A.H. Brown Funeral Service

A.H. Brown Funeral Service Funeral and cremation service provider, proudly serving the families of Cumberland County, Nova Scot

We take this opportunity to remember. A year ago today, on Sunday, February 16, 2025, Theresa Smith, of Debert, NS, form...
02/16/2026

We take this opportunity to remember.

A year ago today, on Sunday, February 16, 2025, Theresa Smith, of Debert, NS, formerly of Springhill, NS, passed away Debert Court, Debert. The last 12 months have been demanding. You have handled your loss in the best way you could in order to survive. Take time to acknowledge the hard journey you’ve been on. Then look ahead to the new life you are creating for yourself. On this difficult anniversary, we at A.H. Brown Funeral Home, wish to extend our sympathies, and our hope for her
family, as they move forward in their journey.��

We take this opportunity to remember.A year ago today, on Sunday, February 16, 2025, Patti Fraser, of Amherst, NS, forme...
02/16/2026

We take this opportunity to remember.

A year ago today, on Sunday, February 16, 2025, Patti Fraser, of Amherst, NS, formerly of Springhill, NS, passed away at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre. Creating a positive ritual, either alone or shared with others, can give support, healing and meaning to the anniversary of someone’s passing. On this difficult anniversary, we at A.H. Brown Funeral Home, wish to extend our sympathies, and our hope for her family, as they move forward in their journey.

We take this opportunity to remember.A year ago today, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Linda Bourgeois, passed away St....
02/12/2026

We take this opportunity to remember.

A year ago today, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Linda Bourgeois, passed away St. Joseph’s Hospital. Creating a positive ritual, either alone or shared with others, can give support, healing and meaning to the anniversary of someone’s passing. On this difficult anniversary, we at A.H. Brown Funeral Home, wish to extend our sympathies, and our hope for her family, as they move forward in their journey.

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Mary Alma Canning, 83 years, of Amherst and formerly of Springhil...
02/11/2026

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Mary Alma Canning, 83 years, of Amherst and formerly of Springhill, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at her residence.

Born in Springhill, she was a daughter of the late James D. and E. Georgina (Killen) Merritt.

Mary chose to put her family first and was a proud homemaker having lived in Leamington, NS, for most of her life. She was a deeply devoted wife, mother and grandmother and was a wonderful 'Nan' to her three granddaughters.

She is survived by her loving husband, Arnold "Ted" Canning; son, Steven (Brandi) Canning, of Amherst; daughter, Angela (Peter Ingersoll) Dowe-Ingersoll of Grand Manan, NB; three granddaughters, Megan Dowe, Marika and Mackenzie Canning; a sister, Beverly Hopkins, and a brother, James (Laverne) Merritt both of Springhill, NS, as well as her close niece and friend, Dale Millard MacArthur and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by a brother-in-law George Hopkins.

Arrangements are under the care and supervision of A. H. Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane Street, Springhill, NS (902-597-2361). A private family graveside committal service will be held at a later date.

Those wishing to make a donation in Mary's memory may do so to a charity of the donor's choice.

Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Mary's online memorial at www.brownsfuneralhome.com or through the A.H. Brown Funeral Home page.

Diane "Bonnie" Campbell passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the Upper River Valley Hospital in Wat...
02/11/2026

Diane "Bonnie" Campbell passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville, NB.

Mom was born in Sydney, NS to Evelyn (Richmond) and Gerald N. Smith. Her “growing years” were spent in Antigonish, Halifax, Yarmouth, Wolfville and Amherst Shore, and she made many lifelong friends along the way. A graduate of Acadia (BA, B.Ed), she touched many lives over her 53 years in the Springhill area - teaching Primary, leading CGIT and later stepping up as Dad’s indomitable supply teacher! Throughout her life, Mom was deeply involved in community service and was named the area’s “National Volunteer of the Year” in 2018. She was an adherent of The United Church, and loved the friendship and outreach of that church, the UCW and the IODE. Mom had a remarkable network of friends brought together by mutual caring and respect, and we are eternally grateful to them all.

Mom had recently moved to Hartland, NB, to be with us, relishing time with her grandchildren, Brady and Landon, her beloved daughter-in-law, Jeanette and her son Chris. For the first time in many years she became a hockey grandmother again, cheering on her grandchildren as passionately as she had her son many years ago; she was their biggest fan. Seeing her family everyday was very special to her. She couldn’t have been more proud of, or loved anyone more, than she did Brady and Landon.

A special thank you to her daughter-in-law, Jeanette for the love and care given to mom . She cherished mom as if she was her own. From taking days off work to take her to appointments, to spending time playing games, making sure she always felt special or even taking a day with her in the hospital to ensure she came home from a lacklustre hospital stay recently; mom looked at her and responded with a very heartfelt and simple "I love you" and she truly did.

