Durno, Ada Elizabeth

Kentville, Nova Scotia

April 19, 1944 - August 10, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ada Elizabeth (Stevens) Durno, who peacefully left us on August 10, 2025, at the age of 81.

Born in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, on April 19, 1944, Ada grew up in the close-knit community of Marriotts Cove. She later moved to Halifax to work at Maritime Tel and Tel, before relocating to Kentville to attend Mack Business College. It was here that she met the love of her life, John Miles Durno, with whom she shared 56 wonderful years of marriage. Ada made Kentville her home for many years, where she raised her family and built lasting connections.

Ada was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Darreld Stevens and Helen (Armstrong) Stevens, and her siblings Percy Stevens, George (Joan) Stevens, R. David Stevens, H. Marie (Herman) Iyoupe, and Edith (Raymond) Zinck. She is survived by her beloved sister, Jean Stevens (Aldo Manara), her daughters Kimberly (Robert) Meyer and Margaret (Jeffrey) Greenlaw, and her cherished grandchildren, Haily, Julie, and Zachary.

Ada’s career as a medical secretary in Kentville saw her working alongside various doctors, eventually finishing her career with Dr. George. Her commitment to her work was only matched by her dedication to her family. She was actively involved in her daughters’ lives, volunteering for their skating club, driving them to sporting events, and cheering them on from the sidelines. Her love for fitness was also evident, as she spent many mornings at the gym, where she forged lasting friendships that meant the world to her.

A loyal and true friend, Ada’s warmth and kindness left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. Her dearest and oldest friend, Hilda, was a source of comfort in Ada’s final days, and the many friends who visited her during her hospital stay after her stroke spoke volumes of the incredible relationships she nurtured over the years. Ada’s devotion extended to her role as a wife, where she lovingly cared for her husband, John, throughout his illness.

Ada passed away after suffering a stroke, surrounded by the love of her daughters and granddaughter. She will be forever missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Elm Grove Cemetery, followed by a reception at the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville to celebrate Ada’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.