Obituaries

 

Audrey Frances Binder

Passed 1/24/2026

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Obituary For Audrey Frances Binder

We are both relieved and deeply saddened to announce the passing on January 24, 2026 of our mother Audrey (Audie) Frances (née Chisholm) Binder, age 92, born in August 1933 in Port Hawkesbury, NS, daughter of the late James and Rose (née Chisholm) Warner.

Audrey was a consummate teacher. She attended Normal College in Truro and began her career at the age of 18 in a one room schoolhouse in Point Tupper. After taking time to raise a family, she returned to teaching at Hammonds Plains Consolidated School where she remained for 26 years. During this time she acquired her Bachelor of Education from Mount Saint Vincent University as a mature student. Her greatest lessons, however, were taught through her daily actions and words, her generosity of spirit and her exemplary kindness. Everyone who met her recognised the exceptional person she was.

Audrey cherished time spent with family and was the proverbial glue hosting all major celebrations. Until the onset of her decline, she remained a lover of life and was blessed with good health and boundless energy for which she regularly expressed gratitude.

Well into her 80s, she was an avid bowler with the teachers league, loved listening to music and loved to dance. A devout Catholic, she was deeply involved at Holy Apostles Parish Saint Marguerite, serving as a lector, choir member, and an active participant in the ladies auxiliary. She also delivered meals on wheels to a local seniors residence, joking that she was getting her name in for when she needed care herself.

At the age of 84, she flew solo to Bangkok to spend time with her daughter, Tam. She loved every minute of the exotic experience which included, after ringing in the New Year until the wee hours, a full day journey on foot with elephants through rugged terrain. The trekking guide was alarmed by her visible age, a concern she assuaged within minutes by her excitement, nimble steps and limitless energy.

At the age of 88, she moved into a retirement community and was dubbed Speedy within days of her arrival. Those who knew her well also know that she was proud of the moniker TOB (Tough Old Broad) until she was no longer able to remember it, a title she earned after facing major facial surgery for skin cancer with characteristic grace and grit, insisting on lunch and a drink before returning home.

She spent the last year and a half of her life at Northwood Halifax Campus. We extend deep gratitude to the exceptional staff of 8C for their exemplary kindness and care, with special recognition to Dr. Clair Nowlan and Ms. Joei Anne Uy, RN.

Audrey was predeceased by her husband, Lowell; daughter, Colleen; and sister, Marie Kelly. She is survived by her daughter, Tam Fawcett (Glenn); son, Lee; and sisters Loretta Walker and Anne Langlois.

To our beautiful mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and cheerleader, you leave a big hole that no one will fill. Thankfully, nothing can take the precious memories of the remarkable person you were.

A celebration of life will be held in July 2026. Details to be announced at a later date.

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Condolences

  • 03/03/2026

    Debbie and Randy Townsend

    Our sincere sympathy to the family. We remember her fondly, she always had a smile and a kind word.

  • 02/27/2026

    Pat Donahoe

    Audrey was definitely a special person. Both my children were lucky enough to have her as a teacher. They both would tell you that she was the best teacher they ever had. May she rest in peace. Condolences to Tammy and the rest of the family. Pat Donahoe. 🙏

  • 02/27/2026

    Patsy Cassels

    Tam sending my sincere condolences to you and family. I just want you to know your Mom's bowling balls are still having a great life with me. I have improved tremendously. Patsy.

  • 02/23/2026

    Ellen Martell (Dugas)

    I have such fond memories of Mrs. Binder who taught me grade 2 at Hammonds Plains Consolidated. I was so excited to be in her class. She was such a gentle, kind and loving teacher and she reminds me of my Mom. In later years when my Mom passed away in 2011, Mrs. Binder arrived to pay her respects with Ms. Muise and I was so thrilled to see them. I was also so fortunate to have her daughter, Tam Fawcett, teach me French at Tantallon Jr. High. Mme. Fawcett was also one of my favorite teachers. I am so sorry to hear of Audrey's passing. She made a big difference while on her early journey and her family should be so proud of her. A lasting legacy for sure. Deepest condolences to the whole family on the loss of a legend. Hugs.

  • 02/23/2026

    Melissa Atkinson

    Sending love to Loretta and the rest of the family at this difficult time. I meet the daughters through their mother Rose. I had the pleasure of getting to know Audrey and family when Rose lived with her. What a pleasure that was and such fond, loving memories of these times. Sending our warmest wishes, Melissa and Peggy Atkinson

  • 02/23/2026

    Jane MacNeil

    So sorry to hear of Audrey's passing. It's hard to think of her other than a full of life joyful person. which is how I know so many people will remember her. I bowled with Audrey in the teachers league and it wasn't just her tremendous bowling talent, but her wonderful sense of humour and kindness that comes to mind when I think of those years. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family at this difficult time. I know, though, when I think of all the fond memories, her colleagues and friends have of her I can only imagine you have so many to help you through this time.🙏🏻

  • 02/21/2026

    Paul & Agnes Grundy

    Dear Tam, Lee, and all the Family, Loved Audrey and anytime, in the earlier days, we would run into her, great conversations whether we met in church, grocery store, or hairdressers, Audrey was always an inspiration! Prayers, love and affection. Agnes & Paul Grundy

  • 02/21/2026

    Mabel McCarthy & Paulette Foley

    Our deepest condolences to Audrey's family. Audrey was always so pleasant and full of life. We enjoyed our time bowling with and against her in the Halifax County Teachers Bowling League or at the Provincial Bowling Tournaments. RIP Audrey.

  • 02/20/2026

    Don Warner

    So Sorry for your loss. Tammy , Loretta and Anne and extended family. Don and Marlene Warner

  • 02/20/2026

    Robert Doiron

    Audrey was a special individual with full of energy. I had the pleasure of bowling with her weekly and yearly for the teacher provincial team. My condolences to Tammy, Glen and family. She represented comfort and a joy to anyone who knew her. She will be missed.

  • 02/11/2026

    Agnes and John Greer

    John and I send our deepest condolences to you, Tam and your entire family. We are confident your many warm memories of time spent with your memory will bring you comfort in the days to come. Agnes and John Greer

  • 02/03/2026

    Judy Rowter

    My deepest sympathy to Audrey's family at this difficult time. She taught both my daughters at Hammonds Plains Elementary. I even tagged along on many class trips & had a lot of laughs. Can still hear her saying she would be happy when Lowell finally got his plane built & off her lawn! Her compassion for people is what stood out by far. Always willing to lend a hand. Heaven has gained a special Angel. Rest in peace my friend! Judy Rowter

  • 02/01/2026

    Maryn Anderson

    My sympathy to Audrey's family. Her intelligence, wit and laughter were gifts to me and the entire Church community. Maryn A derson

  • 02/01/2026

    Chris Donahoe

    What a remarkable long life. Pat and I wish you comfort and joy as you remember a life well lived Fondly, Chris and Pat Donahoe

  • 02/01/2026

    Cher Teach (Binder)

    Our deepest sympathies Tam on the passing of your mom. She was a wonderful Aunt that shared her quick wit and funny humor with everyone she touched. I will forever remember her with much affection and love! Cher

  • 02/01/2026

    Donna Lynds

    Sorry to hear about your Mom .Condolences to the family . My self and my late husband Gary were their neighbors on Rockcliffe for 10 yrs . Your Mom and Dad were both wonderful and caring .

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