Her brother Eric and his wife Margaret also were incredibly good to mom prior to to her move to Hartland, helping her with many duties she wasn’t able to perform herself. They were so wonderful to her and she appreciated and loved them so much.

A heartfelt thank you to mom’s sister Jill and her husband Hazen as well. Jill was always there to lend a hand when mom needed it, spending time with her in times of health issues and cherished time at the cottage in Northport. There she also had incredible lifelong neighbours in her sister-in-law, Beth and brother-in-law Al. Also a huge thank-you to nephew Douglas for his help during times of need, as well as his boys, Kansas and Xavier.

Our cottage in Northport was our family’s happy place. Many wonderful memories made since 1980 and mom had intended to move back for the summer. The cottage will never feel quite the same not having her on the deck watching her grandchildren hitting golf balls and enjoying the beach. She will be missed by lifelong neighbours John and Barb Prentice, and more recent by incredibly special people and neighbours, Peter and Kelly Anctil.

Bonnie will be dearly missed by her son Chris and her daughter-in-law, Jeanette; grandchildren, Brady and Landon of Hartland, NB; brother Eric (Margaret) Smith of Moncton, NB; sister, Gillian 'Jill '(Hazen) Trueman of Kingsburg, NB; step-grandchildren, Kelsey Morton of Belleisle, NB and Michael Morton of St. Andrews, NB; step great grandchildren, Thunder, Wilder, Valkyrie; nieces and nephews, Douglas (Amanda) Hart of Oxford, NB, Harrison Smith of Halifax, NS, Cate (Leon) de Vreede of Bridgewater, NS, David (Meg) Trueman of Kentville, NS, Kansas and Xavier Heart of Oxford, NS, Dylan de Vreede of Bridgewater, NS and special friend, Judy Amos of Springhill, NS. She is also dearly missed by her kitty, Buddy, whom she loved very much.

Besides her parents, Evelyn and Gerald Smith, Bonnie was predeceased by her loving husband, William "Bill" Campbell who she adored and who adored her back. She was also predeceased by her in-laws, Douglas and Evelyn Campbell and nephew Timothy.

Special mention as well to the friends she met more recently in Hartland, who welcomed her and loved her in the short time she was here. She loved Kristy, Mike and Janet and each of our friends who visited and always found time for mom. I truly appreciate each of you for that.

Jeanette recently said it best….to know Bonnie was to love her. I was so lucky to have her as my mom.

Arrangements are under the care and supervision of A.H. Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane Street, Springhill, Ns (902-597-2361). A time of visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, February 15, 2026 from 1 pm until the time of the funeral service at 2:30 pm.

Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.brownsfuneralhome.com or through the A.H. Brown Funeral Home page.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Doreen Lavaughn Hiltz,  91 years, of Springhill and formerly of King...
02/09/2026

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Doreen Lavaughn Hiltz, 91 years, of Springhill and formerly of Kingston, NS. Doreen passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Friday, February 6, 2026.

Born at home in Torbrook, NS, she was a daughter of the late Willard and Ella (Veinot) Fredericks.

Doreen married Lester Walter Hiltz in 1951 at the young age of 17. Lester was in the military, and a couple of years after their marriage they were posted to France. They returned to Canada when Lester was posted to Vancouver. Lester's final posting was to Ottawa, where they lived for many years.

While living in Ottawa, Doreen enjoyed working in the Sporting Goods Department of Simpsons-Sears in the 60's and 70's. After that she was a CR4 Civil Servant at Rockcliffe Airforce Base where she was responsible for ordering airplane parts for the military. Her coworkers gave her the nickname "the roadrunner" because she always walked very quickly and was too busy to slow down. In 1981, Doreen became ill and was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She lost most of her speech and mobility.

Before she was stricken with MS, Doreen enjoyed gardening and birdwatching. She always took pride in her home and kept a clean house. She was mechanically inclined, and she used to change her own oil and the brakes in her car. She even heated up a baby bottle on her car's radiator once!

Doreen and Lester moved back to Nova Scotia in 1993, and their son Jeffrey moved back later that same year to help take care of his mother, as it was becoming too much for his father who was also in declining health. When Lester passed away in 1998, Jeff became Doreen's full-time caregiver for the rest of her life. They moved to Springhill in 2008. The last three years of Doreen's life, she got to travel to Ontario to see family she hadn't seen in many years, and all over Nova Scotia from coast to coast in Jeff's motorhome, where she got to see beautiful scenery from her big window and enjoy local seafood and hot fudge sundaes. She got to live a life not many seniors of her age got to live.

