Cape Breton Deaths May 16, 2011 Monday There are 13 obituaries published for today. Maudine Collette Christie Constance Marie 'Connie' Walker Gloria Ellen MacPherson Catherine 'Kay' (MacLeod, Gartshore) Grant Ruth (Steele) Barrett Michael Stephen Ponee Robert John MacLeod Robert 'Bobby' Kavanaugh Alexander Alfred Sandy MacDonald Manning Robert Reid Florence Pauline Fitzgerald Frances M. Cooke John MacRae Butterworth ******************************************************************************************************* Maudine Collette Christie Born In: Bras d'Or, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: Sydney/Bras d'Or, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 15/05/2011 Maudine Collette Christie, 44, passed away Sunday, May 15, 2011, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital after a long, but courageous battle with cancer. Born in Bras d'Or, she was the daughter of the late Martin and Muriel Anne (Cottrell) Christie Jr. She is survived by her common-law husband, John O'Brian; her children, David Christie, Justin Christie, Jonathan Christie and Katelyn O'Brian; her sisters, Brenda Long (Bobby), Ontario, Helen Lights (Fred), Ontario, Delores Long (Bernard), North Sydney, Ruth Hiscock (Keith), North Sydney, and Georgina Fitzgerald, Dingwall; her brothers, Michael Christie, North Sydney, Lawrence Christie, Sydney; her grandchild, Daniel Christie; three grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Maureen, brother, Glen Christie, stepbrother, Lawrence Hanna Christie and grandparents, Margaret and Martin Christie Sr. Cremation has taken place under the care of Francis Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. A private family service will be held at Francis Funeral Home followed by a private committal service at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to d.francis@ns.sympatico.ca. ************************************ Constance Marie 'Connie' Walker Born In: Reserve Mines, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: Bridgeport, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 14/05/2011 We regret to announce the passing of our mother, Connie Walker, on Saturday, May 14, 2011, at the Cove Guest Home, Sydney, surrounded by her family. Born in Reserve Mines, Connie was the daughter of the late Michael and Jennie (MacLeod) MacPherson. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Bridgeport. Connie loved reading, listening to country music, especially Daniel O'Donnell, baking and planting flowers. A private lady by nature, her priority in life was her family. Connie is survived by her companion and best friend, her cat, Saucey; children, Judy Simmons, David (Gail), Donnie (Mary) and Kathy Caldwell. Also surviving are grandchildren, Patricia, Susanne, Ryan, Troy, Angela, Bernard, Kenny, Amanda, Glenn, Jon-Adam, Joshua; great-grandchildren, Harrison, Jessica, Justin, Jillian, Rylee, Alyssa, Hannah, Ethan, Dylan, Peyton, Ellie and Gracie. Left to mourn Connie's passing are her son-in-law, Matthew MacPherson; special nephew, Ronnie Walker; best friend from childhood, Marge Broderick; and sister-in-law, Effie O'Meara. Connie was predeceased by her husband, Peter Walker, daughter, Mary MacPherson and son-in-law, Gordie Simmons. Visitation is Monday evening from 7-9 p.m. in the V. J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay. The funeral mass, officiated by Rev. Daniel Boudreau is Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church followed by interment in the parish cemetery. All are welcome to join the family for a reception in the parish hall. As an expression of sympathy for Connie, memorial donations in her memory may be made to a charity of one's choice. Online condolences to the family can be expressed at www.vjmcgillivray.ca. ************************************ Gloria Ellen MacPherson Born In: Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 12/05/2011 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gloria Ellen Mac Pherson, Whitney Pier on Thursday, May 12, 2011, at Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born in Truro, Gloria was the daughter of Doris (Blackmore) (Hughes) Lucus and the late William Hughes. Gloria was a homemaker, was a member of the Salvation Army and had a strong faith. Gloria was known as a kind, considerate lady. Gloria is survived by her husband, Alan of 29 years; her son, Alan Charles; daughter-in-law, Heidi; granddaughter Bailey; brother, Charles Hughes, Truro; and sister, Deborah Taylor, Winnipeg. Gloria is also survived by chosen daughter April Bond and chosen grandchildren, Kevin and Shirley Bond. Besides her father, Gloria was predeceased by her brother Ronald. In honouring Gloria's wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 17, 2011, at 2 p.m. in The Salvation Army Sydney Community Church, 55 Inglis St., Sydney, N.S., with Major Bill Head and Capt. Felipe Vega officiating. Interment will be in Hardwood Hill Cemetery, Sydney. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lung Association of Nova Scotia or the Salvation Army. