Cape Breton Deaths January 12, 2009 Monday Thomas James O'Brien 60, Glace Bay - Now gone but forever in our hearts we announce the passing of Thomas James O'Brien on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009, at Cape Breton Regional Hospital's An Cala Palliative Care Unit. Born in Glace Bay, Sept. 2, 1948, he was the son of Alphonse and Viola 'Lu' (Walsh) O'Brien. Tom was a proud serving member of the Canadian Forces for 30 years. Throughout his career, Tom was posted to many different units and locations in Canada and was a member of the Peacekeeping Force in Ismalia and the Golan Heights. His hard work and dedication allowed him to achieve the rank of captain, prior to his retirement in 1996. Although retired, he still loved the military life and looked on with pride as several of his nephews and a niece chose the military as careers. Aside from his professional achievements Tom will be fondly remembered for his love of sports. Upon his retirement, he took up the game of golf and could be found every morning on the greens of Passchendaele Golf Course, honing his skills. His newfound love of golf was in constant competition with his admiration of the ice rink and right up until his illness, he still spent time playing hockey with the boys as a member of the Bayplex Relics. Besides his parents, Tom is survived by his loving wife, Karen (MacKinnon); his daughters, Shannon Parsons, Halifax, Colleen O'Brien and Paula Sudworth, both of Glace Bay; two grandsons, Ethan, Calgary, and Jensen, Halifax; sisters, Marie Egerdeen (Ike), Kitchener, Ont., Annette O'Brien, Donna O'Donnell (Martin), Sheila Burke (Mike), Vera O'Donnell (Joe) and Paula Parsons (Johnnie); brothers, Jack (Nancy), Wayne (Martha), Mickey, all of Glace Bay; many nieces and nephews and life-long friend, John Morris. Tom was predeceased by a sister, Patsy and brothers, Kevin and Alphonse, grandparents, Tom and Catherine O'Brien and James and Cassie Walsh. A special thank you to the staff of the An Cala Unit (palliative care) of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their compassion and care for Tom and his entire family during his illness. In honoring Tom's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. A memorial mass will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 2 p.m. in St. John's Church, Glace Bay, with Fr. Leo Boone officiating. Interment will be held in the parish cemetery at a later date. Following the mass all are invited to join the family for a reception in the parish hall. Tom was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 3, Glace Bay, and his comrades will form an honour guard in his memory at St. John's Church. Family flowers only. Donations in Tom's memory may be made to the An Cala Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Arrangements have been entrusted to the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Glace Bay. Condolences to the family can be expressed through the funeral home website, www.vjmcgillivray.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Maria Nicholas (Aliotis) Raptis 95, Sydney - It is with heavy hearts and with most loving memories that we are saddened to announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Maria Raptis. Maria passed away at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by her family on Jan. 11, 2009. Maria was born in Saint John, N.B., Oct. 19, 1913, and at the young age of two moved to Halifax. She was a survivor of the Halifax Explosion. Later in life she met and married the love of her life Christos Raptis and moved to Sydney where they were family owners of the Diana Sweets Restaurant. Maria lived a much fulfilled life. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by family. Maria's pride and joy besides her daughter were her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and Linda, whom she thought of as her granddaughter, all of whom she was very proud of. Maria was a member of St. Anargyroi (Anargyree) Greek Orthodox Church. She was a deeply spirited woman. In her younger years she was a member of the Cape Breton Orchestra in which she played the violin and truly enjoyed. She also was a longtime member of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Ladies Auxiliary and was quite proud of the work they were able to accomplish. Maria was also a long-standing member of the Liberal Association for many years. Maria enjoyed travelling which she did extensively with her husband. She was an avid card player as well as a bingo player. She enjoyed her