionately became known as ‘the Queen.’ Northwood staff treated her royally! She made many friends during her time at Northwood, and especially loved Northwood’s dog visit days.

Linden will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her children Mary (Terry Connors), Prospect; Nick (Giselle Lombard), Halifax; and Maureen (Dana Caslake), New Maryland, NB; as well as her seven grandchildren, Kelly (Scott Jackson), Melanie (David Blades) and Sean (Krystal Harrie) Connors; Kevin, Lisa and Andrew Phelan; Allan (Dawn Butler) Davis; and five great-grandchildren: Kyle Davis, Charlie and Rosalie Jackson, Samuel Blades and Harvey Phelan. She is survived by her siblings Marian (Robert Johnson); Ruby (James Woods); Gloria Haines, Ira (Pam) Haines; and Lawrence Haines.

In addition to her parents, Linden was predeceased by her husband, James William, eldest daughter Margaret Davis, brothers Calvin, Raymond, John, Reid and Garnet, and sisters Blanche and Jennifer, and infant grandson James Robert Davis.

Arrangements have been entrusted to J. A. Snow Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 9 at J A Snow from 2-4 p.m., and 7-9 p.m, 339 Lacewood Dr. Halifax. Funeral mass to take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 10 at St. Mary’s Basilica, Halifax. Father John Williams officiating.

Many thanks to all the staff on 4.1 Halifax Infirmary for their kindness, professional care and compassion in Mom’s final days. A very special thank you to the staff of Northwood, One Center for their loving care and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mom’s memory to Spencer House Seniors Center, Morris Street, Halifax; The Arthritis Society or a charity of your choice.