Obituary of Audrey MacFarlane

Audrey "Joyce" MacFarlane, 92, of Halifax, Nova Scotia passed away Sunday, April 16, 2023. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts and was the daughter of Heber and Sadie Schurman. She grew up in Chelton, Prince Edward Island where she experienced many childhood adventures. After marrying the love of her life Bill MacFarlane, they moved to Moncton, NB to establish a business there and to start a family. As the business grew, they moved to Halifax and it was here that she continued to raise her family. Joyce was an incredible woman of God, who loved her family beyond all else. She was a full-time mom who, at one time, also worked as a bookkeeper. She loved tole painting, she worked with ceramics, painting, sewing, crocheting – she was a woman who enjoyed many crafts. What set Mom apart in this world was her Christ-like love for all people, especially her children. She treasured her children and grand-children in a way too few people have the joy of experiencing. She was always there by their bedside at night and involved in their activities. She was a member of Sheffield Baptist Church and then Living Hope Community Church for many years. During that time, she served as a Sunday school teacher, church clerk, bookkeeper and many other servant roles that only the Lord knows. Her life was always focused on Christ. She appreciated Him and loved her Saviour with all her heart; always saying, “apart from Him, we can do nothing.” and “every day is a gift from God.” Her favorite summer place was the family cottage on PEI where she loved to swim in the Northumberland Straight and spend time with family. She was an avid gardener and world-wide traveller. She is treasured in all of our hearts. We miss you Mom. She is survived by three sons and one daughter – Rodney, Andrew (Rosemary) and Ian (Joy) and Lesley (Glenn) Erskine; by her brother Charles Schurman of PEI; by her grand-children: Jason, Lauren, Courtney, Bronson, Drew, Kelsey, Nerida, William, brothers/sisters in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her adoring husband, Bill MacFarlane; parents, Heber and Sadie Schurman; sister, Jean Schurman, son, Scott MacFarlane A Special thanks to the nurses and staff of QEII 4.2 South for their love and compassion towards mom and our family. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 20th from 4-7PM at T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 71 McQuade Lake Cres., Halifax. – Flowers can be sent here or in lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the QEII Foundation in her memory. Funeral/Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, April 21st at 2PM at Birch Cove Baptist Church, 50 Donaldson Ave, Halifax. Internment at Bedeque Baptist Church Cemetery (PEI) Tuesday, April 25 at 3pm.