Obituary of Melissa "Liss" Bruce

Bruce, Melissa Gertrude "Liss" - age 99, of Enfield, formerly of Kennetcook, passed away peacefully at Serenity Lodge, Enfield on March 26, 2017 after a brief illness. Born in Kennetcook on November 1, 1917, she was the daughter of Alonso and Amanda (White) Anthony. Melissa lived all her life in Kennetcook where she worked at the store, post office, and Bank of Nova Scotia until her retirement. She was a member of the Kennetcook United Church and was actively involved in the UCW, The Women's Institute, and the Order of The Eastern Star. After her retirement, Melissa organised a "Weigh-In" group for the ladies in the community, which was held at her home every Wednesday morning. The ladies were required to pay for every pound they gained, and the proceeds were donated to charity. Melissa loved to dance, play cards and fish. Also, once retired she travelled extensively with her family to Vancouver, California, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Florida, Alaska, Holland and Belgium. Melissa also made many visits to London, England to visit her family. Melissa is survived by her daughter, Gerry (Bert) McPhee; grandchildren, Michelle and Doug (Barb); and great-grandchildren, Emma, Kylie and Callum, all of London, England. Besides her parents, Melissa was predeceased by her husband, Douglas; sisters, Lillian (Frank) White, Delina Hennessy, Cora (Bernard) Bartlett, and Eliza in childhood; brothers, John (Delina), Maxwell (Frances), Carl (Catherine), and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to the staff at Serenity Lodge, which has been Melissa's home for the past eleven and a half years, for their thoughtful and loving care. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 30 from 7-9 pm at the J Wilson Allen Funeral Home in Kennetcook. The funeral service will be at the Kennetcook United Church, Friday March 31 at 2 pm, Rev. Angus R. MacDonald officiating, followed by a reception in the Kennetcook Fire Hall. Private interment in Kennetcook Cemetery following the service. By request, family flowers only. Donations in memory of Melissa may be made to the Kennetcook Cemetery Fund c/o Barry MacAskill 6098 Hwy 354, Kennetcook, BON 1P0, or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of the J. Wilson Allen Funeral Home, Hwy 354, Kennetcook, N.S. Ph 1-902-362-2440 or please visit our website at www.allenfh.ca to sign the guest book or send private condolences.