She will be dearly missed by her children, Michael (Pauline), Russell, ON, Martin, Ottawa, ON, Janet, Ottawa, ON, Jeffrey (Cindy) Hiltz, Springhill, NS; grandchildren, Christopher, Andrea, Stephanie, Brendan, Joey, Kaila, and Rebecca; 8 great grandchildren; sisters, Donna (Mervin) Boyd, Wilmot, NS, Laverne Fredericks, Nictaux West, NS and Diane Harvey, Dartmouth, NS.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Lester; siblings, Dallas Fredericks, Frances Shaw, James Fredericks, Roger Fredericks, and Zelpha Fredericks.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the A. H. Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane Street, Springhill, (902 597 2361). Cremation has taken place and she will be interred beside her husband in the Nictaux Community Cemetery in the summer. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

As Doreen loved cats, those wishing to make a donation in Doreen's memory may do so to CARMA (Cat Rescue Maritimes), Amherst Chapter.

Doreen's family wish to extend heartfelt thanks to the Cumberland VON and Annapolis Valley VON for their many years of wonderful care and support.

Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Doreen's online memorial at www.brownsfuneralhome.com or through the A. H. Brown Funeral Home page.

02/04/2026

Effective March 1, 2026

Due to changing rules in collecting Charitable Money, we are no longer able to accept cash or cheques for donations.

CRA Registered Charities may still be paid by CREDIT CARD only through the funeral home.

Thank you for your understanding.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our father, Ralph Gaillard, 75 years, of Amherst and formerly of Spr...
02/03/2026

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our father, Ralph Gaillard, 75 years, of Amherst and formerly of Springhill, on Monday, February 2, 2026 at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, Upper Nappan, NS.

Born in Springhill, he was a son of the late Arthur J. and Doris L. (Fear) Gaillard.

Ralph loved his cars, especially a Mustang. He started work with CN, eventually upgrading and becoming a Transport Truck Driver for them. Later, he continued to drive for Day & Ross, and JW Baughan's. He loved to travel from garage to garage, chatting with friends, or sitting in a busy parking lot watching the world go by.

He will be dearly missed by his daughter Tiffany Gaillard (Stephen Hope), Amherst and son Trevor, Amherst; 1 grandson Devin; brothers, Kenneth and William; sisters, Rochelle Austin and Janet Domville; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Robert and Arthur "Artie".

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the A. H. Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane Street, Springhill, (902 597 2361) where cremation has taken place. A funeral service to remember Ralph will be held at A H Brown Funeral Service on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 2 pm. All are invited to attend and share a time of reception after. Burial will take place in the Hillside Cemetery, Springhill in the spring.

Those wishing to make a donation in Ralph's memory may do so to the charity of your choice.

Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Ralph's online memorial at www.brownsfuneralhome.com or through the A. H. Brown Funeral Home page.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William Robert "Bill" Mills, 88, of Springhill at the Cumberlan...
02/02/2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William Robert "Bill" Mills, 88, of Springhill at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Bill was born in Springhill a son of the Later Harry and Barbara (Jeffers) Mills.

Bill was probably best known as an accomplished singer and guitar player. He often performed solo at fundraisers and variety shows along with playing in numerous dance bands. Bill also accompanied such well-known fiddle champions as Johnny Mooring and Graham Townsend on guitar. He had a genuine love for both acoustic and electric guitars that lasted up until his passing.

Being a grandfather was Bill’s greatest passion. He loved being in the company of grandchildren and all three of them could often be found driving around in his truck to visit fishing holes and hunting spots. Aside from introducing them to hunting and fishing, they also enjoyed time together cooking, maintaining his property and shopping.

Bill will be dearly missed by his son, Andy (Wendy) Mills, Springhill; two grandchildren, Zac and Lara-Jeanne Mills, Springhill; one brother Harry Mills, Ontario; as well as several nieces and nephews along with the crew at Sociables Pub.

Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his wife, Jeanne (Marshall); his siblings; Gertie (late Walter) Riddell, Lucetta (late Carl) Cleveland, Charles (late Norma) Mills, Edward (late Muriel) Mills, Oliver (late Vivian) Mills, Donald (late Esther) Mills, Hugh Mills, Marvin (late Kaye Crawford) Mills.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the A.H. Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane Street, Springhill (902-597-2361). A graveside service will take place in the Hillside Cemetery, Springhill in the Spring.

Donations in Bill's memory may be made to the LA Animal Shelter or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.brownsfuneralhome.com or through the A.H.Brown Funeral Home page.

With deep sadness and broken hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Charlene Lynn Spence, 54, of Little Forks, Nova...
02/02/2026

With deep sadness and broken hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Charlene Lynn Spence, 54, of Little Forks, Nova Scotia, on January 30th at All Saints Hospital in Springhill, with her family by her side.

