Margaret Josephine (Jo) Hayne, 88 of Smithfield passed away with her children by her side Thursday, May 7th, 2026, at High Crest Nursing Home in Sherbrooke.

Born in Smithfield, she was the daughter of the late Russell and Hazel (Bishop) Jordan. To her friends and family, she was Jo but to us she was Mum. To her grandchildren, she was Nannie, and to her great grandchildren she was Nannie Jo.

Jo was a teacher for the District of St. Mary’s for 35 years teaching Primary, 1, and 2. She taught her children and grandchildren. It was hard to remember to call her “Mrs. Hayne” instead of Mum or Nannie.

She was a loving, caring, selfless woman, who put the happiness of her family above all else. Her happiest times were when we were all home. She would cook and bake for days making everyone’s favourites. She loved her morning coffee (the pot was never empty), sitting waiting for the newspaper to come so she could catch up on the news and then do the crossword puzzle.

She could not wait for winter to end so she could be out in her flower gardens and putting up the hummingbird feeders. Her home was filled with apple décor and birds, Cardinals being her favourite.

She is survived by her daughter Heather, Truro and son Jeff (Gaile), Glenelg; grandchildren Matthew (Michelle), St. Peter’s, Elaina (Jesse) Smith, Airdrie, Alberta, and Todd (Amanda), Fort MacMurray; great grandchildren Anna, Kayla, Marley, Asher, and Dawson; sister Betty, Thorburn; brother Dan, Enfield; and many nieces and nephews.

She was pre-deceased by her husband of 65 years Howard (Hud), son Rusty (at birth), brothers Ralph, Lloyd, and John (Jack).

Mum never said “Goodbye,” she always left you with a “Drive safe” or “Give me a call when you get there.” We have lots of memories of Mum that we will keep in our hearts forever. She was one special lady.

Special thanks to the staff at High Crest Sherbrooke for taking such good care of our Mum.

We invite you to support the family at the Greenfield Oldsters Club in Melrose on Saturday, May 16th, from 1:00-3:00 PM. Private family internment will follow in the Smithfield Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Smithfield Cemetery, c/o Emery Smith, 4948 Hwy 348, Smithfield, NS, B0H 1E0 or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Funeral arrangements under the dignified and compassionate care of H.W. Angus Funeral Home, New Glasgow.