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Lillian Mae (Ducky) Hartnett
October 14, 1927 - February 27, 2017
Lillian Mae (Ducky) Hartnett
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lillian (Ducky) Hartnett, our beloved
mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt on February 27, 2017 in Arborstone
Enhanced Care Nursing Home, Halifax. She passed peacefully, with her daughter Marilyn at her
side.
Lillian was born October 14,1927 in Halifax, to the late Samuel Stewart and Lillian Stewart.
Soon after her birth her father nicknamed her “Ducky”, a moniker which stayed throughout her
life; to family she was also known as Mom, Mama, Nan, Nanny, Nanny Ducky and Auntie Ducky.
Although later in life her mobility became limited with the development of spinal stenosis, in
healthier years she loved dancing, bowling, shopping for bargains (especially in fabric and craft
stores) and road trips with her sister June to all the yard sales June could find as well as their
numerous trips to visit June’s daughter in PEI.
Ducky was gifted with a very creative side and her granddaughter Leighann is proud to have
inherited those genes. She was extremely meticulous in all she did and loved sewing, knitting,
embroidery and creating many different crafts, especially Christmas crafts and ornaments,
which adorn many of our homes and trees during the season.
She loved decorating for Christmas, loved spending Christmas with Marilyn and her family and
a highlight of every Christmas morning, regardless of her age, was opening her stocking.
She had a great capacity of love for her family and was so happy when family popped in for
visits or gave her a call. She always wanted to greet you with a hug when you arrived and
another hug and kiss when you left, often followed by a “give us another hug” before you got out
the door. Getting long distance calls from her grandchildren who live away, Stephanie, Loren
and Jay were always extra special. She didn't hesitate to say I love you and always loved being
told the same. And she was easy to love - she loved to laugh, was very witty and had a great
sense of humor, an asset that endeared her to many, especially her grandchildren because she
was so quick to get their jokes - nothing escaped her!
She adored babies and when a new one arrived on the scene she was in her element,
especially when she was able to hold and cuddle the babe. Having her newest great
granddaughter Letty visit her in the nursing home added great joy to her day.
Prior to moving into Arborstone, Ducky had spent the last twelve years living in a senior’s
residence in Upper Tantallon where she was very near to her granddaughter’s and daughter’s
homes. This brought much happiness to her life as she spent a lot of time having sleepovers at
Hillary’s with her great granddaughter Caedyn, attending lots of family celebrations at Marilyn’s,
or just enjoying having Caedyn coming over to “hang out” with her Nan.
Ducky was predeceased by her son David Hartnett; sisters Joyce Seaboyer, Gwen Nicholson,
brothers Buddy Stewart, Jack Stewart; son-in-law Ed Hanlon, brothers-in law Ralph Nicholson,
Doug Hale and ex husband Bill Hartnett, her children’s father.
She is survived by her son, Stephen (Carol) Hartnett, Prospect, daughters Diane (Greg) Hanlon
Bush, Bridgewater, Marilyn (Jack) Paul MacDonald, Upper Tantallon, daughter-in-law Janet
Hartnett, Dartmouth, brothers Jim (Jane) Stewart, White’s Lake, Terry (Colleen) Stewart,
Sackville, sisters June Craig, PEI, Beatty (Bud) Askew, Goodwood, Sandy (Dennis) Smith,
Dartmouth, Jeanine Hale, White’s Lake, brother-in-law Lynn Seaboyer, Mt. Uniacke;
grandchildren Steven Hartnett, Stephanie (Doug) Hanlon McGovern, Carson (Natasha) Hanlon,
Hillary (Kevin) Hanlon Whynot, Dana (Travis) Evans, Leighann (Luke Penny) Hartnett, Loren
(Jennifer) Paul, Richard (Katie) Paul, Jay (Katia) Paul; great children Saige and Mia McGovern,
Grant Hartnett, Caedyn Whynot, Calleigh Hanlon, Brady and Harper Evans, Payton Paul, Jacob
and Emily Penny, Letty Paul; numerous nieces and nephews including Sharon Forsyth and
Ronnie Craig who always stayed in touch with their Aunt Ducky.
Although our mother was not able to attend mass on a regular basis she had a strong faith in
God and a great faith in the power of prayer.
Our family is grateful for and would like to thank our mother’s newest “other family”, her
Arborstone 4th floor care team, for the care and compassion you provided our mother during
her months with you.
Visitation will be held on Thursday evening March 2 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm in Atlantic Funeral Home, 6552 Bayer’s Rd. Halifax. The funeral service will take place on Friday, March 3 at 11:00 am in St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church, 18 Scholar’s Rd., Upper Tantallon. Reception to follow in the church hall. Donations may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Alzheimer’s Society of NS or the SPCA.