Charlene will always be remembered for her kind and welcoming heart, her beautiful blue eyes, her iconic long car drives while blasting music, naps with her teddy, and her accepting nature. Her door was always open to anyone in need, and she greeted everyone with open arms. She helped whenever she could and made sure no one ever left without feeling loved or without a full belly.

Known for her quick wit and playful spirit, Charlene loved to joke, laugh, and create unforgettable memories with her family and friends. Whether it was speaking into microphones (which was always anything but a mic), saving endless recipes she never cooked, laughing so hard she was shaking or committing the occasional harmless act of mischief like blowing her nose as loudly as possible, no matter where she was, Charlene kept life entertaining.

She never failed to end these moments with her signature phrase, delivered with a laugh: "You’re going to miss this one day."

As it turns out, she was absolutely right.

While some may not miss being poked in the face with a broomstick or being locked out of a room while the door was violently jiggled, everyone will deeply miss the sound of her laughter and the joy she brought into every space she entered.

Charlene had a legendary collection of nightgowns and oversized hoodies, many of which have mysteriously disappeared into her daughters closets over the years and are now treasured keepsakes. She also found deep peace by the ocean, where the sound of the waves matched the calm she brought to those she loved.

Charlene was a proud and devoted Nanny who adored her grandchildren beyond measure. She cherished time spent with them creating memories and perhaps most of all, placing what felt like fifty Temu orders a week to spoil each child with items she was absolutely convinced they would love, filling every possible corner of the house with boxes of Christmas gifts.

Charlene’s love, laughter, and unforgettable personality will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on through the stories, smiles, and memories she leaves behind, especially every time someone cheats at UNO, borrows a hoodie "just for tonight," or feels the pull of the ocean.

Charlene was the favourite daughter of Layton and Dulcie Godfrey, and a bright, loving presence to everyone who knew her.

She will forever be missed by her high school sweetheart and husband, Paul Spence.

Charlene’s whole world was her girls: Megan (Richard), Sara (Evan), Cayla (Michael), Jackie (Cody), and her beloved grandchildren, Nevaeh, Charlotte, Reese, Chandler, Sophia, Violet, Mason, and Laura, who meant everything to her.

She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings, Kenny (Sabrina), Terry (Rupert), Norma and by her loyal furry companions, Keeta, Millie, Atka, Roo, and Peaches.

We hope that you finally found your peace, Mom.

Charlene's arrangements are under the care and direction of the A. H. Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane Street, Springhill, (902 597 2361). Honouring Charlene's wishes cremation has taken place and there are to be no visitation or services at this time.

Memorial contributions can be made in Charlene's memory to the Canadian Liver Foundation or an animal shelter of your choice.

Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Charlene's online memorial at www.brownsfuneralhome.com or through the A. H. Brown Funeral Home page.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Wendy Ellen Leger, 76 years, of Springhill. Cherished partne...
02/02/2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Wendy Ellen Leger, 76 years, of Springhill. Cherished partner, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

Born Wendy Vance, she was a daughter of the late James Arthur and Mildred Vance.

Wendy loved a good game of cards, a day at the beach, late night drives, singing with Lori, and above all, spending time with her loved ones. Her quick wit made it easy for her to draw laughs from those around her. She was a kind soul, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. There was no denying the warmth that radiated from within.

Wendy is survived by her loving partner of 33 years, Lori Holder, her sisters, Jocelyn (Dean) and Juliette (Steve), her children, Joe (Debbie), Angie (Keith), and Natasha, her grandchildren, Joe (Ashley), Chelsie (Darcey), Jacqie (Joey), and Athena, her great-granddaughter, Scottie, and multiple nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents and her son, Andrew (Heather).

To know Wendy was to love her. In her words, "everyone that I love, loves me back."

Wendy's final arrangements are under the care and supervision of A. H. Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane Street, Springhill (902-597-2361). As per Wendy's request, there will be no Funeral Service or Celebration of Life.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Wendy's online memorial at www.brownsfuneralhome.com or through the A. H. Brown Funeral Home page.

We take this opportunity to remember. A year ago today, on Sunday, February 2, 2025, Betty Barker, of Springhill, NS, pa...
02/02/2026

We take this opportunity to remember.

A year ago today, on Sunday, February 2, 2025, Betty Barker, of Springhill, NS, passed away at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre. The happiness experienced with Betty belongs to you forever. Hold on to those rich memories, and give thanks for the life of the person you’ve lost. On this difficult anniversary, we at A.H. Brown Funeral Home wish to extend our sympathies, and our hope for her family, as they move forward in their journey.

Address

5 McFarlane Street
Springhill, NS
B0M1X0

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when A.H. Brown Funeral Service posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to A.H. Brown Funeral Service:

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram