Audrey Ann Weir

Age 91, of Dartmouth, passed away peacefully on her own terms at her home on March 9th, 2023, after a lengthy illness. Audrey was born in New Glasgow to loving parents, Florence Livingstone, and George Ross Powell on New Years Eve 1931 and hence was guaranteed a great celebration every year.

They moved to Sydney for her grade 12 year and then she went on to study music at Kings College. Even as a youth, Mom showed great vocal promise while performing in numerous musical competitions and festivals. She went on to obtain her Licentiate of Music, her BEd from Dalhousie University, and her MHCM from the Maritime Conservatory. She then shared her musical talents with Dartmouth school students, Junior Church choirs, and at the Conservatory.

Mom was an active member of Grace United Church and Choir where she powerfully delivered each Christmas Eve a rendering of ‘O Holy Night’, the Royal Commonwealth Society, and the Maid Marion Chapter of IODE. She served as president of the Dartmouth Chapter of NSRMTA and was on its council. She sang and acted through the years with the Dartmouth Choral Society (in Les Misérables), Bel Canto, and enjoyed singing in musicals, such as ‘Scottish Landing’ and various operas, such as the ‘Marriage of Figaro.’

Audrey met handsome Donald A. Weir at a medical party, and it was love at first sight as he appreciated that Mom wasn’t afraid to dance in bare feet when her shoes hurt. She was always free to be herself! They married on May 30th, 1953, at her parents’ Sydney home and then began their honeymoon first driving through a snowstorm to board the RMS Samaria and then set sail to Great Britain for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth. Those memories included seeing Big Ben, the changing of the guards, Winston Churchill standing on the sidewalk outside his door, and numerous ships, and sailors from all over the world who came to celebrate in the festivities!

Mom loved swimming, playing tennis, skating, PEI summer vacations, great beaches, planning social activities and fabulous dinners; supported our endeavors in music or sports, along with our children and grandchildren also. She was very loyal and dedicated to her cherished friends.

Dad was her heart spark and when he passed in 2013, her light was dimmed, but she was still trying to discover what she was here for. When she landed in Dartmouth General Hospital once again in Dec. 2022, she fought hard to get home and fortunately she recovered and celebrated her 91st birthday at home. Her dear toy poodle Toffee of 13 years passed away on March 2nd, which was followed by Dad’s Heavenly birthday, March 4th, and by March 9th Mom was ready to move on. We can only picture her and Dad walking hand in hand along with Toffee on one of their favorite beaches.

Audrey was predeceased by her parents Florence and George Powell, and her husband Don Weir. She is survived by her daughters Brenda Weir (David Fraser) of Dartmouth, Cynthia Hoskins (Frank) of Sackville, and son George of Dartmouth. Eight Grandchildren Sarah Doane (Mike) of Three Mile Plains; Leslie Hardie (Luke) of Sackville, Jonathan Hoskins (Madi) of Fall River, Ben Hoskins of Halifax; Andrew Doane (Johna) of Sackville; Lillian Weir (mother of) Julia MacPherson (John) of Dartmouth, Stefanie McCormack of Dartmouth, and Jessica Weir of Toronto. Great grandchildren Hailey, Nathaniel, and Mikayla Doane; Ronin, William, and Kaelyn Hardie; Emma and Ivy McCormack; and Jack Macpherson.

A Memorial service will be held at Grace United Church, Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth on Sunday, March 19th, at 2:00, Rev. Stephen Fram officiating. Reception to follow. Interment at Memorial Gardens, for family only. Family flowers only, donations can be made to the Cancer Society, the DGH, and Grace United Church.