Obituary of Theresa Virginia Avery

AVERY, Theresa Virginia “Virgie” – Age 83, Halifax. It is with great sadness that the family of Virginia Avery wishes to announce her sudden and unexpected passing on August 4th, 2018 in her beloved home town of Port Hood, Nova Scotia. Her final days were filled with joy while she vacationed with family and friends and spent time doing the things she loved with the people that meant the most to her. She was one of six children born to the late Angus Willie and Isabel (MacIsaac) MacDonald. Virgie moved to Halifax when she was seventeen years old and worked for the Prudential Life Insurance Company as Office Supervisor. After fifteen years, she retired so she could devote the rest of her life to her family and her faith. She was a loyal parishioner at St. Michael’s Catholic Church and an active member of the Catholic Women’s League for fifty years, serving in various capacities such as Vice President and Treasurer. She spent many happy years as a Grade Two Religion Teacher and as a Eucharistic Minister, serving the church she loved. Virgie was gracious and humble and always had a kind word for everyone. She enjoyed helping her community with dinners, bake sales, fundraising and she had a special place in her heart for charities like Hope Cottage, Bryony House and the Parker Street Food Bank. She was a lifetime member of The Society of the Little Flower and The Association of the Miraculous Medal and she was never without a holy medal nearby. Virgie also enjoyed reading and was rarely seen without a book in her hands. She was an excellent cook, baker and a church sale wasn’t the same without some of her goodies included. She could knit, crochet and sew beautifully. Her family never wanted for a pair of mittens, a scarf or a cozy pair of slippers. She was a wonderful daughter, a loyal sister, a devoted wife, a perfect mother and the most gentle and loving grandmother any child could ask for. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her greatest joy and she loved them with all of her heart. She was a beloved soul and an inspiration for her entire family. She will be remembered by all. She is survived by  children, Lois Pyke (Troy Bonn) and Brad Avery (Tanya); grandchildren, Jessica Howe (Gary), Alyssa Pyke (Robbie Stallard), Brady Avery and Brooke Avery as well as  great-grandchildren, Felicity Stallard, Oliver and Ruby Virginia Howe; sisters and brothers, M.C. Pellerin (Russell), Gerry Avery (Harold), Donnie MacDonald (Annie Mae) and John MacDonald (Linda), along with numerous nieces and nephews. Virginia was predeceased by her husband and best friend, Donald James Avery; older brother, Sandy MacDonald (Rose) and five little angels lost at birth.  Arrangements are under the care of J. Albert Walker funeral home (2005) Ltd 149 Herring Cove Road. As per Virgie’s wishes, visitation will take place on Friday, August 10^th from 6-8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael’s Parish, 6 St. Michael’s Avenue on Saturday, August 11th at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Michael’s Church or the St. Michaels CWL Association.