Cape Breton Deaths March 26, 2011 Saturday There are 10 obituaries published for today. Madeline 'Madge' Parsons Thomas Hennessey Mary Jane Cadegan Effie 'Isabel' Magee Daniel Foster W. David Baillie Murdock MacNeil Anna Guzdziol Margaret (Wade) Doucet Dan Yakimchuk ******************************************************************************************************* Madeline 'Madge' Parsons Born In: Belle Island, Newfoundland, Canada Passed Away In: Bras d'Or, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 24/03/2011 It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and aunt, Madeline 'Madge' Parsons age 87, a resident of The Cove Guest Home, Sydney, and formerly of Main Street, Bras d'Or, on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Madge was born in Belle Island, Nfld., March 17, 1924, the daughter of the late John and Lucy (Moore) Kavanaugh. In earlier years Madge owned and operated a convenience store in Mill Creek. She was a member of the Children of Mary and was an active member of the ladies auxiliary of Father William Kiely Council, Knights of Columbus, North Sydney. She was a member of St. Joseph Church in Bras d'Or. For the past five years Madge was a resident of The Cove Guest Home in Sydney. She is survived by her sons, Robert (Ann), John (Gail), both in Little Bras d'Or, Myles (Claudette), Nanaimo, B.C., Gerard (Anna), Sexsmith, Alta.; her daughter, Beth (James) Laffin, Chilliwack, B.C., Kathy Jessome (Jimmy Day), Bras d'Or. Also surviving are her 18 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and siblings, Madge was predeceased by her husband, John J. 'Jack' Parsons; two grandsons, Brian and Ryan Parsons. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. There will be no visitation by her request. A funeral mass will be celebrated for Madge at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph Church, Bras d'Or with Rev. Peter McLeod officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. A reception will follow in the Bras d'Or hall. Family flowers only, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Cemetery Fund. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com. ********************************* Thomas Hennessey Born In: Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: North Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 23/03/2011 We, the family, regret to announce the sudden passing of our dear brother, uncle and friend, Thomas Joseph Hennessey, age 68, on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at home. Born in Sydney Mines, he was the son of the late Pius and Sadie (MacLean) Hennessey. Tom enjoyed the outdoors, he was a great handyman and loved to spend time with his family and friends. He especially loved holiday dinners spent with his sisters. Left to mourn their brother's passing are his three loving sisters, Bernadette, Sydney, Sarah Walsh, North Sydney and Helen Matheson, Sydney Mines. Tom also leaves behind several nieces and nephews as well as his dear close friend, Patricia (Pat) Fennell, who he considered family. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Pius, Stanley, Edward, Patrick, Richard, Cecil, Charles and Adrian in infancy and by sisters, Theresa, Lorraine and Christina. There will be no visitation. A funeral service for Tom will be held 10 a.m. Monday in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney, with Rev. Jake Andrea officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the North Sydney Food Bank or the N.S. Lung Association. Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com. ********************************* Mary Jane Cadegan Born In: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 25/03/2011 Devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, friend and teacher. The family of Mary Jane Cadegan is saddened to announce her passing on March 25, 2011 after a courageous two year struggle with breast cancer. She died peacefully and with dignity at her home. Mary Jane was born in Glace Bay, N.S. on Sept. 16, 1947 to the late Perry Lewis and Catherine Jean (MacLean) Cadegan. She was an exceptional classroom teacher, resource specialist and reading recovery instructor. Later in her career, Mary Jane accepted a position with the N.S. Teachers' Union serving as staff officer in charge of Union Leadership Development and Outreach Programs. She retired in 2004. Her favourite activities included walking, reading and gathering with family and friends to share good food, music and conversation. The loving hospitality that she offered touched the hearts of many. Mary Jane is survived by her husband, Art Gregg; son, Shannon Lynch (father Michael Lynch); stepchildren, Matthew (Bronya) Gregg and Heather Dawson; step-grandson, Raleigh Dawson; sisters, Margaret Anne Cadegan (twin sister), Laurie (Tom) Gilbert and brothers, Kent (June), Jeff (Jane) and Eric (Donna). She is also survived by her nieces and nephews including, Christopher, Katherine, Timothy and Adam Cadegan, Patrick and Michael Cadegan, Anne Patrice and Leah Gilbert and Jennifer Kumpf. A special thank you to all who offered their support during Mary Jane's illness. Your kindness was deeply appreciated. Visitation from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, March 27 and celebration service at 3 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2011, both to be held at Cruikshanks Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor St., Halifax. