Mary Colleen Kiberd

1956 - 2013

Mary Colleen Kiberd obituary, 1956-2013, Halifax, NS

BORN

1956

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

JA Snow Funeral Home

339 Lacewood Drive

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Mary Kiberd Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 4, 2013.

Mary Colleen Kiberd ended her battle against breast cancer July 3rd, 2013. Throughout this ordeal she remained ever faithful, inspirational, if not defiant. She was a 'fighter'.
She leaves behind her husband Bryce and children Mat, James, and Anne; daughter of Mary and Colin Craig and her siblings Pearl (Dale) Walker, Paula, Colin (Joann) and Michelle (Paul) MacCormac; and nieces and nephews Craig, Terri, Tanya, Alexis, Olivia, Bryce and Ellie. She was predeceased by her brother Duane.
As a graduate of Halifax Infirmary Nursing School (RN) and Dalhousie University (BN) she was the quintessential nurse. She was always the first to jump to aid a fallen athlete or stricken child. She had extensive experience as a floor nurse, ICU nurse, Burn Unit nurse and nurse administrator. Everywhere she went (Halifax Infirmary, Victoria General Hospital, Kingston General Hospital, Wellesley Hospital, and Stanford University, USA) she was appreciated for her kindness and work ethic.
Her greatest professional love and ambition was to be a nurse educator. She received her Masters of Education (Queen's) and Masters of Nursing (Dalhousie) to pursue that career. She was adored by her students. At Dalhousie she won the Teacher Appreciation Award 12 times. She won the Reddick award at Queen's University twice as well as national awards for education from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing and the Canadian Nursing Students' Association. In 2011 the graduating class of Dalhousie School of Nursing created an award in her honor. When asked why she was so successful, she was overly modest and never responded. To all she was a role model and mentor but her secret was more fundamental. She loved her students, wanted them be successful and wanted them to open up their inner hearts and souls and be dedicated to caring. They in turn responded to that love.
She was instrumental in establishing the Rho Rho chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing in 2002 and served as its president. She promoted the ultimate gift of organ donation to her students. Colleen was also active in her community devoting her time and energy to various local and Provincial sports teams (basketball, swimming and football) and The Halifax Grammar School, where she was member of the Board of Governors.
Colleen's greatest gift was her spirit, a gift that came from God. She shared her spirit with everyone and would hope that those that she has touched will respond by sharing that spirit with others. There are many friends that loved and supported Colleen and her family throughout her illness and we thank them all. Colleen's sister Michelle deserves special mention for her incredible love and devotion. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Hemophilia Society of Canada or any charity of your choice. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 8th from 6-9 pm in J. A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. A Memorial Mass will be held at Canadian Martyr's on Tuesday, July 9th at 10 am.

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65 Entries

August 9, 2013

Melodie Cail

Dear Mary, Colin, Pearl, Paula, Colin and Michelle. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Although I did not know Colleen and her family, I am sure we must have crossed paths as we were both involved in the Halifax Grammar school. I cannot imagine outliving my two boys or one of my sisters--Darlene or Leanne. I wish you peace and lots of love during this incredibly difficult time.

Sincerely
Melodie Cail
(Mindy)

July 13, 2013

Lisa and Gordy Craig

Heartfelt thoughts are with you.

July 13, 2013

Karen & Steve Sinclair

Dr. Kiberd, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.

July 11, 2013

Pearl Walker

Thank you all for all your kind words and well wishes, you see our family chain is now broken, we are missing our greatest link, never to be repaired. Colleen will live on in our hearts forever and always. We pray for you and love you forever and always.R.I.P. our loved one.xoxo.

July 9, 2013

Erin McDiarmid

Colleen was the most amazing professor and such a caring, lovely person. I'm very honored to have gotten to be one of her students and so grateful for everything she did for us. I'm very sorry for your loss.

July 9, 2013

Colleen was always genuinely interested and cared about so many people. One of the numerous experiences we had, was when Cailin was putting her Master's application together and Colleen offered her email address and said 'send me your essay and I'll look at it and give you feedback'. With Colleen's busy schedule, this offer was so kind, very helpful and much appreciated. She will be dearly missed! God Bless you all during this time of sorrow. With Love from Rita, Wayne, Anna, Cailin & Ellen Crosby.

