Gallant, Hazel “Nina” - Hazel Gallant, lovingly known as 'Nanny', 'Nina', and 'Mudder' passed away peacefully on June 3, 2024, at the age of 95 surrounded by loved ones.
She was born in Bay de l'Eau, Newfoundland to Edward and Jessie Kearley.
As the last remaining Kearley sibling, Nina will be welcomed in Heaven with open arms by her brothers and sisters, Joseph, Tom, Annie, Rose, Marjorie, Alva and Effie. Nina was also predeceased by her children, Edward, Rick, Brenda, Florence, and Cecelia.
She is survived by her children, Gordon Barnes, PEI; Jessie (Kevin) Marriott, Nova Scotia; George (Sylvie) Barnes, Quebec; Millie (Randy) Cottrell, Ontario; Darlene (Rick) Pye, Nova Scotia; Sharon (Paul) Phillips, Cape Breton; and Kelly (Sharon) Brindle, Nova Scotia. She was also a beloved grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother to many across Canada.
Nina found joy in spending time with her large family, playing cards well into the night (as long as she wasn't losing and you agreed to play by her rules), and enjoying a delicious French Vanilla Coffee from Tim Hortons. Her love for her family was evident early on as she was forced to make decisions that would alter the journey of many of her children. She lived with the regret of these decisions until the very end.
She was a lady who had the strength of four lumberjacks and was known for her remarkable hands, which she used to make homemade bread for many years. There was always a pot of tea with bread and molasses for those visitors who dropped in unannounced to have a chat.
Growing up in Newfoundland, Nina developed a deep love for seafood, relishing anything that came from the sea. The best pot of fish and potatoes, Cod's heads stew or a pan of salt cod and pork scraps could be served up at a moment's notice. One of her favorite places in the world was Grand Le Pierre, where she cherished spending time with her sisters and being surrounded by family and friends. A quick rip "across the gut" or "Up Yonder” to Bay de l'Eau in a boat put the biggest smile on her beautiful face and she talked about these adventures on a regular basis and once you got her talking, she could go on forever!
Nina shared a beautiful life with her spouse, Puppa "Charlie" who passed away in 2008 but she was always happy to recount the many memories she made with Charlie. From hunting caribou in the North to digging clams on a backroad beach in PEI, these two were never far apart from each other. She made many friends over her 95 years and the loss of this light will be felt far and wide especially by her special friend, Sue from Glen Haven.
Those who knew Nina will remember her profound love, which was felt to the core by anyone fortunate enough to be loved by her. When she told you she loved you, she meant it and was quick to say to you, "And don't you forget it."
Nina will be dearly missed and forever remembered for the love and joy she brought to everyone she encountered.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in July. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to River Glen at Glen Haven Manor in New Glasgow.
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