MARSHALL

Though it grieves us to let her go, the spirit of Anne “Lesley” Marshall, 85, of Petite Riviere, was set free to soar once again with the strength of eagle's wings, on Friday, March 13, 2026, while at South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater.

Born in Truro, she was a daughter of Robert and Katharine (McDaniel) McCurdy.

After graduating from high school in Truro, Lesley attended Mount Allison for a year before enrolling in nursing training at the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, becoming an RN in 1963. There she made many good friends whom she remained in touch with until the end.

At 14, Lesley found the home for her heart with Gerry and the two married on September 4, 1963. Together they embarked on an adventure of a lifetime moving to Thompson, Manitoba, in June of 1964.

An avid gardener, Lesley also loved to travel. In Thompson, she was involved with the horticultural society, the annual arts festival and was very involved in St. John’s United Church. Upon returning from one vacation in Hawaii, Lesley filled a room in her basement with Orchids … in Thompson! And kept them alive and beautiful.

Lesley was the mother of three great children. When her beloved Paul died in 1984, Lesley started a support group for other grieving parents.

Many summer hours were spent at Setting Lake, picking raspberries, swimming, and planting gardens around the cabin. Other summers, Lesley came home to Nova Scotia, often bringing the children with her and spending her days at Crescent Beach.

Lesley and Gerry acquired their retirement home in Petite Riviere in 1995 when Gerry was thinking about retiring. Lesley, with the help of her mother, designed the gardens around the home which remain beautiful to this day. Gardening was Lesley’s great passion. Rug Hooking became her other passion, and she created wonderful pieces throughout the years, many being displayed around Nova Scotia at various times.

Lesley’s faith was always at the very heart of her life and she loved serving God. She was a faithful member of Wesley United Church, Petite Riviere, willing to help whenever and wherever she could, whether it was on the Session, the Ladies U.C.W., decorating the sanctuary with banners and/or flowers, leading worship on Sundays while the minister was away, attending Bible Study, graciously organizing Christmas in Petite Food Hampers and delivery or vacuuming and dusting the sanctuary. In these areas and many more, her light and love for God and others, shone through.

Those who knew Lesley were aware that throughout her lifetime, her health was always a challenge. Through all her years of health battles, Lesley carried herself with grace and strength unmatched by anyone else we know.

Lesley is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Gerald “Gerry;” daughters, Lauren (David) Doucette, Halifax, Suzanne (Jeff) Kelly, Broad Cove; grandchildren, Zachary, Joshua (Sarah), Amanda (Haig), Dustin (Katlyn) and Sarah; great grandchildren, Edgar and Razmig; sisters-in-law, Jean Probyn, Susan Marshall; niece, Linda (James), and nephew David.

Besides her parents and parents-in-law, Lesley was predeceased by her dear son, Paul; sister Jane, brothers-in-law Donald Marshall and George Marshall.

Very special thanks to the Palliative Care team along with the doctors and nurses at the South Shore Regional Hospital.

Arrangements are under the care of the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213 Hwy 3, Lunenburg. A service to celebrate Lesley’s life will be held on Friday, March 20 at 2:00 PM from Wesley United Church (22 Drew’s Hill Road), Petite Riviere, with Rev. Vivian Moores officiating. Interment in Wesley United Church Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Wesley United Church, Petite Riviere or the Canadian Cancer Society.