Obituary of Thursa Lillian Keirstead

The death of Thursa Keirstead of Saint John, NB, wife of the late Arthur Keirstead, occurred on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at Kennebec Manor Nursing Home. Born in Victoria Beach, Nova Scotia on January 26, 1917, she was the daughter of the late Bruce and Edna (McGrath) Porter. Thursa was a member of Central (Cornerstone) Baptist Church for more then 70 years in which she served as a Deaconess, Sunday School teacher, and a frequent delegate to the Atlantic Baptist Convention. Thursa was also a member of Evelyn Gullison Mission Group. She stressed the importance of a good education and led by example, as she enrolled in UNBSJ at the age of 50 and after 10 years received a BA in Sociology with high honors. Thursa loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren. Thursa’s heart resided in Saint John but her soul remained in Victoria Beach, where she was born. She returned there every summer of her life with her children and grandchildren in tow. Survived by her two sons, David (Leslie) of Saint John and Philip (Nijole) of Toronto ON, one daughter, Marilyn (Douglas) Perry of Kingston, ON; five grandchildren, Jane, Ann, Hillary, Rebecca and Joshua; one great-granddaughter, Grace; one sister Edith Harrison of Kentville, NS; two sisters-in-law, Etta Fletcher and Margaret Murray; several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by one sister, Muriel Hersey and one brother, Willard. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506) 634-7424 with visiting on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral Service will be held from Brenan’s Chapel on Friday, May 15, 2009 at 10:00 am. Interment in Victoria Beach Baptist Cemetery, Nova Scotia. Remembrances may be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church or any charity of the donor’s choice. www.brenansfh.com