Viola Gerrard

She was born on November 28, 1928, in Bathurst to the late Everett and Hazel (Smith) Pentland.

She is survived by her son Allan (Pamela) Gerrard of Quispamsis, NB; 3 brothers Everett (Late Jeanette) Pentland of Bathurst, NB; William (Shirley) Pentland from Truro, NS; and Donald (Joan) Pentland of Bathurst and several nieces and nephews. Viola was predeceased by her husband Earle Gerrard on December 6, 2011; 5 sisters Barbara, Lorna, Shirley, Verna, and Janet.

Viola graduated from the School of Nursing Class of 1952 from Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital of which 6 months of training were spent in Montreal. Following graduation, she worked as Head Nurse and Supervisor, and then began 17 years as Instructor, ending her time as Chief Instructor with the Nursing Assistant Program at Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital in 1974. She then became Clinic Nurse for several programs and also served as Assistant Director of Nursing. She served on the Examining Board for the Nursing Assistant Program in Fredericton, NB. She was an active member of the Saint Andrews United Church in Tide Head and was a chartered member of United Church Women in which she played a very active role. Viola was made a lifetime member in 1982. She moved to Moncton when Earle was transferred with C.N.R. and joined Humphrey Memorial Church where she became an active U.C.W member. She joined the Nurses Auxiliary of the Moncton City Hospital in the fall of 1982. She operated the hair dressing salon as a volounteer for ten years. She was made a lifetime member of the NB Association of Health Care Auxiliaries and she was also Treasurer of the Moncton Council of Women until its closure.

Upon Earle’s retirement in 1985, their summers were spent at their cottage in Tide Head. Many summer nights were spent with friends boating, enjoying suppers along the banks of the Restigouche River, and entertaining friends at their cottage. Viola returned to Campbellton when Earle suffered a stroke and again joined Saint Andrews United Church in Tide Head. She took up residence at Bursey Towers in Campbellton.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Yacoub, staff and volunteers of Bursey Towers, The Village Nursing Home, and Palliative Care.

As per Vi’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service.

Donations in memory of Vi may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted in the care of Maher’s funeral Home, Campbellton.

(506)789-1699 or toll free (855) 404-1699 email: [email protected]