Obituary of Hazel Heighton

Edna Hazel Heighton, 91, Ivey’s Terrace Nursing Home, Trenton, formerly New Glasgow, passed away peacefully, Sunday, December 21, 2025, with her loving family by her side.

Born on August 30, 1934, in New Glasgow, she was a daughter of the late David Cameron MacKenzie and Evelyn Stella (Hambleton) (MacKenzie) Irving. Prior to her marriage, she was employed with the former Maritime Tel & Tel. In 1978 she re-entered the workplace and was employed with Sobey’s Head Office, Stellarton, retiring in 1986. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Stellarton where she served with the Catholic Women’s League for many years.

Upon retirement, she and her late husband, Adrian travelled extensively, visiting more than 50 countries on six of the seven continents, with the intent to travel to Antarctica. In addition to their overseas travel, they traveled by motorhome to all Canadian provinces and territories, Alaska and the 48 continuous states. They spent 31 winters at their second home in Eustis, Florida where they developed many enduring friendships.

Hazel delighted in a wonderful relationship with her three children, having the ability to be the person each of them needed, always giving of her time.  She was “nana” to her four grandchildren who treasured her legacy of love. Hazel understood the importance of living life to its fullest and treating every person with kindness and respect. She was a humble lady, who gave from her heart.

Hazel maintained her loving presence and possessed unwavering grace and faith as she guided and walked with her family through her long goodbye. Her family are comforted to know that for Hazel, “life has changed, not ended.”

Surviving are her son, Jimmy (Sasan), New Glasgow; daughter, Kim (Mike) Washburn, New Glasgow; grandchildren, Laura Washburn, Halifax; Brianne Washburn (Tahi Fu), St. Andrew’s, N.B.; Ryan (Alexandra) Washburn, New Glasgow; Erin Washburn (Tom Hatfield), Halifax; great-grandchild, Noah Fu; aunt, Shirley Howes, Ottawa, Ont.; son-in-law, Alan Sutherland, New Glasgow; brother-in-law, Fred Heighton, New Glasgow; many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Adrian Joseph Heighton; daughter, Karen Heighton; sister, June Sharpe; many aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters and brothers-in-law.

Funeral Mass will be held 3 p.m. Tuesday, December 23 in Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church with Father MacDonald Ibeh presiding.  Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Hazel’s family wish to thank the wonderful staff of Ivey’s Terrace Nursing Home, Trenton, for the exceptional care she received.

If desired, donations may be made in memory of Hazel to Pictou County Food Bank East.