July 9, 2013

Cindy Craig

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

July 9, 2013

To Anne and family. Please accept sincere condolences on the passing of your mom/wife.
Trish Hassin, Antigonish

July 9, 2013

Sarah Macisaac

Dear Dr. Bryce Kiberd and family,

We cannot begin to imagine how difficult this time has been and will be as you go forward. Colleen was a dear and treasured friend to our mom and an inspirational female role model for both of us. My deepest sympathies for you and yours as you navigate these rocky times. Colleen is deeply loved and will be truly missed.

Sincerely,
Sarah and Kaitlyn MacIsaac

July 9, 2013

Olwyn Johnston

Dear Bryce.
My sincere sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your wonderful wife and mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Yours sincerely,
Olwyn Johnston

July 9, 2013

Dr.Bryce Kiberd and family Our sincere sympathies to you and your family for the loss of your wife and mother.
Anne&Paul Hogan Cornwall Prince Edward Island

July 9, 2013

To Bryce and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Colleen was a wonderful, caring person who will be missed by all of us. We still remember our last golf game together at Ashburn. You have been in our prayers. Patty and Geoff.

July 8, 2013

Dear Bryce, Please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of Colleen. Unfortunately, this is a road we all must travel. I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you and your family at this most difficult time. Sincerely, Allan Purdy

July 8, 2013

To Colin, Mary and family

Sending sincere condolences on the loss of your beautiful daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with.

Sincerely, Sherry Yates

July 8, 2013

Terry Brown

Dear Bryce, Anne and Family :

When speaking Colleen, over the past couple of years we could see she was a wonderfully thoughtful, cheerful, kind hearted Mother and Wife, who was devoted to her family. We also know you will miss her dearly.

Please know that the Brown family held her in the highest regard. We will miss her devotion to basketball where she was a faithful fan who always cheered the players on both teams to do their very best . We had to write to you to tell you how sorry we are to hear of her passing and to offer our sincere condolences . I hope that time, your memories and the love you held for her in your hearts will help lessen the burden of your sorrow and pain. We further hope that you may draw some measure of comfort knowing that others care and share in your loss.

Terry.. Marlene, Alise and Keisha Brown

July 8, 2013

Dear Bryce and family,
I worked with Colleen at the Dalhousie School of Nursing and then again briefly when I was with the CRNNS. Colleen was an outstanding person, nurse, educator and colleague. She was such a student advocate and an advocate for nursing. She has made such a contribution to nursing in Nova Scotia.I am proud to have known her and worked with her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Michele Brennan

July 8, 2013

Dear Bryce and Family,

So very sorry for your loss, she fought her battle with courage and dignity. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children.

Jo-Anne & Kevin Rogers

July 8, 2013

Wendy Langley

Bryce and Anne,
I feel so honoured to have met Colleen this year. She was such a kind and loving person. In the short time I got to know Anne, it was evident how much her mom meant to her. And it was easy to see the pride in Colleen's eyes every time Anne stepped on to the basketball court. My heartfelt sympathies to you both.

July 8, 2013

Dear Bryce,
So very sorry. May you find some comfort and strength from the support of your family& friends.
Sincerely,
Sohani Welcher

July 8, 2013

We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers go out to you. Thinking of you,

Love the Wetmore's

July 7, 2013

Maureen White

Memories of Colleen as a colleague, mentor and friend are treasured gifts. My sympathy and prayers go out to all members of her family as you mourn.

July 7, 2013

Dear Bryce,
I have just seen the obituary for Colleen. I did not know her but I want to express my sympathy to you and your family. I thought that 'her spirit was from God' almost said it all. She must have been a wonderful woman. May she rest in peace. Kindest regards, Carl Abbott

July 7, 2013

Stanley & Dorita Wadden

We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and you family.

July 7, 2013

Greg & Mary Aikins

We were blessed to have Colleen as a friend and neighbour and her faith was inspirational to the end. She reflected the deep love that she felt to those she encountered on her journey.

July 7, 2013

Remembering how fortunate the Nursing students were who learned under Colleen's direction. She was an incredible teacher! May you find comfort in knowing how special she was to so many. Take good care. Staff 7.1 QE2HSC (HI site)

July 6, 2013

Kirsten Deemer

My thoughts are with Colleen's family right now. She was a wonderful teacher and nurse and I remember her being the one that all the students could go to in confidence when they needed an ear to listen. Less than two years ago I wrote Colleen and asked her for a reference for grad school, I thought she wouldn't even remember me from my undergrad at Dalhousie. However, she did and was so kind and gracious to write a letter of recommendation and because of her reference I'm now practicing as a Nurse Practitioner. Thank you Colleen, all your students will miss you greatly.

July 6, 2013

Beth & Ross Morton

When we first came to Kingston, Colleen & Bryce made us so welcome. We will never forget Colleen's kindness and her smile. She was one of the nicest, loveliest and most beautiful people we have ever known.

Posted by Beth & Ross Morton

July 6, 2013

Marjorie Hill

I wanted to express my condolences to you.
Colleen was my academic adviser when I found out that I was expecting my first baby right in the middle of nursing school. I will never forget going to her office terrified that I would not be able to complete the requirements of the program to become a nurse. When I nervously explained why I was there that day Colleen took a deep breath and thought for a few minutes and then she got down to the business of helping me figure out how I could do what needed to be done. I really appreciated the thought that she put into her response. She did not just say "No problem," but she assured me that with hard work I could do it.
My son is thirteen now and I am enjoying a great career as an ICU nurse. I thank Colleen for helping me get here and I thank you for the time that you shared your wife and mother with the school of nursing.
Her life was much too short but it was certainly well lived.

July 6, 2013

Ross & Beth Morton

A beautiful spirit has gone to heaven. So many great and good memories.
Our deepest sympathies to Bryce, Matthew, Jamie and Anne.
Ross, Beth, Jamie, Sarah & Jack.

July 6, 2013

Tyler d'Entremont

My sincerest condolences to the family, Colleen was an inspiration to me as a nursing student and beyond. Cannot express how missed she will be.

July 6, 2013

Heather Rosvold

Reading the comments left by Colleen's past students shows what an enormous impact she made. I can remember her standing in front of the class and telling us all, with tears in her eyes, about the news. Colleen's focus when teaching was not numbers, ranges or values, but caring, loving and supporting our patients. One vivid but simple lesson has stayed with me: make sure the patients garbage can is close to their bed, as this ensures some independence during a helpless time. It's these lessons from Colleen that I carry with me, and I'm proud to have been in the Class of 2011 that created the award in her name. Colleen, you have reached people far and wide through your teaching of empathetic nursing care. I am forever grateful to have learned these lessons from you.

Posted by Heather Rosvold

July 6, 2013

Nellie Allen

Bryce
My condolences to you and your family. Sorry I did not get to know your wife better while I was at MOTP. You and your children have many memories of such a talented and caring person. Her accomplishments are outstanding but I expect her family was the one dearest to her.
Nellie Allen

July 6, 2013

John Gill

Bryce,

My thoughts are with you at this profoundly sad moment.

Your friend

July 6, 2013

Deborah Hart MN NP

My deepest condolences for your loss. Colleen was my inspiration; her lessons, her leadership, her passion, her kindness and her smile will be forever remembered. I am honored to have had the privledge to know her.

July 6, 2013

Paul/Helen Arsenault

Colin & Mary
Our sincere sympathies to you and your family for the loss of your daughter Mary Colleen. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sorrowful time. Love to all, Paul & Helen Arsenault

July 6, 2013

Cheri & Kenny Hoy

Michelle and family our prayers and thoughts are with you.

July 5, 2013

Heather Helpard

Colleen was a beautiful person in everyway, always giving of herself to others. I first met Colleen when I started teaching at Dalhousie University in 2001. She inspired me as a professor and a clinical instructor and human being. I was truly blessed to be mentored by the best. My sincere condolences to her family and friends. She will be missed but her compassion and dedication to nursing practice will live on in her students who loved her and all those whose lives she has touched, including mine.

