Geraldine Venedam

Venedam (Murphy), Geraldine, age 90 – passed away peacefully at the QEII Health Sciences Centre on February 14, 2015. Born in Halifax, she was a daughter of the late Edward and Clara (Swindells) Murphy, Halifax.

Geraldine will be greatly missed by her daughter, Brenda McKegney (Steve Currie), Bedford; son, Ted Venedam (Donna Hadley), Halifax; brothers, Cyril (Daphne) Murphy, Newfoundland; Ken (Jean) Murphy, Halifax; adored grandsons, Gary (Angela Piper) McKegney, Lower Sackville; Kevin (Angela Baker) McKegney, Hammonds Plains/Bedford; Ryan (Heather Smith) McKegney, Lower Sackville; precious granddaughter, Chelsee Venedam, Halifax; great grandchildren, Joseph, Sophie, Katie, and Henry McKegney. Geraldine was a kind and thoughtful aunt to her many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, William Joseph “Joe” Venedam; son, Richard “Rik” Venedam; sister, Marie Nazer; brothers, Henry, Albert, and Bill Murphy; sister, Marion in infancy; and great grandson, Sam McKegney.

Geraldine was a loving mother, devoted wife, and dedicated homemaker. She was an avid bowler playing many years with the Rockingham women’s leagues, in Halifax mixed leagues with Joe, and into senior leagues until a lengthy spell of vertigo forced her to give it up at age 85. She enjoyed playing bingo and delighted in watching golf from the comfort of her armchair. A devout Catholic, she was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Rockingham, St. Lawrence Church, Fairview, and Saint Benedict Parish, Halifax. She was a woman of generosity and great strength (nursing Joe through his many years with ALS). Gerry was most happy amid the din and laughter of her much-loved children and grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Ted for his wonderful care of mom/nanny in her latter years allowing her to remain in her home until a week before her death, and to the QEII staff on 8.1 for keeping her comfortable for the days she was in their care. Visitation will be held in J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., 902-455-0531, on Saturday, February 21 from 2-5 pm. A celebration of Geraldine’s life will take place in April 2015. Memorial donations may be made to Feed Nova Scotia or a charity of your choice.