Halifax, NS
September 20, 1953 - April 6, 2024
In loving memory and with saddened hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Marjorie Ellen (Gee) Baird, affectionately known by friends and family as “Meg” on April 6, 2024.
Born in Kentville, NS to Helen (Silver) and George Gee. She is survived by David Baird, her daughter Heather Baird-Moodley, her son Trevor Baird, her grandchildren Liam, Eva, and Piper Moodley, Aria, Skye, and Jasper Baird, and brothers Bob, George, and Wayne Gee.
Although her passing from the physical to the eternal happened much too soon, we take comfort in knowing that she is now in the peaceful and loving arms of God and the company of her beloved mother, Helen “Nanny” Gee.
Meg’s legacy is that of a youthful and imaginative free spirit who walked a delicate line between a pragmatic, down-to-earth perspective on life and that of a poetic genius. She enjoyed the company of her close friends, loved and held her family in profound affection, and treasured her free time spent writing poetry and practicing yoga. Engaged by intellect and conversation, she seldom found herself at a loss for words. She had a certain eloquence about her and a mesmerizing effect on others as she effortlessly danced through conversations and discussions with poise and finesse.
In her creative genius, she enjoyed performing her poetry in cafes, libraries, bars, and special events. Her writing can be found in the Ezine Archives of Yellow Mama, Twisted Sister, Anemone Sidecar, Open Heart Forgery, Apollo’s Lyre, and Prachya Review, as well as the paper publications Fluidity, CV2: Poetry Only, Expressions, and Fourth Floor Images.
She exemplified discipline and dedication in her professional endeavors, navigating a varied career path that encompassed both corporate and non-profit organizations. She found particular fulfillment in the roles held at the Acadia University Art Gallery in Wolfville, NS, and the Nova Scotia Choral Federation in Halifax, NS. Her passion and commitment to supporting and contributing to the arts and community enrichment opportunities left an enduring footprint in the cultural landscape.
After her children were grown and starting families of their own, she retired from the Nova Scotia Choral Federation and set out on a new chapter to pursue certification as a care assistant, and later dedicated herself to the well-being of the elderly residents at the Northwood Retirement Home in Halifax, NS. Her compassion for those under her care was unwavering but she soon realized the stark realities of the healthcare system.
Drawing upon her innate nurturing instincts and love of children, she left the system behind and set her sights on a new life out west. For the next five years, she embraced the role of caring for her young grandchildren and became an adored and treasured member of the Alberta Baird clan and extended family. She proudly claimed and cherished the rights and responsibilities of being Nanny and made lasting memories of love, laughter, and adventure with her family there. She also used the time she spent with her grandchildren to instill in them an awareness of the hidden treasures waiting to be found in reading, learning, and exploring the natural world around them.
Eventually returning to Halifax, NS, in 2022, she became busy with plans to open a small early childhood education center in her home. Although she was not able to finish writing this chapter before illness set in, the groundwork had been done. The second floor of her house in Halifax is host to small desks and tiny chairs, books, games, markers, and the like. She was a determined woman working on a plan.
She loved to spend time at the beach and was an excellent cook and baker of yummy treats. She herself loved bread and French fries, but never had to worry about gaining a pound! Elephants and sea turtles were among her favourite creatures, next in line to her love for domestic cats. She dabbled in amateur photography in her younger years and remained an excellent snapshot photographer with a keen eye for beauty and composition. We hold these photo memories she created as treasured reminders of the beauty she saw in us and the world around her.
Meg was a generous and loving spirit who loved life. In her passing, we turn our attention to the memories and stories we have of the times we spent enjoying life right along with her. We remain grateful for the gift of her love, the ongoing presence of her spirit in our lives, and for the gifts she gave of herself in her passing in the hope that she might extend the life of someone else.
Instead of flowers or cards, please consider making a small donation in memory Meg to the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation. www.childrensliteracy.ca
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.
The details of her celebration will be shared once her children and grandchildren have had time to coordinate their travel to Nova Scotia.
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