Obituaries

Maureen Ursula Caslake

Passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on September 30, 2025, in Halifax, N.S., with her daughters by her side. She was born in Hamilton, Ontario, daughter of the late Ernest Haggas and the late Elizabeth (née Donovan), both from Bradford, England.

In her youth, Maureen loved music and played the violin for 13 years. She attended high school at the prestigious Stanstead College in Quebec, as a boarding student. Those three years of her life were among her fondest memories, speaking often of the lifelong friends she made and of learning the jitterbug, which was the start of her lifelong passion for dance. After graduation (Class of 1950), she sailed across the Atlantic with her mother on the ocean liner RMS Franconia, to England, were she spent six months studying the violin, and perfecting popular dance moves of the day whenever she could.

After her return to Canada, she attended St. Mary’s Hospital Nursing School in Montreal, were she graduated as an R.N. in 1954. In 1956, she married Charles C. Nadeau of Port Daniel, Quebec, and they lived in Saint-Lambert, Quebec, where they raised 3 children; Tanya, Michael and Odette. Unfortunately, the marriage did not last, and Maureen moved to Nova Scotia where she lived and worked as an R.N. for a few more years, until 1986 when she met and married the love of her life, Les Caslake. At that time, she retired from work and moved to and enjoyed life with Les in Bridgewater, and later in Halifax.

At different times of her life, she enjoyed horseback riding, downhill skiing, sailing with Les, and swimming. While she never picked up the violin again, in her later years she learned to play the cello and piano. And of course, she continued to pursue her love of dance, practicing at different times ballet, flamenco and ballroom dance, including her favorite - the tango, into her 90th year. Together with her husband, they were long-time members of the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, and the Nova Scotia Schooner Association.

She is predeceased by her sister Joan Haggas (in childhood, age 6), ex-husband Charles Nadeau, and her husband of 33 years, Doctor Leslie H. Caslake. She is survived by her brother John Haggas of St. John’s, his children Jennifer Lynn (Allan Gaudon), also of St. John’s and Mark Haggas (Susan) of Red Deer, Alberta; her children Tanya Macneill of Cape Breton, Michael Nadeau of Windsor, and Odette Murphy of Mahone Bay; sons in laws Christopher Mark Macneill of Cape Breton, and Andrew Murphy of Halifax; grandchildren Edward (Ted) Murphy, Minette Murphy, Rachel Murphy, Donovan Macneill and Skye Macneill.

As a devoted grandmother, she was proud of her grandchildren’s accomplishments, and spent many years encouraging their interests in music and dance during their formative years. Maureen’s life will be remembered for her loving dedication to her family and grandchildren, and for her love of music and dance.

There will be no visitation. A mass will be held in her memory and a private family burial will take place, both at a later date. Donations in her memory may be made to SHAID Tree Animal Shelter in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, or an animal shelter of your choice.