Obituary of Colina "Connie" Marilyn Keefe

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Colina Myra Keefe, 69, of Bedford, N.S., on December 10, after a courageous journey with dementia. Born to Arthur and Evelyn Myra in Halifax, Colina’s life was defined by bravery, intelligence, and kindness. She grew up in the North End of Halifax, attending Bloomfield Elementary School and Queen Elizabeth High School, where she led the cheerleading squad and met her future husband. Her post-secondary accomplishments included a bachelor’s degree in political science from Saint Mary’s University and a master’s in education (adult) from Mount Saint Vincent University. However, her true calling was the way she connected with and lifted up those around her. In 1979, Colina married her soulmate, David Keefe. Together they raised three children and built a life of love, adventure, and unwavering partnership. They traveled hand in hand through 30 countries, living across Canada, the Middle East, and Asia, blending professional pursuits with a passion for new experiences, friendships, and cultures. Colina wore many hats throughout her remarkable life: teacher, ESL instructor, consultant, entrepreneur, and mentor. From owning a small boutique in Newfoundland to teaching in the Middle East, her greatest joy was helping others succeed—especially women in business. She had an extraordinary gift for making people feel good about themselves, inspiring confidence, and celebrating their triumphs. An animal lover, Colina’s gentleness, kindness, and connection with animals mirrored her relationships with people. She loved them deeply, and they loved her in return. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth and joy—a gathering place where family, friends, and even strangers found comfort, laughter, and love. Known for her open heart, Colina was a “mom” to all—a source of wisdom, a fierce protector, and a steadfast cheerleader for everyone she welcomed into her life. She lit up every room with her spirit, always the first to step onto the dance floor and the last to leave. If you met Colina, you never forgot her, and she never forgot you. She is deeply missed by her loving husband of 45 years, David; children, Jordan (Heather Noseworthy), Jeremy (Andrea Dion), and Emily (Zach Bedford); and lifelong friends, Marilyn "Moe" Fraser and Karen Russell; as well as her soul sisters, Jane, Maureen, Alice, Janet, Susan, Sharon, Madonna, and many others. She also leaves behind her sister, Dolly Davison; nieces and nephews, John, Brent, Jeff, Jessica, Craig, Chrissy, Chad, Kelly, Ryan, and Kevin; and a community of family and friends who adored her. Colina is reunited with her parents, Arthur and Evelyn Myra, and her sister, Patricia “Patsy” Clothier. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 17, from 6 to 8pm in T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 71 McQuade Lake Crescent Beechville, NS, B3S 1C4. Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, December 18, at 1 p.m. in The Bedford United Church, 1200 Bedford Highway. To leave words of condolence for the family please visit: www.tjtracey.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or your local animal shelter, honoring Colina’s legacy of compassion and care. The family would like to thank the medical and care team of Sandpiper Hills, Northwood Ivany Place in Bedford. We cannot thank you enough for the exceptional care you provided to Colina. Colina’s legacy is one of love, kindness, and a life lived fully and fearlessly. She will be remembered as a beacon of light and strength, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.