Obituary of Winnifred Ann Chisholm

Winnie Chisholm passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Glace Bay, she was the daughter of late John and Margaret (Kehoe).

Winnie graduated in 1962 from the nursing program at the Nova Scotia Sanatorium in Kentville, where she began a lifelong dedication to caring for others.  She started her nursing career at St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish and went on to serve for 40 years at the Grace Maternity Hospital in Halifax, where she touched countless lives with her compassion and commitment.

Winnie was a pillar of love for her family and friends. Guided by her deep spirituality and her devotion as a faithful Catholic, she lived her life with kindness and grace. Her greatest joy was found in the bleachers of a hockey rink, where she was her grandson’s most devoted fan, never missing a game or a milestone in his life. Known for her respectful nature and steadfast friendship, she was a true friend to many and cherished the time spent with those she loved.  She also carried a lifelong love for adventure, particularly her cherished journeys to the Caribbean, Florida, and Virginia 

Winnie is survived by her adoring children, her son Sandy, and her daughter, Rose Ann Hartlin (Mark).  She was a proud and loving grandmother to her treasured grandson Jacob Hartlin.  Winnie is also survived by her brother, John (Sandra) Kehoe of Reserve Mines, and sisters, Patricia McNeil of Sydney and Marguerite (RJ) Bartol of Virginia.  She also leaves behind  nieces and nephews, each of whom held a very special place in her heart, as well as her special sister-in-law,  Jean Swansburg, and special friend, Sabrina, whose friendship she deeply cherished.

She was predeceased by her husband, Alexander Chisholm, her sisters, Hannah Boutlier and Dale Ogley, and her brother-in-law, Allan McNeil.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Bayard for his years of care. We also wish to express our deepest gratitude to the nursing staff and Dr. Culligan of the unit 8.2 at the Halifax Infirmary for the exceptional compassion and kindness they showed her during her final days.  A very special thank you as well to Erin Jennings of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home for the care, love, and dignity shown to our mother. 

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no visitation or formal funeral service.  Instead, her family will gather at a later date for a celebration of her life at Table Head shore in Glace Bay—a place that held a special meaning for her.  For those who wish to honour her memory, donations may be made to Operation Smile Canada at www.operationsmile.ca.