Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CAPE BRETON GENEALOGY & HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE - <http://www.cbgen.org/ <http://www.cbgen.org/>>www.cbgen.org <http://www.cbgen.org/> NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Cape Breton Deaths June 27, 2016 Monday There were 11 obituaries published today William Alexander “Sandy” Hillier - 74 yrs Ernest William “Ernie” Parsons - 64 yrs Sarah Ann (MacLeod) Corbett - 88 yrs Doris (Howell) Gauthier Sampson - 92 yrs John Joseph MacNeil - 66 yrs Hector Gerald MacDonald - 61 yrs Mary Leone Tobin - 78 yrs Winnifred “Winnie” MacDonald - 84 yrs Robert Charles McVarish - Drustella “Stella” Horton - 78 yrs Russell Wesley Matheson - 79 yrs John Joseph MacNeil Born In: Irish Vale Passed on: June 24th, 2016 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Joseph MacNeil, 66, of New Waterford on June 24, 2016. John passed away surrounded in a peaceful and loving presence with his family by his side. Originating from Irish Vale, he was the son of the late Tom and Josephine ‘Josie’ (Dunphy) MacNeil. He was a faithful member of St. Leonard Parish. John began his working career at the age of 16, his work ethic was inspiring for everyone and John loved his work at Nova Construction. He enjoyed sharing stories about his career. John was honored to receive a miracle, a successful kidney transplant of 23 years. He was a great storyteller, avid gardener, lover of fine foods and loved to support a fellow Cape Bretoner. His humble, kind, generous and faithful presence had a impact on all of those around him and his influence will be felt for generations. John will lovingly be remembered by Donna, his wife and best friend of 40 years, his daughter, Stacey Jean and son, John Michael (Alison). John is survived by his mother-in-law, Stasia MacSween; sisters, Anne McNamara, Wanda (Conrad) Burke and Alva MacNeil; brothers, Gerard (Wanda), Kevin (Patsy) and Gerry MacNeil. He was also survived by his second mother, Bev Fletcher (Harold); sisters-in-law, Danelle and Mary MacSween, Florence Leveck, Aloyse Palmater, Donna MacNeil and his brother-in-law, Pat Brasso. John spoke highly of friends, Jarianne Timmons, Danny McDonald and Linda Cusack along with extended family and special friends. John was predeceased by brothers, Donald and Jimmy MacNeil, his sister, Jean Brasso, brother-in-law, Val McNamara, sisters-in-law, Kaye Casey and Shirley MacNeil and his kidney donor, Tyler. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford on Wednesday, June 29 from 5-8 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, June 30 at St. Leonard’s Church, New Waterford at 10 a.m. with Father Ray Huntley officiating. Reception to follow in the parish hall. Interment will take place after the reception in St. Michael’s Cemetery, River Ryan. In lieu of flowers and in memory of John’s thoughtful and generous nature, donations can made to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Comfort Fund in c/o Tommy McNeil and his daughter, Stacey’s non-profit for those who experience economic difficulties, “The Backpack Campaign” can be made online at: http://www.stjohnpaul2collegiate.ca/Donate.php <http://www.stjohnpaul2collegiate.ca/Donate.php> Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca <http://www.vjmcgillivray.ca/>. “Where you go I'll tag along … Remember me, I'm the one who loves you” – Johnny Cash Hector Gerald MacDonald Born In: Sydney Mines Born: March 13th, 1955 Passed in: Sydney Passed on: June 24th, 2016 We regret to announce the passing of Hector MacDonald, 61, of Sydney, and formerly of Sydney Mines, on Friday, June 24, 2016, at home. Born in Sydney Mines on March 13, 1955, he was the son of the late Michael and Mary (Oakes) MacDonald. Hector is survived by his sisters Jacqueline (Eric) MacLean and Christina (John) Gracie; brothers Clifford (Mary), and Ricky, and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Hector was predeceased by brothers Billy, Mickey and Tony. The family would like to thank Dr. Coish and the staff at the Northside General Hospital. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in Hector’s memory may be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Unit. Words of comfort may be forwarded to his family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com <http://www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com/>. Mary Leone Tobin Born In: Glace Bay Passed in: Glace Bay Passed on: June 24th, 2016 It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our wonderful mother, Mary Tobin. Mom passed away at her home, June 24, 2016, at the age of 78. Born in Glace Bay, she was the daughter of the late Michael Andrew and Mary Catherine (Burke) Kuta, and was a member of Holy Cross Church, Glace Bay. Ma never ventured very far from her family home that she was raised in, raised her children in and grew old in. She had friends everywhere; she also had many wonderful neighbours who checked in on her and would call her constantly. She had such a heart of gold and a love for life, family and happiness, that all of our memories of her, are of love and kindness. As a family, we can honestly say that Mom has never said a harsh word about anyone. Mary will be sadly missed by her four loving children, Darlene (Hector) Debison, Michael (Sharon), Jimmy (Barb), John (Leslie); 10 cherished grandchildren; many great-grandchildren, all of whom were her pride and joy. Mom will also be sadly missed by her sister Joan (Douglas) Wrathall; her wonderful neighbours on her beloved McPherson Street; nieces, nephews, friends and her feline companion ‘Rosie’. Besides her parents, Mary was also predeceased by her husband Michael Andrew Tobin and her sister Bernice MacPherson-Ryan. In honoring mom’s request, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay. A private family service will be celebrated 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 28, 2016, in the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel, with Fr. Norman MacPhee presiding. Interment will follow in St. Anne’s Cemetery, Glace Bay. