Obituary of Erna May O'Neil

Erna May O'Neil 98, of Bridgewater passed away Saturday 22 December 2012 in Hillside Pines Home for Special Care, Bridgewater. Born in Bridgewater she was the daughter of the late Dawson Biglowe and May Louise Dauphinee. Erna graduated from Edgehill School for Girls, Windsor, N.S. obtaining her Licentiate of the Royal School of Music (London) in piano. She taught piano for many years, and was called upon as an accompanist for many soloists giving recitals in the area. When ballet classes first started in Bridgewater she would play the piano for all the classes as well as the recitals. As a young girl she also played in her father’s dance orchestra. The South Shore Community Orchestra was another of Erna’s interests, firstly playing piano, and then violin after teaching herself to play at age 70. An accomplished tap dancer she was in demand as a dancer for many stage productions. Erna had a great interest in the Community Concert Association when it was active in the town, and hosted many receptions for the visiting artists at her home on Alexandra Ave. In the early years of theatre performances held as competitions among the church youth groups in the area, she acted and directed in many of these, winning many trophies for her exceptional work. She was a consummate reader, and in addition to reading in church she recorded a number of children’s stories in the early years of CKBW. Erna was a former member of the LaHave Chapter IODE, and at one time the Bridgewater Kinette Club. She was an avid tennis player, curler, and in later years took up golf, playing with her husband, Larry, at the Bridgewater Golf Club (Olde Town). She held many executive positions with these various organizations. Much of her life revolved around her faith and her beloved Holy Trinity Anglican Church where she devoted many hours to the Altar Guild and the A.C.W., as well as serving on parish council. She was an organist and was instrumental in forming, and later directing, the parish Junior Choir that was a strong competitor in local music festivals. A memorable moment for Erna was when the Federal Government named the new Federal building on Dufferin Street in honour of her father, Dawson B. Dauphinee. The building stands on the property of her former family home. She and Larry enjoyed boating on the LaHave River as members of the LaHave River Yacht Club, and later spending time at their cottage at Green Bay. Erna is survived by her daughter Nikki (Roland) Canning, Sydney; son Charles (Alayne MacDonald), Halifax; grandchildren Amy (Glen) Bates, Suzanne (Jamie) Chipp, Keegan and Adrienne O’Neil; great grandchildren Madeline and Meghan Bates; and Aaron and Anderson Chipp. She was predeceased by her husband Larry. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to C.F. Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater. There will be no visitation by request. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday 28 December in Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Bridgewater; Reverend Frances Boutilier officiating. A reception at the parish hall will follow. Burial will take place in Brookside Cemetery, Bridgewater. Family flowers only. In lieu, memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity Anglican Church or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.