Hilda Mary (Pettipas) (Murphy) Dunn
1926-2023
Hilda Mary (Pettipas) (Murphy) Dunn – formerly of New Minas and Antigonish, passed away peacefully on the evening of January 16, 2023, in Grand View Manor, Berwick, following a joyous 97th birthday celebration with her family. Hilda was born on January 16, 1926, in Tracadie, Antigonish County, to the late Walter and Mabel (MacKenzie) Pettipas.
Hilda married John Murphy on November 15, 1949. She spent her early years living in Cross Roads Ohio, Antigonish County, raising her family while embracing the farming way of life with her unwavering support for this lifestyle. Following John’s sudden passing Hilda met and then married Harold Dunn on September 20, 1974, and they moved and settled in New Minas.
Hilda devoted her life to her home and family. She found great joy when gathered together for a family meal, enjoying a cup of tea with a treat or two and engaging in lengthy conversations with those near and across Canada. With her sharp wit and big smile, she was sure to entertain a good laugh.
Hilda spent several years participating in the New Minas Senior Bowling Leagues and sharing the camaraderie with friends. She also spent her time volunteering with the Meals on Wheels program, listening to country music, playing cards, Sunday Drives, knitting, solving lexicon puzzles and watching a good ole’ hockey game. Hilda was a dedicated member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Kentville and a proud 40-year member of the Catholic Women’s League.
Hilda will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her eldest sister, Isabelle Kennedy, Toronto, ON; children, Dan (Lorraine) Murphy, Port Hawkesbury; Charlie (Kathleen) Murphy, Lethbridge, AB; Michael Murphy, Tantallon; Sadie (Kevin) Dunn, Canaan; Donnie Murphy (Gina Brewer), Ohio, Antigonish Co.; Frank (Ornella) Murphy, Lethbridge, AB; Brian Murphy (Sandy Jenkins), Edmonton, AB; and daughter-in-law, Sandra Murphy, Antigonish. Also missing her dearly will be her twenty grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, eight stepchildren, fifteen step grandchildren and nine step great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Hilda was predeceased in life by her husbands, John Murphy and Harold Dunn; sister, Theresa Taylor; brother, Frank Pettipas; daughter, Shirley Fraser; sons, Gerald, in infancy, and Russell Murphy; three grandsons and one great-grandson.
The family would like to thank Dr. Targett and the wonderful staff at Grand View Manor for the kindness and care they provided Hilda during the last two years.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 29, 2023 in St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Kentville, Father John MacPherson officiating. Interment will follow in the Holy Cross Cemetery, Kentville. Donations in memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.