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.pierfuneralhome.com. ************************************ Catherine 'Kay' (MacLeod, Gartshore) Grant Born In: Dunvegan, Inverness, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 10/05/2011 Kay Grant died peacefully May 10, 2011, in Halifax. Born in Dunvegan, Inverness Co., daughter of Donald J. and Isabel (Collins) in 1914. She attended local school, Mount St. Bernard, Antigonish, and Truro Normal College. She taught school at Dunvegan, took employment with the Treasury Department, Province of Nova Scotia, and then with the physical education department. She was employed with the Quebec North Shore Paper Company, Montreal, and Ontario Hydro, North Bay, where she resided until she moved to Halifax in 2005. She was predeceased by husbands, Lieut. Clive Gartshore and Jack Grant. She is survived by her sister, Margaret MacLellan, New Waterford; brother, Fr. Angus MacLeod, Sydney; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by sisters, Aurelia, Sr. Anne, CND, brothers, Finlay, Donald, Collins, J.D., Alex, Fr. Colonel and Rod. Funeral will take place in St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Broad Cove on June 4 at 2:30 p.m. Visitation two hours prior to the liturgy. Burial in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the CND Unit, MacGillivary Guest Home, 25 Xavier Dr., Sydney, N.S., B1S 2R9. Messages of condolence: angusmacleod@eastlink.ca. ************************************* Ruth (Steele) Barrett Born In: Whitney Pier, Nova Scotia, Canada Born On: 22/01/1925 Passed Away On: 04/04/2011 Ruth (Steele) Barrett was born Jan. 22, 1925, to Charles and Florence Steele of Whitney Pier. Married June 19, 1946, at Trinity United Church, Whitney Pier to George Henry Barrett (deceased March 5, 2007) in Daytona Beach, Fla. Ruth spent many months of each year in Florida and California where her daughters, Paulette Barrett-Matson and Deborah Barrett-Hess live. She is survived by her brother, Wendell Keith Steele; and sister, Olive Steele-Smith; her two daughters and sons-in-law, Paulette and Henry Matson, Deborah and Bruce Hess and two grandchildren, Holly Hess and Brandon Hess. Ruth peacefully passed away April 4, 2011, of complications from a stroke. A joint memorial service will be held by the family for both Ruth and George Barrett on May 21, at 11 a.m. at Bethel United Church, 2583 Hillside Rd., Marion Bridge. Condolences may be sent to pmatson@charter.net *********************************** Michael Stephen Ponee Born In: Sydney Passed Away In: Westmount Passed Away On: 14/05/2011 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved father, husband and son, Stephen Ponee on Saturday, May 14, 2011, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born in Sydney, he was the son of Madeline (Phillippo) Ponee and the late Maurice Ponee. Stephen enjoyed time with his many friends and family. He could be found enjoying himself while playing golf, hunting, fishing, playing darts and jamming. Another of his pleasures in life was his love for motorcycles and cooking. He was a wonderful cook both professionally and as a hobby. Besides his mother, Stephen is survived by his loving wife, Vanessa (Hamlyn); his son, Colby, whom he loved dearly; one sister, Judy Hilton and her family; mother-in-law, Charlotte Hamlyn; brothers-in-law, Darrell (Marie), Elvis (Tina), Doug (Barb), Trent (Krista) and Desmond (Cindy); many nieces and nephews. Besides his father, he was predeceased by his brother, Maurice Jr. Visitation will be today (Monday, May 16) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the S.W. Chant and Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney. A funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday, May 17 at 11 a.m. in Holy Rosary Church, Westmount, with Rev. Doug Murphy officiating. Interment will follow the mass in the parish cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.chantfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of ... *********************************** Robert John MacLeod Born In: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: Howie Centre, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 13/05/2011 Robert John MacLeod, 57, of Howie Centre, passed away suddenly at home, Friday, May 13, 2011. Left to mourn are his mother, Helen (Compton) MacLeod, Howie Centre; brother and best friend, Ken (Kelly) MacLeod, Sydney; sisters, Cynthia (Glenn) Cunningham and Janet (Stewart) Calder, both of Howie Centre; as well as nephews, Neil MacSween, Kyle and Keigan MacLeod, James Calder; and niece, Josie Calder. Robert is also fondly remembered by good friends, Ron Hargest, Jake Beck and Scott Beck, all of Edmonton, where Robert lived and worked for a number of years before coming home to Cape Breton. He was predeceased by his father, Donald Kenneth MacLeod, paternal grandparents, John and Josie MacLeod, and maternal grandparents, Fred and Annie Compton. Robert was a quiet and gentle man who was fond of music, fishing and books, but particularly enjoyed spending time with his family, whether that meant helping his mother with her gardening and yardwork or lending a hand to his brothers and sisters whenever asked. A lifelong Montreal Canadiens fan, Robert enjoyed following the success of his team over the years, especially on Saturday nights spent with much laughter in the company of his mother and brother. Robert also had a deep interest in world politics and enjoyed keeping track of events in the Middle East. A private family memorial service will take place at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca. Goodbye Robert, We'll remember you always. ************************************* Robert 'Bobby' Kavanaugh Passed Away In: New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 13/05/2011 With great sadness, the family announces