Margaret "Esther" (McNeil) Walker Biggs

Margaret “Esther” (nee McNeil) Walker Biggs, age 85, passed gently, surrounded by family on June 15, 2015, at the Halifax Infirmary QEII. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Born March 19, 1930, in North Sydney, raised in Glace Bay, she was the only child of George A. McNeil and M. Elsie Williamson. Predeceased by her mother (1933), her father (1979), she was also predeceased by her half-sister, Barbara A. McNeil (1978), her step-mother, Alice M. Smith (1988), her 1st husband, Harold W. Walker (1992) and her 2nd husband, Dennis J. Biggs (2013). A long-time resident of Halifax, since 1943, Esther instilled upon us the importance of faith, family, friends and fun. She is survived by her children Mary Jane (Paul) MacNeil, Halifax; Harold Walker, Dartmouth; Paul (Marlena Croft) Walker, Halifax; Alan (Nanci Guadagnolo) Walker, Truro; grandsons, Alexander and William MacNeil; Aidan and Colum Walker. Esther is also survived by her step-children, Anne (David) Seymour, Vancouver; Ian (Kathleen) Biggs, Dartmouth; Catherine Biggs, Halifax; Kevin (Joanne) Biggs, Toronto; Megan (Ted Grutezner) Biggs, Toronto; Robert (Christine) Biggs, Stoney Creek; Richard (Pam) Biggs, Halifax; step-grandchildren, Brenna, Darci, Maggie, Luke, Ethan, Leah and Jeremy. She also leaves behind sister-in-laws, Mary F. Walker, Lr. Sackville; Margaret (Joe) Scoles, Ottawa; countless nieces, nephews and friends across Canada and USA (also those from her “Bridge Club” days); special cousins Fr. Rod McNeil and Sr. Margaret (Margie) McNeil; and her beloved cat, “Sookie”.

In 1950, as a Mount Saint Vincent College graduate she was the first secretary to Halifax’s first City Manager, August A. deBard, leaving in 1959 to start and raise her own family with her husband, Harold. With him, she also co-owned and operated “The Downeast Arts and Crafts Gallery” (Scotia Square). Upon closing “The Store”, she was then Executive Secretary for Contract Design Inc., and Peter Evans Enterprises, working closely with Mr. Evans on Halifax’s 1st “Parade of Sail”. Gifted in many areas from piano, needle arts, gardening, and her wonderful family dinners, she was also a talented artist (oils) with many of Esther’s original works, and copies, located in businesses and homes around the world. A sociable, gracious lady, Esther was extremely devoted to the Catholic faith and our Blessed Virgin Mother Mary; loved talking of her family history and her numerous ancestries; quick and witty with her own special sayings and “sharp as a tack” to the end. A kind and loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, step-mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, she is deeply missed.

Visitation will take place at J. A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr, Sunday, June 21st, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will take place in St. Agnes Church, 6903 Mumford Rd, on Monday, June 22nd, at 10:00 AM. Cremation has taken place, with interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, following mass and reception. Donations may be made to your charity choice, vocations for religious orders, or animal shelters (those especially fostering cats).