Cape Breton Deaths July 02, 2011 Saturday There are 8 obituaries published for today. Jean (MacDonald) Morrison, R.N. Florence Adams Norma 'Betty' Williamson Melvin Sparkes Amelia 'Joan' Moore Stewart Dodson Blaine Bennett Blair Bernard Sr. ******************************************************************************************************* Jean (MacDonald) Morrison, R.N. Born In: Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Canada Born On: 31/03/1921 Passed Away In: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 30/06/2011 It is with genuine sorrow that the family of Jean Morrison (nee MacDonald) formerly of Spruce Haven Drive announces her passing on June 30, 2011, at The Cove Guest Home. Born March 31, 1921, and raised in Port Hawkesbury, N.S., Jean was the daughter of the late Christene MacCormack and John P. MacDonald. She went on to become a proud graduate of Saint Martha's School of Nursing. Her nursing career saw her work at several health care facilities in Halifax and Sydney. Throughout her life, she believed in and lived the values of compassion, caring and excellence in every way, whether for patients, residents or family in her care. Jean was a former member of the Cape Breton Retired Nurses Interest Group. Family was central to Jean's life. She was a devoted wife to her late husband, Mike (1988) and role model of kindness and generosity for her children. Predeceased by her son, Philip (1980), she is survived by her daughter, Irene (John) Khattar, Sydney; son, Gerrard (Aldona) of Georgetown, Ont. and daughter-in-law, Lisa Patterson. She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, James (Alison) Morrison and great-grandchild, Everett, Summerside, P.E.I.; Jill (Chris) Campbell, Rotorua, NZ; Alanna and Monica Khattar, Sydney; Rasa, Erenna, Lara and Andreja Morrison, Georgetown, Ont. Predeceased by her sister, Dougalenes and brothers, Frank, Hugh and D.D. Jean was the last surviving member of her family. Jean will also be remembered by special friend Marie Mattheys. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the many caregivers of Spanish Bay at The Cove Guest Home for the extraordinary thoughtfulness, empathy and competence shown to Jean these past two years. They saw the lady who lived within and treated Jean with dignity and warmth. Visitation will be held at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Sunday, July 3, 2011. A past member of St. Anthony Daniel CWL and a woman of great faith, a funeral mass to celebrate Jean's life will be offered by Fr. Tom MacNeil at Saint Anthony Daniel Church at 11 a.m. on Monday. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. Donations in Jean's memory may be made to The Cove Guest Home, Cape Breton Hospice Palliative Care Society, Talbot House, Frenchvale or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.twcurry.com. ********************************************* Florence Adams A celebration of the life of Florence Adams will be held at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Glace Bay on Monday, July 11, 2011 at 1 p.m. All are welcome. Interment to follow in Greenwood Cemetery. All teenaires, former students and choristers of Florence Adams wishing to participate in this Celebration for Florence Adams please contact Lydia Adams at lydiaadams@look.ca. ********************************************* Norma 'Betty' Williamson Born In: Dominion, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: Scotchtown, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 30/06/2011 Norma 'Betty' Williamson, age 78, of Patrick Street, Scotchtown, passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2011, at the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital, after a courageous battle with COPD. Born in Dominion, Betty was the daughter of the late Malcolm and Janet (Hawley) MacLeod. Betty was a member of Calvin United Church, New Waterford. She was a member of the Scotchtown Volunteer Fire Department ladies auxiliary and the Scotchtown Pensioners Club. Betty loved to bowl and shoot darts, as well as going for drives; especially around the Cabot Trail. But mostly, Betty will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her greatest enjoyment was family gatherings and visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, William Crombie 'Bill' Williamson; four sons, Harold (Lynda), Glenn (Leona), Scotchtown, Kevin (Bertha), Northside East Bay, Roland, Ontario; four daughters, Diane Fraser, South Bar, Adele (Danny) Taylor, Dartmouth, Susan (Kevin) LeDrew, British Columbia, and Patricia, Halifax. Betty is also survived by her 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Betty was predeceased by an infant son, Ronald, three sisters, Jean 'Tootsie,' Evelyn, Florence, five brothers, Arthur, Thomas, James, Winston and Gregory. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. The funeral service, officiated by Rev. Duncan Roach, will be held Monday at 2 p.m. in Calvin United Church, followed by interment in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens. All are invited to Calvin Hall for a reception. Betty will be taken to Calvin Church at noontime Monday. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations in her memory may be made to the VON. Online condolences to the family can be expressed at www.vjmcgillivray.ca. ********************************************* Melvin Sparkes Born In: Florence, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada Passed Away On: 30/06/2011 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Melvin Joseph Sparkes 'Mimmy or Mem' on Thursday June 30. 2011 in St. John's, Nfld. Melvin is survived by his parents, Mary and Melvin Sparkes, Florence; sisters, Dianne Dutton, Debbie Sparkes (Bob Matheson), Denise Sparkes (Jim Jackman); mother of his children, Wendy Sparkes; son, Jason (Danielle); grandchildren, Thea and Owen; daughter, Melanie (Michael Samrah); grandchildren, Jonas and Sloane and mother-in-law, Mary Curnew. Melvin is also survived by his partner, Seta Bederian. Melvin was passionate about his motorcycle and loved seeing new places from the view of his bike. He enjoyed his last ride with friend, Cordell Gillard. He will be sadly missed and never forgotten. Visitation will be held Monday July 4, 2011 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, 635 Main St., Sydney Mines with a funeral service to be held at a later date in Toronto, Ont. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at jmjobesfuneralhome@ns.aliantzinc.ca. ********************************************** Amelia 'Joan' Moore Born In: Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: North Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 30/06/2011 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Amelia Joan Moore, who passed away peacefully at the Northside General Hospital, June 30, 2011, with her loving family by her side. Born in Sydney Mines, she was a daughter of the late Hugh and Minnie (Jaruis) MacPhee. Joan was a member of Trinity Anglican Church, Sydney Mines, also a member of the ladies auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion branch 8, Sydney Mines. Joan loved her family and especially spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her four sons, Hugh (Frances), Rodger, Stuart and Freddie (Michelle); grandchildren, Brandy, Kim, Ryan and Stuart; great-grandchildren, Brianna, Brayden, Ceilidh, Casey; sisters, Barb Pyke, Marilyn (Arthur) O'Neil; brothers, John (Lynn), Alex (Brenda), Robert (Jessie). Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Fredrick Joseph Moore; a sister, Dolores Stoodley and brother, Frank. Visitation will be held at the J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, Sunday, July 3, 2011, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A celebration of her life will take place Monday at 2 p.m. in Trinity Anglican Church, Sydney Mines, with Rev. Peter Rafuse officiating. Burial will take place in Brookside Cemetery. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at jmjobesfuneralhome@ns.aliantzinc.ca. ********************************************* Stewart Dodson It is with sadness that we announce the death of Stewart Douglas. He passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, June 29, 2011, after a brave battle with cancer. A true Cape Bretoner, Stewart was kind to all and had an amazing memory and quick wit. He loved long walks, good books, great poetry, writing, all things athletic, dogs and the association of good friends. His one true love was Susan Weldon. He drove taxi for 20 years until he was robbed at knife point, which led to his early retirement. He attended Colby and Woodland schools in Sydney. He later graduated from Upland High School, California in 1970. In 1975 he graduated from Sharon School of Broadcasting. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Jean (Stewart) Dodson and is survived by four siblings, Heather (Dodson) Thunell, Salt Lake City, Utah, John Dodson, Ottawa, Ont., Shauna (Dodson) Miller, Hayden Lake, Idaho and Don Dodson, Portland, Oregon. He will also be missed by his 14 nieces and nephews and his good friend and roommate, Jim McKay. Our special thanks is extended to the staff of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. We also express great appreciation to Dr. Ritter and Sharon Atha for their compassion and dedicated care of Stewart in his final hours. A roast/wake was held at Chant's Funeral Home, Friday July 1st 19:00 - 21:00. A service will also be held on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at Chant's at 14:00 to which friends and family would be most welcome. "Til we meet again Stewart". ********************************************** Blaine Bennett Born In: Frenchvale, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: Toronto, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 23/07/2011 It is with great sadness that we, the family of Blaine Anthony Bennett, announce his passing as a result of an industrial accident, Thursday, June 23, 2011, in Toronto. Blaine will be forever missed by his two children, who he loved dearly and of whom he was so proud. His daughter, Crystal and his son, Brandon, as well as their mother, Angie. His children were the light of his world. He is also survived by his soul mate, Darlene, who gave him a sense of renewed peace. His family back home were so important to him and they will hold him close in their hearts and prayers. He is survived by his mother, Mary Jeanette Bennett; sisters, Jessie (Billy) and Angela (Paul); brothers, Donnie, Andre (Shirley), Roddie (Aggie), Terry, Barry, Bruce (Rebecca), Paul (Patti), Darcy (Tobi) and seven nieces, five nephews and one grand-niece. Blaine was predeceased by his father, William Bennett; brothers, John Cecil and Barry in infancy. Blaine had many family and friends in Cape Breton, Ontario and across the country, particularly, special mention to his best friends in Ontario, Larry and Mark. Blaine lived the last 30 years in Toronto. For the last 25 years, he worked for the City of Toronto, as an arborist. It was hard work but he enjoyed it. His co-workers adored him. They would remark, "If someone needed any kind of help, Blaine would be right there. He had a way of brightening your day. His smile gave you comfort and ease." Blaine would travel back to Cape Breton as often as he was able and he loved spending time with his daughter and son and his family and friends back home. Playing horseshoes, swimming at Claudie's Brook or Gillis Lake Falls and visiting family and friends, just having fun. He made the most of his time when home. Of course, an occasional card game or baseball game would break out, not to mention a laugh or two. He loved hockey and the Leafs were his team. The funeral mass celebrating Blaine's life will take place Monday, July 4, 2011, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Church, Frenchvale, with Fr. Paul Abbass officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. "Love the Lord with all your hearts. He is our refuge and our strength, especially in times of sorrow and upset. Blaine is safe in the arms of the Lord and forever cherished in everyone's hearts. Until we meet again." ********************************************** Blair Bernard Sr. Born In: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: Eskasoni, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 28/06/2011 Blair Joseph Bernard Sr., 44, of Eskasoni, died peacefully at the home of his sister, Tuesday, June 28, 2011. Born in Sydney, he was the son of Peter Bernard and the late Bernadette (Sylliboy) Bernard and stepson of Nora Bernard. He was a member of Holy Family parish, Eskasoni. He is survived by his only sister, Margaret (Ron) Lewis, Eskasoni; children, Blair Jr. 'Joef' and Bernadette and the mother of his children, Leta Bernard. Also surviving are his loving companion, Nadine Bernard; stepchildren, Deliah, Rebecca, Drake, all of Eskasoni; four nephews, Brylan, Bryton, Bryson, Brock and one niece, Bernelle, all of Eskasoni; two granddaughters, Ella and Calaya, Membertou; eight godchildren; aunts, Dorothy (Doug Denny), Theresa Ann Sylliboy; godmother/aunt, Sylvia Denny; uncle, John Bernard Sr., Eskasoni and numerous cousins. He was predeceased by son, Stephen Charles; uncles, Vincent (Frenchie) Bernard and godfather/uncle, George Bernard; one brother in infancy and one sister in infancy. Visitation for Mr. Bernard will begin after 7 p.m. on Monday, July 4 at the Gabriel Center, Eskasoni. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Church with Rev. Martin MacDougall officiating. Interment in the parish cemetery. Online condolences to www.twcurry.com. ******************************************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgen.org