Obituary of Miriam Pauline Whitman

Whitman (Durling), Miriam Pauline - 89, of Bridgetown, passed away peacefully with her loving daughters by her side on June 14, 2020 at the Annapolis Community Health Centre, Annapolis Royal. Born in Lawrencetown, Annapolis County, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Blanche (Bishop) Durling. In 1952, Miriam graduated from the Victoria General Hospital School of Nursing and achieved among the highest grades on her RN exam. After marrying Malcolm in 1955 and moving to Bridgetown, she devoted her early life to raising her family. She returned to the nursing profession in the early 1970’s and worked at Mountain Lea Lodge until her retirement. A woman of great faith, she was a long-time member of the Bridgetown Baptist Church and served with the Baptist Women’s Fellowship. She was an avid member of the local chapter of TOPS Club Inc., volunteering in varied capacities and thoroughly enjoying the many activities and travel experiences. She so loved her family, as well as having fun, and never missed an opportunity to participate in lively gatherings or to attend special events. Miriam was an exceptional baker, and also spent many summertime hours pickling and canning preserves. With Malcolm, she enjoyed taking drives in the car, visiting family and friends, going on camping excursions, and even trying her hand at hunting on occasion. Following retirement, they travelled and enjoyed several trips together. Miriam is survived by her daughters, Sheena (David) Charlton, North Williamston and Steffany (Mike) Maillet, Middleton; grandchildren, Nathaniel (Iuli), Toby (Anette), Gillian (Corey), Nicki, Jared, Elyse, Ashley (Jason), Stephen, Marlee, Sophie, and Simon; great-grandchildren, Samuel, Nicholas, Henry, Pascale, Lucas, Jack, Mila, and Ian; brothers-in-law, Lloyd Coady and John Blackwell; sister-in-law, Louise Durling; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her dear husband, Malcolm; daughter, Sybil (Henri); son, Shane (Peggy); sister, Kathleen Coady; and brother, Lester Durling. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Kaulbach Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Bridgetown. A funeral Service will be held 2:00 pm Friday, August 14, 2020 in Kaulbach Family Funeral Home, Bridgetown, with Rev. Brian Wallace officiating. Burial will follow in Whitman Cemetery, Lawrencetown. Provincial Covid 19 restrictions will be followed. Donations in Miriam’s memory may be made to the Bridgetown Baptist Church. The family would like to thank Dr. Grant Goodine and the staff of Crosskill Court, the staff on 5-A at the QEII, and the staff of the Palliative Care Program at the Annapolis Community Health Centre. On line Condolences may be sent to www.kaulbachfamilyfuneralhome.com