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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BRODEUR, Elizabeth Anne - Ship's Sponsor at Christening & Launching HMCS NANAIMO, Halifax Shipyard Ltd 17 May 1996
It is with profound sadness that the family of Elizabeth Anne Brodeur announce her passing, at home, in Broadmead Royal Oak, Victoria, on Saturday 23 September 2023. She passed away peacefully, with family by her side holding her hands.
Anne was a descendant, on her mother's side, of the sizeable Bissett family in Victoria BC. She was predeceased by her two month old son, David Arthur Brodeur on August 3, 1957, by her father, Wing Commander Arthur Buckle RCAF born in Leeds, England 4 April 1900, by her mother Lilith Buckle (Bissett) born in Victoria BC, 14 November 1901, and by her younger sister Jane Buckle (Gardner) deceased 2004.
She is survived by her husband of 69 years Vice Admiral (Ret'd) Nigel David Brodeur, three daughters: Carol Messervey (Don Messervey) in Halifax Nova Scotia, Louise Brodeur in Pembroke Ontario, Phyllis Brodeur (Walter Ioan) in Qualicum British Columbia, and their respective families, namely:
Granddaughter Lauren Messervey and great-grandaughter Ripley Gibson, Grandson David Jenkins, great-grandson Spencer Jenkins and great-granddaughter Avery Jenkins, Granddaughter Erika Ioan and great-granddaughter Olivia Danisi.
Anne Brodeur wrote that her proudest family moments were her marriage in 1954, and the births of Carol, David, Louise and Phyllis in the mid 1950's to early 1960's period when Nigel was constantly away at sea.
She further wrote that her proudest accomplishment was being a member of the "Sisterhood of Navy Wives" and her special honour was being the Sponsor of HMCS NANAIMO - the first of six new Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels assigned to Canada's Pacific Coast.
The booklet for the 17 May 1996 launching of HMCS NANAIMO in Halifax records "Anne Brodeur was very active in civic affairs. She convened the Navy Wives' Booth for the Kermesse in Halifax in order to raise funds for the Children's Hospital. She also taught reading and writing to illiterate people and English as a second language to immigrants in both Halifax and Ottawa." The booklet for the subsequent Commissioning of HMCS NANAIMO held in Nanaimo B.C. on 10 May 1997 contains these words by Anne Brodeur "The commissioning of HMCS NANAIMO is one of the finest events in the long proud history of the city of Nanaimo. As the sponsor of HMCS NANAIMO I am truly honoured to be a part of this magnificent celebration. When we see HMCS NANAIMO today we know that manifest in her are many years of planning and dedicated work on the part of many people in both Canadian industry and the armed forces. It is now the proud and important responsibility of the captain and crew of this vessel to accept the solemn commission of the Government of Canada to perform operational duties on behalf of all Canadians. May I express my most sincere congratulations and best wishes to the Commanding Officer and Ship's Company and say that I look forward to a long and productive association with you. I will be eager to hear of accomplishments and adventures in the service of your country. God bless Her Majesty's Canadian Ship NANAIMO and all who sail in her"
True to her word, Anne Brodeur, over the following 20 plus years, liaised with the "Friends of HMCS NANAIMO" civic organization and its prime mover in NANAIMO Mr. Ron Hopper, communicated with, and supported, the Commanding Officers, officers and the Coxswains of "her ship"; and even united and assisted the Sponsors of the other ships of that class serving on the West Coast.
The family wishes to send a special Thank You to the compassionate staff at the Berwick Royal Oak, to Dr. Ted Rosenberg and his Home Team Medical Service, to Victoria Hospice, and especially to Comfort Keepers Victoria and their very compassionate caregivers.
Anne will be very greatly missed by her family and by everyone who truly knew her.
A funeral service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 4040 Nelthorpe Street in Victoria on Tuesday 3 October at 11:00am. Information for on-line viewing will be available on the Sacred Heart website ( The Victoria Times Colonist 30 Sep 2023)
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