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Healing and Cancer Foundation at www.healingandcancer.org or to a charity of one's choice. ********************************* Effie 'Isabel' Magee Born In: New Boston Road, Albert Bridge, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 25/03/2011 Mrs. Isabel Magee, 91, died peacefully on Friday, March 25, 2011, at the Cove Guest Home, Sydney. Born in New Boston Rd., Albert Bridge, she was the daughter of the late John D. and Kate Ann (MacVicar) MacCuish. Isabel was a faithful member of Zion Presbyterian Church, Louisbourg, for over 60 years. She was also a member of Zion Ladies Aid and life member of the Atlantic Mission Society. Isabel was a loving, kind and gentle woman who inspired her family to choose goodness, faith and honesty in every aspect of their lives. We will deeply miss her unconditional love and the "Motherly" knowing smile and her unique sense of humor. She always had great memories of the families and the children whom she loved dearly while residing on Havenside Rd. and Station Hill, Louisbourg and then in Catalone. Isabel is survived by two daughters, Julia 'Julie' McDonald (Dr. Bill Avison), London, Ont. and Cathy Magee, Catalone; one son, Philip (Loretta) Magee, Catalone; five grandchildren, Blair McDonald, Tina Lahey (Glenn), Shaun (Andrea) Lahey, Anthony Magee and Athena Magee (Joey) and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her twin brother, Philip A. MacCuish, Victoria, B.C. Isabel was predeceased by her husband, Joseph E. Magee (1982); two brothers, Dan Hector and Archie MacCuish; and one sister, Christine MacCuish. She was also predeceased by her very special son-in law, Pilot-Captain, Kenneth J. McDonald. The late Mrs. Magee will have visitation at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Union Presbyterian Church on Monday 2 p.m., with Pastor Kevin Richardson officiating. Interment in Loch End Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or Loch End Cemetery, Catalone. A very special thank you to the staff at the Cove Guest Home for the love & compassion shown to our mom. Words cannot express our gratitude. "All things work together for good, to them that love God." Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca. ********************************* Daniel Foster Born In: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Born On: 08/07/1991 Passed Away In: Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 24/03/2011 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle, godfather and great friend, Daniel Foster. Born in Sydney, on July 8, 1991. He was the son of James (Crow) and Donna (Rose) Foster. He was a member of St. Pius X parish in Sydney Mines. Daniel graduated from Memorial High School as an apprentice plumber in 2009. He was a member of LIUNA Local 92 Laborers Union. He was an avid sports fan, having played hockey most of his life. Daniel also enjoyed playing baseball and fishing. Besides his parents, he will be sadly missed by brothers, Jonathan, Halifax, Kevin, Toronto and sister, Kerrie (Pat), Toronto; nephew, Devon Snow; niece, Jenna Snow and goddaughter, Nevaeh. He is also survived by his grandmother, Edith Foster; grandparents, Ronald and Shirley Rose, along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins, and his beloved puppy, Snoop Dog. Daniel had many, many great friends, who will miss him dearly. Daniel was predeceased by his grandfather, Thomas Foster; sister, Emily Jean Fells in infancy, and his very close friend, Roddie Gillis. Although Daniel has left us far too soon, he has provided a precious gift to save many other lives, by donating his corneas, tissue and bone. Visitation for Daniel will be held Sunday, March 27, 2011 in the J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, 635 Main St., Sydney Mines from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A celebration of his life will take place Monday at 10 a.m. in St. Pius X Church, Sydney Mines, with Fr. Thomas John officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Daniel's memory may be made to the Asthma Society of Canada, The Canadian Lung Association or a charity of one's choice. Online condolences may be forwarded to the family at jmjobesfuneralhome@ns.aliantzinc.ca. ********************************** W. David Baillie Passed Away In: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 22/03/2011 W. David Baillie passed away at home unexpectedly March 22, 2011. He is survived by his loving wife, Maureen (McGuire); mother, Cecile; sisters, Brenda MacNeil (Wendell), Sandra MacNamara (Kenneth); sister-in-law, Franceen Romney (Philip); numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, William. David was a long time employee of the Department of Natural Resources. He was an avid sailor, a professional guide, who reveled in the outdoors and a certified cabinet maker. David was actively involved in Cape Breton Search and Rescue, a member of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Atlantic Salmon Federation, Hobie Cat National Association and IBEW 1852. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. ********************************* Murdock MacNeil Born In: Benacadie Pond, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: Christmas Island, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 24/03/2011 It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Murdock Edward MacNeil on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in Benacadie Pond on Nov. 23, 1930, he was the youngest child of the late Dan X. and Annie (Gillis) MacNeil. Murdock worked for 30 years with the Dept. of Transportation serving many years as the captain of the Grand Narrows-Iona Ferry, before retiring 24 years ago. A member of St. Barra's parish all his life, Murdock faithfully served for many years on the parish council, in addition to maintaining the church and cemetery grounds. Murdock also served as a volunteer fire fighter with the Christmas Island Fire Dept. and was also a member of Clan MacNeil. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Mary Florence (MacKenzie) and his sisters, Margaret MacKinnon and Rita Madore. Also surviving Murdock are his sisters-in-law, Theresa George and Catherine MacKenzie, Christmas Island, Peggy Mills, Alabama and brother-in-law, Jimmy MacKenzie, Christmas Island, in addition to many, many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Jimmy, Paddy, Angus and Hughie and sisters, Mary (MacDonald), Agnes (MacDonald) and Bessie (Coombs). Murdock will be sadly missed by the Gaelic Community for his many stories and his oral history of the parish and community. He will be remembered by all as a very gentle and kind man. Visitation for Mr. MacNeil will take place at St. Barra's Church, Christmas Island on Sunday from 2-9 p.m. A funeral mass to celebrate Murdock's life will be held on Monday, March 28 at St. Barra's Church at 11 a.m. with Fr. Paul Abbass officiating. Reception to follow at Christmas Island Fire Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one's choice, St. Barra's Cemetery Fund or St. Barra's Building Fund. Online condolences to www.twcurry.com. ********************************* Anna Guzdziol Born In: Grodno, Poland Passed Away In: Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 23/03/2011 A very loved and renowned resident of Port Hawkesbury passed away on March 23, 2011, in St. Martha's Regional Hospital, her daughter, Barbara and son-in-law, Martin, by her side. She is now at peace, knowing that she joins her beloved husband Wladyslaw. Born in Grodno, Poland, on Jan. 20, 1924, she was the daughter of Maurycy and Adolfina Thorn. She led a remarkable life from her early pre-war childhood years of privilege in Poland, which was viciously torn apart during the terrible war years which she spent in Warsaw. As a teenager, she was forced to rely on her survival instincts to get through many life-and-death situations which are a tragic reality in war. She joined the "Armia Krajowa" (Home Army), and took part in the Warsaw Uprising in 1944. The outcome was her being taken prisoner of war to a camp in Oberlangen, Germany, near the Dutch Border. She was liberated in April 1945 by the Polish Armoured Division which was fighting in the West. She was first moved to Paris, then to England, where she was conscripted to the Polish Navy under the British Command. She loved to recount the story that she chose the Navy "because they had the nicest uniforms". She served as a WREN in the Naval base in Okehampton, Devon in England, where she met her future husband, Dr. Wladyslaw Guzdziol, a medical officer at the base. They were married in April 1947 in London. They lived in England for four more years, moving to Canada in November 1951, when her husband was invited by a citizen's committee of West Bay Road to open a medical practice in Cape Breton. In 1952 they moved to Port Hawkesbury, where her husband soon developed a large practice. She helped her husband in his work, especially at the confinements. She was a formidable presence in the community, taking the initiative and determination even at a young age and a recent immigrant to found the town's first Girl Guide group in 1957. A year later, the first Brownie packs were formed. She loved camping, and organized camps for the girl guides in New Campbelton and in St. Georges Channel. She took her guides on trips to Prince Edward Island, and to Quebec. She was a district commissioner and held the office of the deputy provincial commissioner in 1967. She was awarded the Girl Guide Medal of Merit, the Mayflower Medal, and a Life Membership. In 2007, she received the Beaver Medal, the highest award presented by the National Girl Guide movement, to recognize her efforts. She received the "Croix de Combattants" order in 1971 and the Queen Jubilee Medal in 1977. She was a member of the first Status of Women. She was president of the Liberal Women's Commission in 1990. She was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and of the board of directors of the Innkeepers Guild of Nova Scotia. She was nominated "Woman Entrepreneur" in 1999, and was bestowed by the Port Hawkesbury Chamber of Commerce in 2010 the prestigious Jack Hartery Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of the business contribution that she and her late husband made to the community. She had a very special way of dealing with people, bringing a cheerful mood to any meeting, social function, or supermarket. She loved to be amongst people, and was excellent in public relations. She owned and managed the Viking Motel in Port Hastings and then Troy Lodge Cottages. She loved traveling, be it to Europe, India, or Mexico. She was passionate about politics, and a staunch Liberal, attending many of the Liberal conventions throughout Canada. She was a very religious person, participating actively in St. Joseph parish, elected to the parish council in 1998 for a four-year-term; she was also a member of the CWL. She enjoyed life and her joy of life was infectious on others. She was predeceased by her brother, Roman in 1926, and by her husband, Wladyslaw in 2007. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara and her husband, Martin, and relatives in Poland. Visitation will be Saturday and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., with a vigil service at 2 p.m., Saturday and a legion service at 7 p.m., Sunday in the Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Funeral mass will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 28, 2011, in St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Fr. Andrew Boyd officiating. Donations in memory of Anna Guzdziol may be made to the Girl Guides of Canada, Canadian Cancer Society. St. Joseph Cemetery Fund, or a charity of your choice. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com Niech odpoczywa w pokoju wiecznym *********************************** Margaret (Wade) Doucet Born In: Montréal, Quebec, Canada Passed Away In: Mira Road, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 24/03/2011 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Doucet, our mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend on Thursday, March 24, 2011. She passed away peacefully at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Montreal, Quebec, she was the daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (Furey) Wade. In her early years mom was a hairdresser at Sylvia Dawn. She was a member of Immaculate Heart Church, Mira Road, as well as a founding member of the ladies auxiliary of the Mira Road Volunteer Fire Department. Mom loved to crochet and knit, She also enjoyed meeting people from the cruise ships and other crafters. Margaret is survived by two sons, Wade (Joanne), Ottawa, Eric (Theresa), Halifax, one daughter, Louise at home; four grandchildren, who were very precious to her, Ashley, Andrew, Hailey and Miley She is also survived by one brother, Fred Wade (Pauline), Calgary; one sister, Dorothy MacKenzie, Sydney; sister-in-law, Geraldine Wade, Ontario and several nieces and nephews. Mom will be greatly missed by a very dear friend, Mary Matheson, Sydney. Besides her parents, Margaret was predeceased by her husband, George; brothers, John Wade (Isabella), Dick Wade, Bill Wade (Pauline) and a half brother, James Wade; sisters, Marie Hardy (Bill) and Clara Reid (Earl). Visitation will be held Monday, March, 28, 2011 at the S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will take place 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2011, at Immaculate Heart Church, Mira Road, with Rev. Jim Oliver officiating. Cremation to follow. Interment to be held in Resurrection Cemetery on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 10 a.m. Donations in Margaret's memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Kidney Foundation or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to our webpage at www.chantfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction ofŠ ****************************************** Dan Yakimchuk Born In: Nova Scotia, Canada Born On: 29/09/1929 Passed Away In: Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 19/03/2011 Dan Yakimchuk 1929-2011 Sydney Dan Yakimchuk passed away at the An Cala Palliative Care Unit of Cape Breton Regional Hospital on Saturday, March 19, 2011. Born in Sydney, Dan was the son of the late Daniel and Madeline (Baker) Yakimchuk. In addition to his parents, Dan was predeceased by his brother, Richard, and sisters, Georgina (in infancy) and Agnes (McCormick). Dan is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Clotilda Douglas Yakimchuk; four children: Dale Anne (John Edwards), Dena Kyryluk (Mike), Madeline, and Danny (Connie McPherson); and five step children: Sharon (Isa Ford), Carl (Margaret), Valerie O'Neale (Cyrus), Leslie (Dockery Shaw), and Kenny (Lynnette). Dan is also survived by sisters Dorothy, Julia Borshis, Angela Kavanaugh, Mary Morris, Rose Murphy, Elizabeth MacDonald, and Teresa Penny (Ronald); one brother, Charles; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces. In addition to his career at Sydney Steel, Dan was a lifelong learner, community activist, trade unionist, civic leader, and, in his later years, seniors' rights advocate. Dan served as Sydney's Ward 5 Alderman for two terms in 1972 and 1979 and was involved in many community organizations, including the Cape Breton Council of Senior Citizens and Pensioners, Cape Breton Labour Council, Sydney Whitney Pier Credit Union, Joint Action Group, Cape Breton District Health Authority, and the Nova Scotia Task Force Investigating Elder Abuse, and many others. Dan volunteered his time to various community groups, including Loaves and Fishes and Open Your Heart Shelter. He received many awards for commitment to public service, including the Certificate of Appreciation (NS Human Rights Commission, 1972), Nova Scotia Remarkable Seniors Award (1998), Activist of the Year (Council of Canadians, 2002) and Volunteer - Outstanding Service/Contribution to the Community (Federal Government, 2003). Dan's sense of community is best described in his own words: "I am so proud of being a Canadian and a Cape Bretoner. I think I owe it to the community and to my island to put something back in." There will be no visitation. His remains have been donated to Dalhousie University (Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology) for the advancement of medical education and research. We sincerely thank the staff of the Palliative Care Unit for their exemplary care to Dan and his family. A celebration of Dan's life will take place at a future date. Memorial donations may be made to Palliative Care or the Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia (www.alzheimer.ns.ca). Condolences can be sent to the family at http://danyakimchuk.inmemoriam.ca ******************************************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgen.org