Antigonish, NS
June 16, 2024
The family of Melba DeYoung-Avery are very saddened to announce her passing on June 16, 2024, in the Johnny MacLellan Palliative Care Unit at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, at the age of 75 surrounded by her family.
Born in St. Martha’s Hospital, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Gussie (Pelly) DeYoung, formerly of St. Andrews Street, Antigonish.
Melba attended Morrison School and Antigonish High School. She then was accepted into the C.N.A. program at Camp Hill Hospital in Halifax. Growing up, Melba always wanted to help others, so she found her calling as she used her nursing skills to the best of her abilities and always gave one hundred percent when asked to do so.
After graduation, Melba worked at Bethany and then St. Martha’s Hospital doing what she loved best. Unfortunately, Melba faced many challenges with her health through her life, sometimes having to pause from her career.
In her later years, she still had a chance to use her skills on a personal level with many residents. She loved it, and she was in high demand. When Melba reluctantly retired due to her health, she continued to look to the positive side of life saying "I am so blessed" or "Things could be worse".
Melba loved her music, singing with choirs and her Bonnie Blends friends. She loved going to concerts, playing cards, her daily coffee and newspaper, chats on the phone with friends, and of course, visits.
Melba’s family would like to thank the many doctors and health care providers, especially her long-time health providers, Dr. Cudmore and the kidney transplant unit. The family would also like to thank the Palliative Care Unit at St. Martha’s for the exceptional care and kindness. They went beyond their call of duty.
She is survived by her son, David (Tammy), Ashdale; granddaughter, Kate; partner, Gerard "Chis" Chisholm, Lower South River; sisters, Carolyn (Danny) Gillard, Dartmouth; Brenda (Fred) Berkvens, Antigonish; Joanie (Ronnie) Broussard, Pomquet; and Shirley (Paul) Heffler, Lower South River.
Predeceased by her husband, Michael; brothers, Walter and Gerald; and niece, Gina.
Visitation will be held Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9pm in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday in St. Ninian Cathedral, Antigonish, at 10:00am. Burial in the parish cemetery.
In Memoriam, donations to the Kidney Foundation or St. Vincent de Paul Society appreciated.
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