the sudden death of Bobby Kavanaugh on May 13, 2011. He was a son of the late Jimmy and Marie (Gatto) Kavanaugh. A miner in his early years and later a fisherman, he loved his time on the water. He had a great ability to remember and tell jokes and he continually brightened and lightened the day for countless people. He was a caring and loving person who was very generous to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Bobby is survived by his wife, Heather (McIsaac); daughters, Nadine, Halifax, Megan, Fort McMurray; son, Robbie (Angela), Halifax; grandchildren, Paige and Chloe; brothers, Jim (Mary), Ray (Carmie), New Waterford, Tom (Marlene), Niagara Falls, Ont.; sisters, Marie, San Pedro, Calif., Norma (John) Brockenshire, Windsor, Ont., Loveina (Frank) Kennedy, Guelph, Ont., Pauline (Frank) Ducharme, Emmeryville, Ont.; nieces, Kyla, Kim, Anne Marie, Colleen, Nancy, Janice, Lynn, Laurie; nephews, Quinn, Jamie, Jason, Jordan, Justin, Frank, David, Brian. Besides his parents, Bobby was predeceased by his sister, Inez. There will be no visitation, cremation has taken place and a funeral mass will take place Tuesday, May 17, 2011, 10 a.m. at St Leonard's Church, Mt. Carmel Avenue, with Fr. Ray Huntley officiating. Interment will take place in the Mount Carmel Cemetery and a reception will be held in Bobby's honour immediately following at the KOC Hall, 3226 Plummer Ave., all are welcome. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of McLellan Brothers Funeral Home, 3183 Plummer Ave., New Waterford, 862-7500. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital or SPCA. Condolences to the family can be sent to www.mclellanfuneralhome.com. ************************************** Alexander Alfred Sandy MacDonald Born In: Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 14/05/2011 With broken hearts, we the family announce the passing of Alex at the QEII in Halifax on Saturday, May 14, 2011. Born in Louisbourg, he was the oldest son of the late Alex and Jenny (Kendall) MacDonald. Alex was a member of Holy Cross parish in Glace Bay. He spent over 60 years working as a painter, both for Burke and Chaisson and Pembroke Construction. He is survived by his son, Gussie of Glace Bay; brother, Johnnie (Linda); sisters, Marion (Jerry) Hanley, Elda (Abe) Phillips, Roberta Perry, all of Louisbourg, Sally Mellun of Woodstock, Ont., Jessica (Marty) Lyons of Kansas. Also, a dear friend Pat Nearing. Besides his parents, Alex was predeceased by his wife, Carmella (Allison), daughter, Shirley, brothers, Lawrence, Jackie and Stevie, sisters, Jeanette, Peggy, Thelma, Annie and Eileen. Visitation will be held in Curry's Funeral Home, 775 Main St., Glace Bay, Tuesday, May 17, 2011, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral will be held at Holy Cross Church on Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at 11 a.m. with Fr. Leo Boone officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Condolences may be emailed to jmcurry@ns.sympatico.ca. ************************************ Manning Robert Reid Born In: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 14/05/2011 It is with deep sadness, that we, the family, announce the passing of Manning Reid on Saturday, May 14, 2011, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in Sydney, he was the son of the late Robert Reid and Lorna (Butler) Reid. He was employed at the Cape Breton Post for many years starting at the age of 14. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his nieces and nephews. Manning is survived by his sister, Marion MacLellan (Darrell Tobin), North Sydney; brother, Gordon Reid (Joyce Paul), Groves Point; nieces and nephews, Cory, Carmelita, Carlene, Kurstyn, Leanne, Robert, Gregory, Ashley, Lorna and Blair; as well as his sister-in-law, Mary Rose. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his stepmother, Mary (Lewis) Reid, sister, Helen Reid, brother, Billy, nephew, Brian and aunt Stella Howell. There will be a visitation from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, at the S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney. There will be no funeral service. Cremation has taken place. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.chantfuneralhome.com. ************************************** Florence Pauline Fitzgerald Born In: Birch Grove, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 14/05/2011 Florence Pauline Fitzgerald, 92, of Sydney peacefully made her journey to be with God surrounded by her loving family Saturday May 14, 2011, at Cape Breton Regional Hospital following a brief illness. She was the daughter of late John James and Mary (Kyte) MacDonald. She was a lifelong resident of the Sydney area. Born in Birch Grove, she moved as a young child to Grand Lake Road area attending Lakevale School. Following school, she continued to live at home for a couple of years caring for her mother. She married her husband Mike in 1946 and soon became a busy stay-at-home mother with eight children - five girls and three boys. She was very involved in her children's activities and lives. She taught Brownies and was one of the founding members of St. Theresa's parish CWL. She was a lifelong supporter of Irish heritage and culture in Cape Breton and was an active member of the Irish Benevolent Society. Flora and Mike were instrumental in the establishment of what was known as the Fitzgerald School of Irish Dancing. One of Flora's biggest