Cape Breton Deaths February 26, 2011 Saturday There are 9 obituaries published for today. Mary 'Zabeth' Blanchard Mae McVeigh Margaret Mizzi Ruth McNeil Roderick MacGillivray Sally Garland Dorothy 'Joan' (McClair) Morais Gordon Coolen Catherine Elizabeth McNeil ******************************************************************************************************* Mary 'Zabeth' Blanchard Born in: Canada Passed away in: New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 23/02/2011 It is with great sorrow that we, the family, announce the passing of Mary Elizabeth 'Zabeth' Blanchard on Friday, Feb. 25, 2011, at New Waterford Consolidated Hospital, with her family by her side. Born in Grand Etang, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Marie (Cormier) Chiasson. She was a member of the Parish Church of St. Leonard, formerly Mount Carmel parish, as well as the Ladies L'Assumption Society, Cercle Evangeline, New Waterford. Elizabeth was owner and manager of Midtown Villa Guest Home for 16 years. She is survived by daughter, Pauline (Eddie) Fraser, New Waterford; sons, Joe (Mary Lou), Sydney, Bernie (Cheryle), Berwick; grandchildren, Susan Fraser, Michael and Jacqueline Blanchard, Peter and Jerry Blanchard, Sean and Maurice Ruelland, Windsor, Ont.; great-grandchildren Rocco and Joshua. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Elizabeth was predeceased by her husband Edward, daughter, Gearldine Ruelland, two brothers, Alex Dan and Wilfred, two sisters, Mary Margaret and Lucy May. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. A funeral mass of celebration will take place Monday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Fr. Ray Huntley officiating. Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the Carmel Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to a charity of one's choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. ********************************* Mae McVeigh Born in: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Born on: 18/10/1912 Passed away in: Dominion, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 25/02/2011 With heavy hearts, our family announce the peaceful passing of Mary Catherine 'Mae' McVeigh which occurred Friday, February 25, 2011 at the Glace Bay Healthcare Complex. Born October 18, 1912 in Sydney, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Mary Ann (Sutherland) Steele; and wife of the late Laurence McVeigh. Mae was a wonderful mother very much dedicated to her family and is well remembered for her many years in the general store business having retired only a few years ago. Mae is survived by her children, Bobby (Kelly), Bernadette (Tom), Bernie (Debbie), Elizabeth (Alan), and Kathleen (Lloyd); grandchildren, Caroline, Mary, Diane, Jean, Lauren, Brennan, Robert, Tara, Laura, Daina, Gary, Luke, Kathleen, Bobbi, and Lloyd Jr.; great grandchild, Eleanor; brothers, Dan and Joe; sisters, Sr. Florence Steele, Gen Gromack and Theresa Gouthro. Besides her husband and parents, she was predeceased by siblings, Fr. Harvey Steele, Evelyn MacKinnon, Angus Steele and Dr. Bernie Steele. Visitation in Curry's Funeral Home, 775 Main St., Glace Bay on Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated Monday at 11 a.m. in St. Eugene's Church, Father Daniel Boudreau and Father Leo Boone concelebrating. Interment in the parish cemetery. Donations in Mae's memory are suggested to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. ********************************* Margaret Mizzi Born in: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Born on: 08/11/1911 Passed away in: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 24/02/2011 With precious memories in our hearts, we, the family of Margaret Sarah Mizzi, sadly announce her passing at the Cove Guest Home on Thursday, February 24, 2011 with loving family by her side. Born in Sydney on November 8, 1911, she was the daughter of the late Salvo and Francis (Lyons) Mizzi. Margaret was a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Sydney and was very devoted to her religion. She is survived by sisters Mary Ferguson, Sydney; Cecilia Marusiak, Sydney; Eileen Baldwin, Sydney; brothers George Mizzi, Sydney and Edward Mizzi (Annie), Hamilton, Ontario. Besides her parents, she is predeceased by sisters Melita Newton, Ontario; Ester Meloche, Ontario and Rita Coleman, Sydney. Margaret was a loving aunt and will be sadly missed by all of her nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She will be especially missed by her caregivers who were nieces Ann Dares and Faith Currie and nephew Keith Baldwin. Margaret worked at Gallies Shoe & Clothing Store for twenty-five years in Sydney. She lived the past thirteen years as a resident of the Cove Guest Home where she enjoyed the company of the staff and fellow residents. She formerly resided at 312 Esplanade, Sydney. Visitation will be held Sunday, Feb. 27 and Monday Feb. 28, both days from 2-4 p.m. & 7-9 p.m. at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel in Sydney. A funeral service will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 1, 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Parish, George St., Sydney with Fr. Anthony O'Connor officiating. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Howie Centre immediately following the service. The family would like to give thanks to the entire staff of the Cove Guest Home for the professional care and concern that was always given to Margaret. Donations in Margaret's memory may be made to the Cove Guest Home or a charity of one's choice. ********************************** Ruth McNeil Born in: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away in: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 25/02/2011 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our wonderful mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Ruth passed away on Friday, February 25, 2011 at the Glace Bay Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Born in Glace Bay, she was the daughter of the late John Jacob and Clementine (Popwell) Petite and was a member of St. John's Parish, Glace Bay. In her early years, Mom worked at Cadegan's Fish Plant, Phalen's Bakery, McFadgen's Bakery, all in Glace Bay and lastly at Mike's Lunch, also in Glace Bay where she retired from after several years of service. Mom was a loving and caring mother and grandmother. She always had a hug and a smile for every child in our family and was called 'Nanny Ruth' by all. Until her illness, she enjoyed playing bingo, 7 card rummy, and watching hockey on TV, especially to see #8 Ovechkin. In her earlier years Ruth and her husband James enjoyed dancing and Ruth would often be the last person on the dance floor. Mom will be sadly missed by daughters, Ruth McNeil, Brenda McNeil, both at home and Heather (Robert) Boutilier, Birch Grove; son Simon (Stephanie Cooper), Edmonton; brothers Jackie (Jean), Keith (Elsie), both of Glace Bay; sisters Edna MacNeil, Thelma (Rocky) Ford, Julie (Bernie) O'Donnell, Sandra (David Nicholson) Petite, all of Glace Bay, Barbara (Gussie) Murphy, Reserve Mines; three grandchildren Roger and Samantha Boutilier, Birch Grove and James McNeil, at home; sisters in-law Marge Petite and Yvonne Petite both of Glace Bay; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her husband James McNeil, brothers Art Petite and Ronnie Petite. Visitation for Ruth will be held Sunday, February 27, from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay. A funeral mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. on Monday at St. John's Church with Fr. Leo Boone officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Interment will be in the parish cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mom's memory may be made to the Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton or the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences to the family are available through www.vjmcgillivray.ca. ************************************ Roderick MacGillivray Born in: Whitney Pier, Nova Scotia, Canada Born on: 30/09/1938 Passed away in: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 24/02/2011 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rod 'Fuzzy' MacGillivray of Glace Bay on the 24th day of February, 2011 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Whitney Pier on the 30th of September, 1938. He was the son of the late Cecelia (MacDonald) and Rod MacGillivray. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Elaine (MacKinnon); five children, Lynn (Jack), Brian (Heather), Brenda, Deborah and Andrew; and was predeceased by his son, Craig. Roddie is also survived by his sisters, twin Catherine 'Sis' (Howie) Kenny, and Colleen (John) Dezagiacomo; four grandchildren Matthew (Brenda), Breton (Lynn), Siobhan & Rhys (Brian); many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews. In addition to his parents (1966) and son (1970), Roddie was also predeceased by his brothers Blaise in infancy, Ted Black (1995) and Danny (2003). Roddie was a loving husband, father, brother, son and friend. He continually elicited the importance of family and lasting connections. In his youth, while he enjoyed many sports, he was drawn to hockey and boxing. With his brother Danny, they would create many memories. One of his noteworthy achievements, which he often boasted, was that he was a member of the first chartered Little League baseball team in Canada. His passion for sports continued throughout his lifetime, and he remained a staunch supporter of the Toronto Maple Leafs, regardless of their successes. By the age of 16, Roddie commenced his professional employment as an electrician, where he would develop a superb reputation as the quintessential electrician. Roddie was a fierce supporter of enhancing the electrical profession, remaining closely connected with the I.B.E.W. Local 1852. It was following one his skating expeditions in 1960 that he met Elaine, whom would marry in 1965, raising a wonderful family. Roddie's undeniable relentlessness was unmistakable following his spinal cord injury. Notwithstanding all medical assessments, Roddie would prove all wrong. Visitation will be held on the 28th of February from 2-4 p.m. & 7-9 p.m. at Currie's Funeral Home, 775 Main St., Glace Bay. A Celebration Funeral Mass for Roddie will take place on the 1st of March, 11a.m. at Holy Cross Church, Seaview St., Glace Bay with Father Norman MacPhee officiating. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery on Wallace's Rd. A luncheon reception will be held at Holy Cross Hall following the service. Donations in Roddie's memory can be made to the Rick Hansen "Wheels in Motion" or Holy Cross Memorial Fund. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at jmcurrie@ns.sympatico.ca. This man known as Roddie, Dad, Da, Fuzzy and Brother, will be sadly missed. We will never forget you nor the happiness and love which you fostered and nurtured. **************************************** Sally Garland Born in: Baddeck, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away in: Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 24/02/2011 Sally Margaret Garland, 65, Whycocomagh passed away Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011, at the Palliative Care Unit, Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in Baddeck, she was the daughter of the late George and Sarah (MacLean) Garland. She is survived by sons, Calvin (Rita) Fitzgerald, Baddeck, David (Heather) Hyatt, Springhill and three grandchildren; step children, Laurie (Charlene), Little Narrows, Wayne (Muriel), Brantford, Willie (Roslyn), Ft.McMurray, John Allan (Pat), Brian and Scott of Brantford, Ont. and Margie (William) Sealy, Aberdeen and 11 step-grandchildren; sisters, Marion (Herman) Phillips, Big Baddeck, Reta (Charlie) Cook, Baddeck, Hilda Pardoe, Bucklaw; brothers, Ewan (Catherine) MacLean, Big Baddeck, Bill and John Garland, Toronto. Sisters-in-law, Kay Garland, North Sydney and Nellie (Ernest) Nicholson, Whycocomagh; many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, William K. MacDonald; stepson, Tony and brother, James Garland. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. Cremation has taken place, no visitation by request. A graveside service will be held in Stewartdale Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations in her memory may be made to a charity of choice. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Whycocomagh. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com. ******************************************* Dorothy 'Joan' (McClair) Morais Passed away in: Pictou, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 12/02/2011 She was born, raised and died in Pictou, N.S. Of two siblings, she was the younger to her older sister, Mardie Curran, New Minas, N.S. Both children of parents, Dorothy Margaret (Fyfe) McClair of Pictou, born in New Westminster, B.C. (deceased in 2009) and Elmer Andrew McClair of Pictou, born in Boston, Mass. (deceased in 1954), they ran McClair's Bakery in Pictou for many years. After high school graduation from Pictou Academy, Joan attended Normal College in Truro for a few months but quickly realized nursing was her calling. She obtained her R.N. from the Victoria General Hospital School of Nursing in Halifax in 1966, then worked at The Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal for a short while. She worked next at the Vancouver General Hospital in B.C. Later she returned to the V.G. Hospital in Halifax, becoming a certified profusionist and worked mostly in dialysis at the kidney unit, and team member in kidney transplants. She went back to school and attended Dalhousie University to get her Bachelor of Nursing Degree. She welcomed the challenge to teach R.N. students at her old school, The V.G. Hospital, Halifax. Joan met and later married her love and moved to his tiny village of Big Pond, Cape Breton, and lived there for one year. She worked as instructor for the Atlantic Foundation for Occupational and Environmental Health in Sydney during that time. In 1983 she accepted positions at the local hospital and the Bay St. George Community College in Stephenville, Nfld. She taught C.N.A. students, worked on accreditation, helped standardize government exams, and later worked as shift supervisor and was involved in the O.R. In 1990, they moved back to Nova Scotia and she accepted a position at the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, in nursing management, until her retirement in 1997. Joan's husband, Clifford Morais, is one of three siblings born to Clair Duguay, of Bois Gagnon, and Hector Morais of Upper Tilley Road. Both originally from New Brunswick, they moved to Cape Breton after the Second World War. Despite Joan's resiliency and positive attitude while facing dying and death, her several cancers won out and took her life early Saturday morning, February 12, 2011. Religious Ceremonies to be held at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, corner of Coleraine and Church Streets, Pictou, March 5, 2011 at 2 p.m., followed by a fellowship in the church basement. Interment/committal of ashes to be held at a later date. Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on March 4, 2011 in McLaren Funeral Home, 246 Faulkland St., Pictou, N.S. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice, or help a neighbour or a friend. ********************************************** Gordon Coolen Born in: Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away in: Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 24/02/2011 Gordon Adelbert Coolen, 63 of Stellarton passed away Feb. 24, 2011 at Cedarstone Enhanced Care, Truro. Born in Wolfville, he was a son of the late Wilfred Kirby and Hilda Mae (Van Buskirk)Coolen. Gordon was born in Wolville, grew up in Cape Breton, moving to Pictou County, where he lived for a number of years. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Stellarton, was an avid bowler and was passionate about his garden. Gordon was a retired employee of MT&T. Surviving are sons, Scott (Jocelyn), Onslow Mountain; Jason (Tasia), Vancouver; three grandchildren; brothers, John, Cape Breton and Andy, Alberta; a sister, Linda Hume, Kentville; five nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, the former Nancy Carrigan. His remains will rest in the H.C. MacQuarrie Funeral Home, Stellarton for visiting from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Monday from the First Presbyterian Church, Stellarton with Rev. Charles MacPherson presiding. Reception to follow in the church hall. Burial will take place at Heatherdale Memorial Gardens at a later date. Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Gordon may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or to The First Presbyterian Church, Stellarton. Online condolenses may be made to www.angusfuneralhomes.com. ************************************************ Catherine Elizabeth McNeil Born in: Reserve Mines, Nova Scotia, Canada Born on: 11/11/1948 Passed away in: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 22/02/2011 Born Nov. 11, 1948, in Reserve Mines, a resident of the Cove Guest Home for the past five years, passed away at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Feb. 22, 2011. She was the daughter of the late Dan J. and Mary (Campbell) McNeil. She was a former member of St. Joseph's parish, and was a choir member for many years. Catherine was a graduate of Reserve District High, Nova Scotia Teachers College and later obtained her BA from St. Francis Xavier University. She taught school at Tompkins Memorial for many years. She resided in Halifax for a time and was a member of St. Lawrence parish, where she was a choir member. She is survived by brothers, Eric, Mississauga, Ont., Donald, Guleph, Ont., Wendell, Barrie, Ont., and Sam, Dartmouth, N.S.; as well as several nieces and nephews. The funeral will be held in the spring. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. ******************************************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgen.org