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mom’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.vjmcgillivray.ca <http://www.vjmcgillivray.ca/>. “You are gone from us now, but your memory will remain in our hearts forever” Winnifred MacDonald Born In: Glace Bay Passed in: Glace Bay Passed on: June 25th, 2016 Winnifred MacDonald, age 84 passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the Glace Bay Hospital. Born in Glace Bay, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine (Murphy) MacDonald. Winnie was employed at St. Anne’s Convent, Glace Bay for many years. She is survived by her nephew, Bruce MacDonald, who was like a son to her, two sisters, Mary McDonald, Rita Driscoll, both in Glace Bay, special niece, Yvonne McInnis and Yvonne’s daughter, Theresa ‘Terri’. Winnie was predeceased by two sisters, Catherine Penney, Esther Burte, five brothers, John, Malcolm, Angus, Michael and Joseph. No visitation. Cremation has taken place. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay. Interment to follow in St. Anne’s Cemetery, Glace Bay. If so desired, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences to the family can be expressed at www.vjmcgillivray.ca <http://www.vjmcgillivray.ca/>. Robert Charles McVarish Passed on: June 23rd, 2016 Robert Charles McVarish, our beloved son and brother passed away unexpectedly on June 23, 2016. A true Cape Breton boy through and through, Rob lived, fought, laughed and loved hard. Born in Sydney, N.S., Rob is survived by his parents Kevin and Cathy (Stephenson) McVarish and his brothers Matt (Josh) and Colin. He was predeceased by grandparents Charles and Esther McVarish and Bob and Julia Stephenson. He attended Sydney Academy and graduated from Nova Scotia Community College in 2011. Always an adventurous and hard worker, Rob worked as a power engineer in Alberta, Manitoba, and most recently Nova Scotia, and was always working on furthering and updating his education in his field. A graveside service to show him our love will be held at St. Alphonsus Cemetery in Victoria Mines, N.S., on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 2 p.m. A unique, creative, and inquisitive soul, Rob was a funny man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. "We love you Rob" Drustella 'Stella' Horton Born In: North River, Canada Born: March 18th, 1938 Passed on: June 23rd, 2016 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stella Horton, 78, on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at Victoria County Memorial Hospital. Born in North River on March 18, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Malcolm Jim and Dolena (MacLeod) MacAskill. Left to mourn are Leanne MacDonald (Patrick) and their children Ethan and Jenna, Truro; siblings Edna (Leonard) Smith, Baddeck, Meldon MacAskill, North River, as well as several nieces and nephews. A special niece Darlene who helped care for her as well as special friends Betty, Una, Effie, and Sally. Besides her parents Stella was predeceased by siblings Molly, Racie, Christine, Sadie Mae, Lloyd, nephew Terry, sister-in-law Delores, North River. A special thanks to the Home Care Staff and nurses as well as the staff at the Victoria County Memorial Hospital especially Dr.. Ritter who made her final days peaceful. Funeral arrangements will be under the direction of MacAskill Funeral Home, Baddeck. There will be no visitation. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at the Gospel Hall on Academy Street, Baddeck, N.S. Burial will take place at the Riverside Cemetery, North River. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Society or the Victoria County Memorial Hospital. Russell Wesley Matheson Passed in: Markham, Ontario, Canada Passed on: June 23rd, 2016 Passed away suddenly at home on June 23, 2016 at the age of 79. Beloved husband of Marilyn for 53 years. Loving father of Kelly (Jeff), Shauna (Jim) and Kyla (Curtis). Proud grandfather of Heather, Neil, Kyle, Alex and Aidan. Inherited father of Christian (Allison) and inherited grandfather of Cameron and Michael. He is survived by his sister, Velma (Bill); his mother-in-law, Christena MacDonald; his brothers-in-law, Earl Hamilton, Stuart MacDonald and Kevin (Dolores) MacDonald and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his son, Ian; his parents, Garfield and Edna Matheson; his sister, Myrtle, his father-in-law, Gordon MacDonald; his sister-in-law, Mary MacDonald and his niece, Linda. Visitation will be held at the DIXON-GARLAND FUNERAL HOME, 166 Main St. N. (Markham Road), Markham on Sunday, June 26, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church, 32 Main St. N, Markham, on Monday, June 27, 2016 at 2 p.m. Interment at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sleeping Children Around the World or to a charity of your choice.