Obituary of Josephine M. "Toddy" Keating

93, Halifax, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2013, at the QEII Hospital. She was the only daughter of the late Frank and Alvina (Landry) Brooks. In her younger years she worked as a housekeeper for the late Grace Heard and was a Nanny to Grace’s two sons, Ken and Allen. She also worked at Moirs Chocolate Factory in Halifax where she did piece work and spent many long hours hand-dipping pot of gold chocolates and packaging them. After marrying, she left the work force and became a full time dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She looked after her elderly mother by providing home care during her last years of life. Josephine was Mrs. Fix it. She would never shy away from any project no matter how big or small and would often say "I am not going to let it beat me". Josephine enjoyed sewing, knitting and crocheting as a hobby. She was a former member of Joe’s Bowling League and was an avid Bingo player. Josephine had volunteered at Melville Lodge Nursing Home from 1989 to 2006 where she was a resident for the past six months. She was a faithful member of St John the Baptist Church since 1929. Regardless of the challenges she faced she maintained a positive attitude and a sense of dignity.  She will be sadly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her daughter Della Rose (Brian) Greeno; grandchildren, Julie and Michael all of Halifax; brother, Frank Brooks, of Halifax and many nieces and nephews; She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years Harry, a son in infancy and brothers William and Gordon.  The family wishes to thank the medical staff of the QEII Emergency Department and Unit 8.1 for their exceptional care and compassion shown towards Josephine in her final days.  Also, a special thank you goes to family members, George-Ann Brooks, Cathy LeBlanc and Virginia Brine for their love and support shown to the family during this difficult time.  Arrangements are under the care of J.A. Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd.; 149 Herring Cove Rd. where visitation will be held from 2-4p.m. and 7-9p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2014. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2014, at St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 26 Purcell’s Cove Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3N 1R4, with Father Larry Pitcher officiating; interment to follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville.  Donations can be made to St. John the Baptist Church in memory of Josephine.