Karen Hamilton MacLeod

Karen Hamilton MacLeod, 77, of Halifax passed away peacefully in the Halifax Infirmary on Thursday, September 13, 2018 with family by her side. Karen was the daughter of James and Winnifred Baillie of Pictou, Nova Scotia. She is survived by sons, Glen (Brenda) and Brian (Tammy), and grandchildren, Maya Rose and Ethan Alexander; sister, Sheila (Nick) Scaravelli, and brother, Ian. Karen is predeceased by husband, Norm and brother, Bob.

Karen had a zest for life and a “hug first, ask questions later” attitude. Her favourite targets of affection were her grandchildren, Maya and Ethan, but she extended her affection well beyond family. Karen’s nieces and nephews (…and their children), her friends and neighbours in Halifax (…and their children), and the generations of young people in Toney River, all knew the heartfelt embrace of Karen.

Karen retired after spending a rewarding career at Air Canada. In retirement, she maintained a connection to Air Canada through her volunteer role with the Air Canada Pionairs.

A consistent theme in her life was her desire to help people, especially at the important times. From simple tasks such as running errands or driving a neighbour to doctor’s appointments, to coordinating air travel during her time at Air Canada, and especially helping friends through moments of crisis, Karen would never shy away from an opportunity to help.

Country music was Karen’s favourite and the Oak Ridge Boys or Charley Pride could often be heard throughout the neighbourhood, especially when it was time to clean the house. She also loved to dance, enjoying everything from swing dancing with Norm, line dancing (when it was a thing), or taking belly dancing lessons with her dear friend Dorothy. Her favourite dancing, though, was when she would coerce her sons and their friends to dance in the living room at Nightingale Drive.

She was always involved in some activity, enjoying bowling and curling in her earlier years in Halifax, playing bridge and socializing with friends, and enjoying her morning or afternoon coffee with her friends. She also enjoyed the time spent nurturing her lifelong friendships, as her friends from Pictou County and the girls from Lucknow Street will attest.

Mom partnered with Dad in his work with the Scottish Rite Learning Centre for Children in Dartmouth, volunteering with this very special organization to help children manage the challenge of dyslexia.

Visitation will be from 6 - 8 pm on Tuesday, September 18, at the JA Snow Funeral Home on Lacewood Drive in Halifax. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 19, at 11:00 am, also at the JA Snow Funeral Home in Halifax.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation Learning Centre for Children, 51 Boland Road Dartmouth, NS B3A 3G7 or on-line through http://www.srcf.ca/.