Obituary of Hilda Fraser

Hilda Pearl (Crosby) Henderson Fraser departed this world on November 28, 2016, leaving it a better place then when she arrived on March 15, 1920. It is a better place simply because she walked among us for over 96 years, showing us all how to act with courage, grace and class. Hilda was born to Letty Pearl (Howard) and Harry Crosby in Cornwall, PEI. She grew up on the family farm, developing a lifelong passion for both horses and outdoor living. Those early interests represented a freedom of spirit that Hilda showed us every day of her life. She was a lifelong learner, completing her high school in Charlottetown before moving to New Glasgow, NS to attend the Aberdeen School of Nursing. She excelled there, graduating as an RN in 1946. She was class valedictorian and remained active in the Alumni after her retirement. She remained an avid reader and writer all her life. She was a firm believer in the handwritten letter and shared herself through those letters late into her life. Her professional life allowed her to touch the lives of many people. She worked at the Aberdeen Hospital, did specialized nursing in Halifax and was Assistant Director at the Children’s Home in Pictou. Perhaps her most satisfying work was her tenure as an Industrial Nurse at Trenton Works where she tended to and watched over "her boys." They loved her as she loved them. Hilda knew about life rearranged and priorities redefined. She was an accomplished craftsperson spending her time sewing, creating stained glass art and at the age of 75, developed her talent as a painter. She was a Renaissance woman who engaged with life on her terms. In 2013, Hilda moved into High Crest Place where she continued to enjoy life. She was appreciative of Linda and her staff for their caring spirits. Hilda was predeceased by her parents, her sister Doris, brother Stan, nephew Ralph and her granddaughter, Natalie. She was also predeceased by her first husband, Clyde Henderson and her second husband, John Fraser. She is survived by daughter Heidi Breen and son-in-law, Lawson, grandson Joseph Breen (Charlene) and great granddaughter Jorja Breen, Brunei and great grandson Noah MacPherson, Saskatchewan. Known as GG to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she followed their lives and interests with keen enthusiasm, despite being sometimes continents apart. Hilda was the very epitome of simple elegance. She taught us love, respect, integrity, loyalty and the importance of doing the right thing, even when no one is watching you. She blazed a trail, balancing traditional ways and embracing new challenges. She lived a life well led and deeply impacted those she left behind. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday ,December 5th at 11 A.M. from St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church with Father Tom MacNeil presiding . Burial will take place at a later date in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to the St. Vincent De Paul Society , Roots for Youth , the Pictou County Food Bank or to a charity of one’s choice. We are much poorer for having lost her, but immensely richer for having known her. Go rest high on that mountain, your work on earth is done. Online condolences may be sent to angusfuneral@ns.sympatico.ca Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.W.Angus Funeral Home.