Murphy, Helen “Bernice” - Murphy, Helen “Bernice” of Lantz, Nova Scotia, passed away November 23, 2024 after a fifteen-year courageous fight with cancer at the age of 88. She was born in Harewood, New Brunswick and spent her younger years in that area. She later moved to Moncton to look after children while their parents worked. In her late teens she moved to Toronto where she spent a few years working at Loblaw’s Groceteria. After returning to New Brunswick, she worked doing house cleaning and later became manager of Atlantic Salvage where she looked after the staff, the pricing and did the warehouse shipping and receiving. In 1992 she moved to Lantz, Nova Scotia with her husband, Jerry and spent a few years working for the Air Nova Cafeteria before retirement.
Bernice was an avid music fan. She and her husband, Jerry travelled across the Maritimes and Eastern US attending countless Bluegrass Music Festivals, Music Jams, and live music events. She was a member of the Southeastern New Brunswick Bluegrass and Oldtime Music Association, and a founding member of the East Hants Bluegrass and Oldtime Music Association. In addition to serving on the board of Directors as Membership Chair of the East Hants Club, she volunteered at various musical events including the Milford Coffeehouse, the Milford Meltdown Classic Country Jamboree, various festivals around the Maritimes, and became very involved in fundraising including the Ways and Means booth at New Brunswick festivals. She could always be seen helping at club events with set up, clean-up, etc. and always lending a hand wherever required. Besides the music events in her life, she also found time to be a working member of the local Home and School and Recreation Association. She received many Volunteer awards in both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Bernice was known to be a bit of a jokester as well, playing pranks and often on the receiving end which she embraced proudly.
Bernice made many friends over the years in everything she was involved in, and she liked to say her Bluegrass Family, her Church Family, and her Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame family were an extension of her own family.
Bernice was a devoted wife to Jerry for over 44 years. She treasured all their great memories together from early days in their 69 Montego convertible, camping in their hardtop camper in the 80s to the upgrade of their luxury travel trailer. She often spoke about a treasured trip to Nashville she and Jerry made on their 25th wedding anniversary. She loved and cherished her family. She looked forward to the family washer toss tournaments, Christmas gatherings and birthday celebrations. She supported and loved her seven children unconditionally.
Bernice is survived by her husband, Gerald “Jerry”; daughters, Debbie, Darlene (Ted), Sandra (Bill) and Carolyn (Mike); sons, Steven (Brenda) and Allen (Judy); sister, Eileen; stepchildren, Mike (Lynn), Kim, Reg (Peggy) Roger (Jill); son-in-law, Donnie Stevens; as well as 24 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Geraldine and Clarence Wilson; her daughter, June Edgar; sister, Joan Dean; and brothers, Walter Wilson, Jack Wilson and Lester Wilson.
The family would like to thank the Nursing staff, the team of doctors, and the Hospice Volunteers who did baking, visited patients and families or just sat with patients if required in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro during Bernice’s stay in both 3D and 3E Palliative Care for the fabulous care and kindness provided to her and her family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Arimathea Funeral Cooperative.
As per Bernice’s request, there will not be a visitation or funeral service held. Cremation has taken place and a burial will be in Fair Haven Memorial Gardens, Moncton. Her Celebration of Life will be held later. Donations in her memory to Canadian Cancer Society, the Milford Lantz United Church, c/o Treasurer, 2134 Highway 2, Box 73, Milford, NS B0N 1Y0 or to the charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.
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