Obituary of Paulette Naomi Ernst

It is with broken hearts that the family of Paulette Ernst announce her passing. Paulette lost her courageous battle with cancer on December 8th, 2023, and peacefully passed in the presence of her family. Paulette was born in 1945 to the late Donald and Doris (Veinott) Hughes of New Ross. Paulette grew up with her brothers Gilbert, Oliver and Lester Hughes in their family home located off the Forties Road. Paulette attended the Lake Ramsey School in New Ross and that is where she met her lifelong friend, Rita (Ken) Seabouyer (Hiltz). Rita and Paulette would continue that friendship for 75 more years. In 1962, Paulette met the love of her life, Karl Ernst. Paulette and Karl grew their family by welcoming their 2 children, Dennis and Nadine, then settling into their family home, located in Upper Tantallon. Later on in Paulette’s life, she was blessed with her grandchildren, Cody, Ryan and Jordan. She was so proud of them and held them close to her heart. Paulette lived life with a big heart- full of love and a great sense of humor. Her career was spent in the hospitality industry, until taking time to raise her children. In her younger years, Paulette enjoyed dancing and social times with her friends. She volunteered for many years as a Brownie leader within the community and was blessed with beautiful friendships from that time. In her later years, she surrounded herself with a great group of women, known to all of us as the yoga friends (yogis). Paulette’s friendly nature through the years gifted her with lasting friendships that she held so dear to her heart. Paulette dedicated her life to helping her family and supporting her husband, Karl. One could say she was the backbone to the firewood and maple syrup production. Passionate about the outdoors, Paulette camped her whole life. She loved to camp anywhere that had water, as she loved to swim. Through her camping days, she created a network of friends that lasted a lifetime. Paulette spent her last summer at the lake lot in New Ross, overlooking the water, waiting for the beavers to pass by. Paulette will be remembered for her welcoming smile and ability to accommodate anyone that showed up at her door, as you can be assured they didn’t leave hungry. Paulette was like a second mother to many of her nieces, nephews and close friends, especially Christine Kettner and Jason Ernst. Paulette is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Karl Ernst; son, Dennis (Carrie) Ernst; daughter, Nadine Williams; grandchildren, Ryan, Jordan & Cody; sister in-law, Phyllis Hughes; and a long list of nieces and nephews. Paulette was predeceased by her 3 brothers, Lester, Gilbert and Oliver. Special thanks from the family to Halifax Hospice, palliative care nurse, Darlene, and the family doctor, Dr. Krista Thompson. A celebration of life will be held on December 30th at 1pm at St Luke’s United Church in Upper Tantallon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Halifax or St Luke’s United Church.