Winnifred Ella Alley

Oct. 11, 1932

April 16, 2026

Winnifred Alley, age 93, of Bedford, was a quiet, independent, and creative woman. She was born Oct. 11, 1932 in Halifax, to Morris and Mollie Alley. She died at Melville Gardens Nursing Home on April 16, 2026.

Winnie taught for many years for the Halifax School Board, and as a young woman taught English to French-speaking Royal Canadian Air Force recruits in Saint-Jean, Quebec. She was a constant reader – usually nonfiction, huge tomes on the human condition. It wasn’t unusual to see several books open on chairs around the living room. She was skilled at crochet, knitting and sewing. She also made time to play the ukulele and loved going to Bedford Player’s plays and Scott Manor House musical and art events.

She loved to travel, visiting several islands in the Caribbean and several countries in Europe, but her heart belonged to Newfoundland. St. Georges, Newfoundland was the home of her grandparents Philip and Ella Dennis. She drove there many summers, well into her 80s, and stayed for weeks, visiting different parts of the island and coming back with a contented smile on her face. Just breathing the air brought her comfort.

Winnie wrote wonderful essays on early life in Halifax, detailing the sights and sounds from a child’s perspective. She also practised Healing Touch.

Winnie is survived by her son Steven Peterson and his wife Pat, her grandson Eric and great- grandson Owen, all of BC, and Steven’s father Walter Swyer of Newfoundland. She is also survived by her only sibling, her brother Carl and his partner Dorothy Langthorne of Bedford, who were very devoted to her. She also leaves behind her good friend and neighbour Dave Aiken(Jade), and her friend Donna D'Amour, who was always there for her.

Funeral will take place at T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 71 McQuade Lake Cres., Beechville, N.S., (902-835-4212) on Monday, April 20th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Food Bank in Sackville.

To share words of comfort with Winnie’s family, please visit our website at www.tjtracey.com.