Blaikie, Thelma Audrey, BN, RN (retired) – It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Thelma Audrey (Gammell) Blaikie, BN, RN (retired), age 85, of Dartmouth, on August 31, 2026 in Upper Stewiacke.
Born and raised on the family farm in Newton Mills, Colchester County, Thelma was a daughter of the late John and Hilda (Redmond) Gammell. She spent most of her adult life in Dartmouth following graduation as a Registered Nurse from the Nova Scotia Hospital’s school of nursing. Thelma joined the school’s staff as a nursing instructor and then advanced to Director of Nursing Education. She earned her Bachelor of Nursing from Dalhousie University (1968). When the hospital closed its school she assumed the role of Director of Quality Assurance, a position she held until her retirement. Not one to sit idle, after retirement Thelma began a second career as secretary at Dartmouth’s Grace United Church, a position she held for 30 years until her passing.
Thelma gave generously of her time and talents and took great pride in helping others. She served her community in many ways, including various roles with Girl Guides of Canada; volunteering as a Critical Incident Debriefer for the Swiss Air Disaster and volunteer coordinator for the Nova Scotia Hospital’s Festival of Trees; assisting with her daughter’s school band fundraisers; delivering first aid training; and teaching Sunday School.
Thelma found great joy in gardening and was a talented knitter and crocheter. Her greatest source of pride was her family. She especially enjoyed attending her granddaughters' paddling regattas and cheering them on in their swimming and Guiding accomplishments.
She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Krista (John) and Kiley (Kevin); and grandchildren, Sarah, Grace, and Kenley. Tum will be affectionately remembered by her siblings, Jean (Doug) Keddy of Truro, James (Maureen) of Calgary, David (Anna) of Moncton, and Kathleen (Donald) of Upper Stewiacke. She was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as great and great-great nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and her husband, Keith, Thelma was predeceased by her parents-in-law, Edwin and Olive Blaikie, and her nephew, Stephen Keddy.
Cremation has taken place.
Visitation will be held on September 9, 2026 from 6-8 p.m. and a funeral service will be held September 10 at 2 p.m., both in Sharon Presbyterian Church, Dean. Burial to follow in Riverside Cemetery, Upper Stewiacke.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Upper Stewiacke Volunteer Fire Department or Sharon Presbyterian Church.
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