Obituary of Elizabeth Anne Severance

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Anne Severance on April 24th ,2025 in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia at age 91.

She leaves behind children, John Severance (Carla) of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and Brenda Severance of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia; grandchildren, Camden, Sydney, Christian and William, and great granddaughter, Ella.

She was predeceased by Henry B Severance and partner Charles Trifts.

Elizabeth was born in Moncton New Brunswick on July 22nd, 1933, to John and Mary Young (Humphrey) of Petitcodiac New Brunswick, and she spent her early years in that area. She attended Mount Allison University in New Brunswick where she studied secretarial science and was recruited out of school by Imperial Tobacco. She frequently joked that she “tried really hard to smoke but she just couldn’t get the hang of it”. She moved to Halifax where she met Henry Severance, her husband of 32 years. They lived in various areas of the province where she had an impact teaching secretarial skills to many women in small communities.

In 1988 she moved to Bridgewater. There she embraced volunteering. She spent over thirty years helping with the South Shore Regional Hospital Auxiliary, and her afternoons were spent at the Daisy or the gift shop of South Shore Regional Hospital. When her daughter moved to Bridgewater in 2008 one of the questions she was often asked was “Who are your parents?”. When she provided their names, it was inevitably met with “I know her, she’s the gift shop lady”. She always stood out for her fashion sense and style and there is not a day that went by that she did not look put together.

She also spent countless hours volunteering with other organizations such as MADD, the Bridgewater Legion, Bridgewater United Church and other community organizations, which she did into her late eighties.

Her love of travel was well known, and she was always willing to get in the car and go, whether it was across the country or down the street. She said she was like a Labrador retriever- if you said the word car her ears perked up and she would jump in the passenger seat if you opened the door.

Mom, you will be missed by many. We would like to thank the staff at Ashwood Lodge, Ryan Hall, and South Shore Regional Hospital for all the care and support you have provided to us over the last few years. Her great friend Marion was a continuous support and steady visitor, which was a comfort to all.

Final arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater. At her request there will not be a service or visitation. There will be a graveside service in Petitcodiac, New Brunswick at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the South Shore Hospital Auxiliary by mail: Attn SSRH Auxiliary at 90 Glen Allan Drive, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, B4V 3S6 or drop of at the Daisy during their open hours.