Heather Helpard (Lantz NS)

Posted by Heather Helpard

July 5, 2013

Catherine Thibeault

My sincere condolences to all of you who are members of Colleen's family. I know that you were always foremost in her heart and mind, as she will always be in each of yours.

July 5, 2013

Gertie McIntosh-Campbell

Sending our sympathy to your family at this time of loss. From the McIntosh family in Souris,Prince Edward Island. We knew Colleen and her family many years ago when Colin was sationed in Souris.

July 5, 2013

Melissa Brown

I feel blessed to have had Colleen as a mentor throughout nursing school. She truly was a kind compassionate woman who set the bar high for us future nurses. My deepest condolences to her family & all of those who had the honor of knowing her.

July 5, 2013

Rose Turner

Colleen was more than my favourite Nursing Professor. By her quiet and graceful example, I learned lessons that I didn't even imagine I would need: How to accept life's twists and turns and grow from them ~~ how to support a spouse's demanding career without losing one's own identity and dreams ~~ how to be a fiercely loving advocate for the needs of your child. Fare thee well, Colleen. I am sure you have already earned your wings.
Rose Cullin-Turner RN, BNSc
Queen's 1992

July 5, 2013

Samantha Hamblen

I was honoured to have Colleen as a professor at Dal from 2007 to 2011. Her kind spirit and huge heart were evident from day one and continued right through to graduation. She was an amazing woman that will be incredibly missed.
Samantha Hamblen

July 5, 2013

ERT, RN Dalhousie, 2012

Colleen was, and continues to be, a nursing inspiration to me. She taught with such enthusiasm, love, and devotion. A truly beautiful, warm, loving, and brilliant person, inside and out. She touched my heart, and many students before and after me, and will be remembered for the glorious woman that she was. Sending love and prayers to her family.

July 5, 2013

Alisha Reid

I was one of Colleen's nursing students at Dal. I was seriously considering quitting nursing when I met Colleen as a nursing instructor. She seemed to single me out and take me under her wing when she knew i was doubting my choice. Her love of nursing, and compassion towards everyone she met is the reason I completed my studies. No other single factor. She was diagnosed our graduating year and she has been in my thoughts often since. I am sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful woman.

July 5, 2013

To: Colin, Joann, Alexis & Olivia - Please accept our condolences on the death of Colin's sister. We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Seton & Barbara Young

July 5, 2013

Rick Rivers

"If not the most, one of the most beautiful human beings I could call FRIEND! Her aura touched everyone and you were a better person because of it. My deepest condolences to Bryce, Matt, James and Anne, other family and close friends. Colleen, we have lost you too soon but our memories of you are indelible! LOVE AND PEACE to ALL! Rick Rivers (Halifax, NS)

July 5, 2013

Lesley Partanen

I worked with Colleen from 1995 until 1998 and she was truly a special person and a good friend to me during my time at the School of Nursing. I can't imagine a better choice for Professor of the Year and am not surprised she received that particular award so often. RIP Colleen.

July 5, 2013

Pearl Walker

R.I.P. my sister, my best friend. My hero. You are forever in my heart. Xoxo.

July 5, 2013

Brenda Nichol

I was a student of Colleen's from 1997 - 2001. Just a few weeks ago she contacted me about being a instructor for final clinical...which I was not able to do. My love & prayers are with all whom loved her.

July 5, 2013

Nadine Giffin

All our love and prayers to you in this time of grief. Colleen was a gift from heaven taken back too soon.

July 5, 2013

Margaret Redmond

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

July 5, 2013

Matea Deliu

My deepest condolences to the Kiberd family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Matea Deliu

July 5, 2013

Kathleen Campbell

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of such a wonderful, kind, and caring human being. I was fortunate enough to have Colleen as one of my professors at Dal. She not only has the distinction of teaching the one class that actually helped me learn and grow as a nursing student, but her compassion and attitude made me (and the entire class) felt like she truly cared about our well-being and inspired us to do the same. She truly was a mentor. Her family and friends have my condolences as I can only imagine that a woman as amazing as Colleen would have just as amazing people in her life. She will be greatly missed by many.

July 5, 2013

Allison White

I was a student of Colleen's at Dal School of Nursing; Class of '99. There are few words to express the impact she made both on my life and my nursing career. She has inspired me to be a better person and I work every day to be the nurse she told me I could be. I won't forget the first time she asked me: "What do you think, Nurse?" To her family: I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. To Colleen: Thank you.

July 5, 2013

Marlene Mercer

Sincere sympathy and prayers to the family. As a former faculty member, I worked with Colleen for many years. Her concern for the students was always first above all else. When she was first diagnosed her concerns were for them and her family. It has been a long battle. RIP Colleen.

July 5, 2013

I am deeply sorry for your loss may God grant you peace and strength in your days ahead.R&K Walker (dialysis)

July 5, 2013

Amy MacDearmid

Dear Kiberd family,
I am so deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I was so fortunate to have had Colleen as a teacher, mentor, and friend. Because of her, I became involved in teaching nursing at Dal and am forever grateful for what she taught me about being a nurse, a mum, and a friend- Colleen was such a kindred spirit- she loved to share stories of her family, and was so proud to be a wife and mother. She touched so many of us in ways that words cannot describe- please know that we are all thinking of you; we will continue to celebrate Colleen's love for life in sharing her memories and stories that we will treasure forever. xo

July 5, 2013

Graham Miles

Dear Bryce,

Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your wife. Our thoughts and prayers are with you my friend.

July 5, 2013

Ron LeRue

so sorry for your loss. coleen was such a great person,she was loved by everyone including my self.she will never be forgotten Ron and Kris LeRue

July 5, 2013

Jodi Simpson

Colleen will forever be remembered. Her death was a sad day in the nursing community but it also got so many people talking. Every Dalousie grad has a story to tell and a memory to keep. Colleen made up a book of "special" notes to help study for the final exam. Little things like that made Colleen special to many of us. May she rest in peace and her memory live strong.
Jodi Simpson
Dalhousie Graduate 2006

July 5, 2013

Bev Harris

Dear Anne, Bryce Jamie, Matt
HI, I remember first meeting Colleen in a gym (of course). Lindsay and Anne on different teams:, both of us hoping for the best for “our” team but encouraging all. Always a smile, kind words for everyone. She showed such grace in adversity, always asking about how everyone else was doing. Your mom was such an inspiration to me, wonderful faith and love of God. My most wonderful memory is her holding up the basketball this past Jan in the St FX gym, not a dry eye in the place. She showed such strength stamina and courage, (and the support from everyone in the gym was awesome!!) God Bless
Hugs from Bev and Dave Harris (New Minas)

July 5, 2013

Lianne Reid-Braedley

I knew Colleen through my former job at Summit Spa. She was one of my absolute favorite clients, who always had a warm smile and a laugh for everyone. I was very sorry to hear she had lost her battle against cancer, and want to send my deepest sympathies to her family and friends during this difficult time.
She was an amazing woman, and will be sorrily missed by many.

July 5, 2013

Joanne Lamb

I was lucky enough to have Colleen as a professor during my four years at Dal School of Nursing. She was passionate about nursing, life, her family and her students. She was enthusiastic, supportive and gave so much of herself to her students. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

July 5, 2013

Jenn Hubbs

Colleen was a wonderfully intelligent, funny and loving human being. Her time at Queen's only served to demonstrate to others how exceptional she was, not only in the field of nursing but also as a warm and welcoming human being, Bryce, Matt, Jamie and Anne - may your wonderful memories give you solace during this difficult time. She will be truly missed.

July 4, 2013

Kathy Spurr

Dear Bryce, Matt, Jamie and Anne,

Kind, thoughtful, nurturing and selfless – just a few words that describe your wife and mom. Although I only met Colleen six years ago when she volunteered to be the manager of the Nova Scotia U15 basketball team, I feel like we've been friends all our lives. That's just the type of person she was. We shared some great conversations over lunch during the past few years and it was evident her family was the centre of her universe.

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