HANHAMS, Catherine Brown

2023-05-11


It is with great sadness that the family of Catherine Brown Hanhams, 82, of Lunenburg, announce her passing on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital, Lunenburg.

Born in Belleoram, NL, she was a daughter of the late Stanley and Vivian (Mullins) Savoury.

Mom’s story began in her beloved Belleoram, Fortune Bay, NL. She raised a family of seven children while Dad was away on the boats for several months at a time. During her time in Belleoram, she found time to be a bartender at the local Legion. In the late 1970s, the family moved to Halifax and then shortly after settled in Lunenburg, NS. Mom began a career at Harbour View Haven in the housekeeping department that spanned over 20 years; she loved the “home” and tried to make the residents laugh and feel loved in their twilight years. Mom forged many strong friendships during her working time at Harbour View Haven.

Nothing was more important to her than family. All the kids and grandkids knew that “Nan’s place” on Lincoln Street always had an open door and lots of food and love to give. Mom always had time to ask how you and your family were doing; she also loved to make infants and toddlers laugh with her comical expressions. She loved a good cup of coffee and chat at Tim Hortons with the regulars. Giving back and volunteering were important to her as well and she was extremely proud when she was honoured by the Town of Lunenburg for her volunteer work in 2014. Mom loved people and interacting with anyone she crossed paths with; “shyness” wasn’t in her nature; it was a hello and a hug, and most of the time a somewhat “dirty” joke was told to roaring laughter. She was also known for her hilarious “antics” at local wrestling events. In her honour, take time to talk to a stranger or check on a loved one, make them laugh and feel loved. While we are heartbroken, we know her race has been run and she left this town, this earth and all of us for the better.

Catherine is survived by her husband, Fred; daughter, Mary (Dianne), Kingston; sons, Wally (Nancy), Saskatchewan, Frank (Michelle), Oakhill, Harold (Tara), Bridgewater, Donnie (Karen), Bridgewater; sisters, Vivian (John) Hillier, Lunenburg, Queen (Mike) Cohen, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL, Colleen Kirk, Hamilton, ON, Donna (Gary) Piercey, Edmonton, AB; brothers, Stan (Sheila), D’Escousse, NS, Charles, St. John’s, NL, Vernon (Grand Bank); 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews whom she adored.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by sons Fred and Levi “Bub;” sisters, Dora Fiander, Daisy Morris; brothers, Frank Perham, Wilfred Savoury, and Gerald in infancy.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213 Highway 3, Lunenburg, and from where visitation was held on Wednesday, May 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. A memorial service was held on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 2 p.m. from St. John’s Anglican Church, Lunenburg. Rev. Tory Bryne officiated. Interment to take place at a later date.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to St. John’s Anglican Church, Lunenburg, or the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia would be appreciated by the family. www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca

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