Noreen F. Hirtle

HIRTLE, Noreen Frances - Mahone Bay and Dayspring, died at Mahone Nursing Home, Mahone Bay, September 17 after a brief illness.

Born in Hill, New Hampshire, September 20, 1931, she was a daughter of the late Fred and Hazel (Whynot) Hirtle. Noreen moved to Canada with her family in the early 1940's and later married the love of her life, Douglas B. Hirtle on August 15, 1948, settling into the family home in Dayspring where she resided until earlier this year. In her younger years, Noreen was active in the community as a member of Woodbine Rebecca Lodge, Bridgewater Rifle Club and the Wednesday Night Church Bowling League. She was an adherent of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Upper LaHave and taught Sunday school there for many years. An avid fisherman, Noreen enjoyed long hours casting her line at the Molega Lake camp she and Doug had built in 1958. She was a great lover of animals and also a noted cook, known far and wide for her raised potato doughnuts and boiled raisin cakes. Her home was a mecca for family members and her many friends who were always entertained by her sense of humour and sharp wit, a trait she maintained right up to the end.

Noreen is survived by her sister, Barbara Chamness, Revere, Massachusetts; daughter, Catherine Bondarenko, Dayspring; sons, Leonard (Sherry), Feltzen South and Robert (Heather), Mahone Bay; eight grandchildren; two great grandsons.

She was predeceased by her husband, Douglas; brother, William and his wife, Doris; sister, Betty Balfour and her husband, George; brother-in-law, Charles Chamness and “Aunt Flo” Hirtle whom she cared for in her home for many years.

Visitation with the family will be held 7-9 p.m., Tuesday, September 21 at Mahone Funeral Home, Mahone Bay. Graveside service under the direction of Rev. Stephen Kristenson will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 22 at the Dayspring Cemetery in Dayspring. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to SHAID Tree Animal Shelter, Mahone Nursing Home, Health Services Foundation of the South Shore or Canadian Cancer Society.