contributions to the Irish was spending countless hours sewing shamrocks on the performance dresses and she organized the Irish displays and prepared her famous Irish Soda Bread and Fish Cakes for everyone to enjoy. She was a fun, humorous individual who loved attending gatherings with family and friends. She loved to tell jokes and always wanted to hear new ones so she could add them to her repertoire. Her zest for life was evident in everything she did - she won many trophies and awards over the years playing darts and bowling. She enjoyed playing checkers with 16 grandchildren and to the end she always made sure she got her exercise physically and mentally. She was dearly loved and treasured. She touched the lives of all who knew her and she will be very sadly missed and fondly remembered by everyone. She is survived by her husband Mike Fitzgerald of 64 years; her children and grandchildren, Kevin (Shirla) Toronto, Michael (Jackie), Sean, David and Kyle-Dartmouth, Mary Lou-Danna, Becky, Chad, London, Ont., Kathie (Steve), Melanie, Jeffrey, Stephanie, Dartmouth, Theresa (Andy), Ashley, Jenna, Amy, Calgary, Alta., Renie-Lyndsey, Craig, Sydney, Terry (Tracey), Lauren, Halifax, Elaine (Lawrence), Victoria, Dartmouth. Mom is also survived by Blanche MacDonald, sister-in-law and lifelong friend. She was predeceased by her sisters, Ellen and Catherine, and brothers, Charlie, George, John and Edward. The late Flora Fitzgerald will be resting at the T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, today (Monday, May 16) from 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday, May 17 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, at St. Theresa's Church, Sydney, with Fr. James Oliver officiating. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Osteoporosis Society. Online condolences can be sent to www.twcurry.com. ************************************* Frances M. Cooke Born In: Ingonish, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: Ingonish Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 14/05/2011 It is with great sadness that we the family announce the passing of our dear mother, Frances M. Cooke, who passed away May 14, 2011, in Buchanan Memorial Hospital, Neil's Harbour. Born in Ingonish, she was a daughter of the late Big Mike and Priscilla Barron. Frances was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church. She is survived by daughters, Margaret (Albert) Hines, Frances Robinson (Ken), Diane Robinson (Kenny), Patsy (David) Barretto; sons, Harry (Sylvia), Kenny (Judy), Clifford (Sharon), George (Janet), Fabian (Debbie); stepdaughter, Sister Sandra Cooke; stepsons, Brian and Bill; brother, Bud Barron; also survived by her dearly loved 28 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; many special nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Frances was predeceased by first husband, Harry Robinson and second husband, Alex Cooke, daughters, Bonnie, Rita, Kay, stepdaughter, Carmelita, sisters, Mary, Theresa, Stella and Rita, brothers, Alex, Dots, Mike, Gerald and John. Visitation for the late Frances Cooke will be 7-9 p.m. Monday, May 16 and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, May 17 in Fillmore and Whitman Funeral Home, Ingonish. Funeral Mass will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 18 in St. Peter's Church, Ingonish, Fr. Dan MacDonald will officiate. Burial in parish cemetery. Donations in memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be made at www.fillmoreandwhitman.com. She will be sadly missed by all her special family, friends and loving cat Simon. ***************************************** John MacRae Butterworth 1945-2011, Sydney - It is with heartfelt sadness that we the family announce the passing of John MacRae Butterworth on Friday, May 13, 2011, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born in Glace Bay, he was the son of the late Jack (MBE) and Annabel (MacRae) Butterworth. He is survived by his loving wife, Roberta (Wadden), son Jamie (Karen), and his best buddy, Mr. Max. John began his career as a member of the Sydney Police Department and went on to become truant officer for the City of Sydney. He then became the first gun control officer for the Province of Nova Scotia. In 2000, many years as a deputy sheriff for the Province of Nova Scotia, he retired from the public sector. John continued to work as a provincial civil constable in his own private business until 2010. John was a member of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church. He was an active and proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 12. John was an active musician over the years from playing the drums in dance bands and playing with the Kiwanis Band, City of Sydney Marching Band and then the Cape Breton Firefighters Fraternal Band. He enjoyed camping in Lake Ainslie and was an avid sports and stamp collector. John was a lifetime Toronto Maple Leafs fan, and flew their flag after every victory. In honouring John's wishes, there will be no visitation. A private family burial will be held at a later day. Memorial donations in John's memory can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 12, Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation or the Canadian Diabetes Association. Condolences ma be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca ******************************************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgen.org