Obituary of Lois Eleanor Hurst

Lois Eleanor (MacKinley) Hurst  March 14,1935 - June 11, 2026

We are saddened to announce that Lois died peacefully on June 11, 2026, her daughters by her side.

Born in Sydney, Cape Breton, to Harry and Jeanette (McLeod) MacKinley, Lois was the third of four children, their only daughter. Growing up in the Rockdale neighbourhood, she attended Colby School and then Sydney Academy. Having a great interest in teaching, Lois decided to further her education, graduating from
Nova Scotia Normal College in Truro, and the University of King’s College in Halifax. Throughout her education, Lois was involved in many activities, including glee club, debating, elocution, and dramatics, making lifelong friends in the process. Her friends described Lois as friendly, charming, with a great sense of humour, mischievous smile, and a laugh that shook her shoulders.

An avid supporter of literacy, she taught at the elementary school level in Sydney River, Sydney, Truro, Yarmouth, and Dartmouth. As her career progressed, she
specialized in education for students with special needs. Lois was passionate about educational opportunities for all, in particular those with disabilities.

In 1969, she married John D Hurst, and they set up their home in Springvale Subdivision in Halifax, raising their family there. Always independent, Lois remained in her home until her health faltered in 2021. While raising their two daughters, she volunteered as a Block Parent, a Girl Guide Leader, and a teacher of adult literacy skills. She also actively fundraised for many years for several different causes that were close to her heart.

Lois enjoyed swimming, bowling, and going for walks. On summer days, she and John were often seen in the Lido at the Waeg, or at the beach. She was an accomplished craftsperson who knitted treasured items for family and friends, and for babies at the IWK. She also donated many warm winter accessories to those in need. Lois was skilled in macrame, crochet, and needlework. She loved reading, attending quilt shows, visiting gardens with John, and soaking up sunshine whenever she had a chance!

Lois returned to the workforce as her children got older. She was a familiar face at Marks & Spencer Halifax, working there first as a retail salesperson, and then as an office assistant / bookkeeper for many years until her retirement in 1998.

Lois was predeceased by her husband John, and her brothers Ken, Howard, and Donnie. She is survived by her daughters Eileen Hurst and Hilary Shykula (Barry), grandson Ronan, brother-in-law Les Hurst (Millie), sister-in-law Carole MacKinley, and several nieces and nephews.

We will gather to remember and celebrate Lois’s life at 1 PM on Saturday, July 25th at J. Albert Walker Funeral Home, 149 Herring Cove Rd, Halifax. Reception to follow.
We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Maplestone Enhanced Care for their warm, compassionate care which allowed Lois to live life on her own terms.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to any of the following organizations would be appreciated:
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
The March of Dimes
The Canadian Cancer Society
The Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia