HYSON

It is with a deep sense of loss that the family of Mary Jane Hyson, 77, of Lake Mush A Mush (Sweetland), share the news of her passing on August 18, 2026, at the QE11 Health Sciences Centre VG Site, in Halifax with her loving husband by her side.

Born in Bridgewater, raised in Blockhouse, she was the only child of the late Gordon and Ruth Ernst and was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

High school sweethearts since the age of 16, Mary Jane will be sadly missed by her husband of 56 years, Robert; daughters Terri (Trevor) Langille, Bedford, Kristi, Calgary; son Ryan (Kari), Wellington; very proud grandmother to Skylar, very special cousin Ann Barry, Mahone Bay, as well as several cousins.

Mary Jane started her working career at CKBW in Bridgewater and CHER Radio in Sydney. She dabbled in the financial world with Dominion Securities and Montreal Trust in Halifax. But her greatest joy was joining her mother as co-owner of A & R Flower Basket in Bridgewater. Mary Jane loved flowers and gardening. When she was first diagnosed with cancer, her doctor recommended therapy. She replied that working in her gardens, with her hands in the soil, was the only therapy that she needed. In retirement, she was an active community volunteer. A born leader, she was a founding member of BARK (Blockhouse & Area Ratepayers Kinship) and she felt a real sense of accomplishment to work with a group dedicated to refurbishing and enhancing the Garden of Rest Cemetery in her role as President of the Blockhouse Cemeteries. Under her guidance, a columbarium was installed – a first in the local area.

Mom had a positive outlook on life. She accepted this second cancer diagnosis with quiet dignity. 

Mom could always see the beauty in all things. As they approached retirement, they moved to the lake, the cottage of content at Lake Mush A Mush, a place held close to her heart since she was a little girl. She took great pride in her gardens and creating a pristine walking environment in the surrounding woods.

The family would like to thank the oncology teams at the Dickson Centre and SSRH for their compassion and supportive care as well as the team in the 3B unit at the VG for helping to make her final days peaceful.

In keeping with Mary Jane’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at the Trinity United Church Hall in Mahone Bay Sunday September 20 from 2-4 pm. A private family interment will be held at the Garden of Rest Cemetery in Blockhouse. Arrangements entrusted to Personal Care Cremations & Memorial Services.

For those wishing, donations can be made to the Garden of Rest Cemetery (etransfer: blockhousecemeteries@gmail.com) Blockhouse or the IWK Foundation and would be appreciated by the family.

The kiss of the sun for pardon

The song of the birds for mirth

One is nearer to God’s heart in the garden

Than anywhere else on earth