Obituary of Philippa Agnes Cranton

It is with great sadness that the family of Philippa Agnes Cranton (Nickerson) 93, of Belleisle, NS announce that she passed away on September 14^th, 2025. Philippa was the youngest of four born to Bessie Agnes (Turner) and Herbert (Herb) Osborne Nickerson in Woods Harbour, Shelburne County, NS on the 30th of March 1932. At 17 years old she left home for teachers college before completing grade 12 as was the norm of the day. She graduated from Provincial Normal College in Truro in 1952. She focused employment as a one room school house teacher in Ingomar, Gunning Cove, Upper Granville, Belleisle and in later years Granville Ferry.

She would board with a family in the community where she taught.  While teaching in Upper Granville she met her husband William James Cranton. After six months they were married on August 28^th 1954. Together they bought their family homestead in Belleisle, a farm of 140 acres where she resided for 71 years.

Three daughters were born in the first few years, Dorothy, Pamela, and Carolyn. Mom was a seemingly tireless worker, always busy from early morning until night. Our house smelled of fresh baked bread, cookies, cakes, and always home cooked meals. She was a devoted mother, always ready to guide us with unending love that extended in later years to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was a devoted educator, both in the classroom and with each generation of children, always interested in their accomplishments and playing whatever instructional role that might be requested.

She was a member of the Gordon Providence United Church and UCW, and the Women’s Institute, both of Upper Granville, as well as the Quilting Group of Granville Centre and the Nixon Promenaders Square Dancing Group. She thoroughly enjoyed writing poetry, knitting, and quilting, giving many gifts of those items to special individuals in her life. She was a farm wife, with a garden to tend, canning to do, barn work to keep up with when dad was working away, and three daughters to bring up and guide. She worked hard to save and build her home up, her pride and joy.

She is survived by her daughters Dorothy (Allen), Pam, Carolyn (Terry), grandchildren Jennifer, Katelyn, Rob, Karen, Cole, Ben, Michelle, Mitchell, Melissa and spouses; great-grandchildren Immanuel, Matthew, Cohen, Myanna, Logan, Mia, Lilah, Livvy, Terry, Alexandria, Lucas, and Baby Saunders (due in November); Brother in law, David (Sharon); nephews, Will, Parker, Mathew, Russell Danny, Larry, Michael, Allan, Andrew and niece Andrea.  

She was predeceased by her parents Bessie and Herbert, her brothers Bert (Jean), Robert and cousin/brother Billie Turner, sister Dorothy (Bill), husband William Cranton, son-in-law Grant Courtney, father-in-law Daniel, mother-in-law Phyllis, brother-in-law Vernon, and sister-in-law Jean.

Mom was truly an example of kindness, love, connection, guidance and a strong moral compass. She was loved by so many outside her immediate family; Cindy Courtney, her boys, Marilyn Kaulbach and daughter Jillian, friends Peter and Marit to name a few.

Mom lived for news of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and what was happening in their lives. In her last years she enjoyed video calls and the pictures of each family member as it scrolled through her electronic picture frame. Mom’s final wish was to remain in her home until the end, where she passed away peacefully surrounded by her three daughters and lots of love.

A visitation will be held 6-8pm Thursday, with a funeral service being held 2pm Friday September 19, 2025 both from the Kaulbach Family Funeral Home, Bridgetown with Rev. Don MacPherson officiating. Reception to follow. Burial will take place in the Wadeville Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband, William. Donations in Philippa’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a Charity of One’s Choice. Online condolences may be made at www.kaulbachfamilyfuneralhome.com