Obituaries

Courtney, Mary Lou (Louise) – Halifax, Age 88

Following a long dance with dementia, Mary Lou died on June 30, 2022 in Ocean View Continuing Care Centre, Eastern Passage. She will be lovingly remembered by nephews, Michael (Deb) and Peter (Joanne) Courtney, Patrick Landry (Shelly Meider) and niece Mary Lou Landry (Lauchlin Meagher); the Antoft family: Nick (Tracey), Asta, Susan and Tim. Mary Lou was predeceased by her parents Basil E. and Margaret O. Courtney; husband Kell Antoft; brother Gerald Courtney; sister Colleen Landry; nephew Christopher Landry and niece Barbara Jean Courtney.

Mary Lou was born in Halifax and attended Saint Thomas Aquinas School and the Convent of the Sacred Heart School where she made life-long friends. Following her graduation from Dalhousie University, she worked as a social worker at the Children’s Aid Society until she was recruited to teach at the Maritime School of Social Work which eventually amalgamated with Dalhousie University. She taught at Dal until her retirement in 1994.

Mary Lou enjoyed the social connections to her colleagues at Dal and found many friends and travelling companions in the community. It was at Dal that Mary Lou connected with Kell Antoft who would become her husband in 1980. Kell introduced Mary Lou to a world of non-stop adventure and civic involvement that the two of them thrived upon. Their time spent building their log house at Fancy Lake was balanced with winter ski trips and their calendar was routinely marked with travel dates for Kell’s board meetings and political work. Their life together was a full one.

Mary Lou had an unwavering family loyalty and a fierce love for her brother and sister, Gerald and Colleen. She expressed herself with great generosity which extended to her entire family. She constantly looked for ways to meet a need or delight someone with a surprise or a gift. At Christmas, the tree was barely visible after Mary Lou had made her deposit of gifts and she anticipated the unwrapping with the glee of a 5 year old.

Independence and self-sufficiency meant a great deal to Mary Lou and the family is grateful to the companions and friends that allowed her to remain in her own home for the last few years. Her wishes were made possible by Karen Smith, Cindy Bishop, Paulette Poirier, Karen Kennedy and Janet Carney. Many thanks to Dr. David Tilley for support and guidance. We would also like to thank the incredible team at Geriatric Ambulatory Care Clinic especially Terri Buckland, Catherine-Anne Murray and Dr. von Maltzahn. Thank you to all at Ocean View for caring for Mary Lou in her final months. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society Nova Scotia or a charity of your choice.

Cremation has taken place. There will be no funeral service at Mary Lou’s request. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.