Friday mornings at the Casino with friends. She was the icon of the family with many stories to tell. No one passed through her doors without having at least a cup of tea, many with homemade sweets. One of her favourite pastimes was doing crossword puzzles, as she said this kept your mind young. Her love for life gave all hope and joy. Maria spent many hours knitting clothing for her grandchildren. She often remarked many times that she had nothing to regret in life as she had a very satisfied and happy one and we should not put aside what we wanted to do in life. Go out, enjoy and live it to the fullest. Besides her parents, Smaro and Nicholas, Maria was predeceased by her husband, Christos, brother, George, and sister, Lily. Maria leaves behind to mourn her family, daughter, Christina Higgins (John); grandchildren, Christopher Kieley and wife Linda whom resided with her for many years, Lisa Kieley Hanna (Ron), New Brunswick, Angela Kieley (Donnie), Sydney, Cynthia Kieley (Brian), Sydney; great-grandchildren, Christina, Sophia and Joey. She will also be missed by her great friend and sister-in-law, Chrisoula Raptis, Sydney; and nephew, Chris Pilichos, Halifax. Visitation will take place Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be held 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at the St. Anargyroi (Anargyree) Greek Orthodox Church, Glace Bay. In lieu of flowers, donations in Maria's name can be made to the St. Anargyroi (Anargyree) Greek Orthodox Church, Glace Bay, or charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to our webpage at www.chantfuneralhome.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Russell 'PaPa' Morrison 91, Sydney - Russell passed away peacefully Sunday Jan. 11, 2009, surrounded by his loving family at Harbour View Veterans Hospital, Sydney Mines. Born Jan 17, 1917, in Millville, he was the only son of the late Daniel and Catherine Morrison.He was an army veteran, member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Sydney Mines and St. Andrew's United Church, Sydney. He was a machinist by trade, worked at Atlantic Springs and retired from Sydney Steel Corp. Russell was an avid baseball and boxing fan. He loved cars, fiddle music and soaking up the sun. He is survived by his daughter, Carolyn LaRusic, Sydney; granddaughters, Janis (Jimmy) MacPherson, Sydney, Kim (Craig) Gamble, Halifax; grandsons, Jamie (Amie) LaRusic, Sydney, John LaRusic, Vancouver, and Edward LaRusic, Halifax; great-grandchildren, Jalissa, Cianna, Jenna, Tyler, Brett, Lindsey, Brianna, Owen and Ethan. He will be also missed by sons-in-law, Greg and Ed LaRusic, along with the family dog, Misty. He was predeceased by his wife, Clara and his daughter, Jeanette LaRusic. Special thanks to granddaughter, Amie LaRusic. For many years she gave Russell loving care and friendship while living at home with her. Also thanks to Dr. Waiver, all the staff of the Harbour View Veteran Unit, Sydney Mines and to Rev. Luker for his time and prayers. Visitation will be held Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the S.W.Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney. Funeral service to take place at the chapel Wednesday Jan. 14, at 11 a.m. Burial at Forest Haven Memorial Gardens to follow. Donations may be made to charity of one's choice. Online condolences may be sent to our webpage at www.chantfuneralhome.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Angus Joseph Rogers 79, New Waterford, N.S. - It is with great sadness and broken hearts the family announces the passing of an amazing man, Angus Joseph Rogers, on Jan. 9, 2009, at the Glace Bay Health Care Facility. Born in Glace Bay, Angus was the son of the late Thomas and Mary (MacInnis) Rogers. Angus was a stationary engineer and retired from the Sydney Radar Base as chief engineer. He was an avid dart player, amazing hockey player, enjoyed boxing and a good game of tarabish. Angus was a brother for 12 years with the Friars of Atonement, New York, and was a friend of Bill W. and Dr. Bob for a number of years. Angus is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Gloria (White) Rogers; sons, Jerry (Shelly) Lynk, Bridgeport, and Aaron (Jolene) Tuck, Calgary; sisters, Mary Penny and Priscilla (Walter) Wojick; grandchildren, Krystle Lynk and Emily Mae Tuck; also many nieces, nephews; and special friend, Elsa. Besides his parents, Angus was also predeceased by his first wife, Theresa Rogers, sisters, Bridget MacGillivary, Geraldine MacDonald, Carmella MacPherson and Dorothy MacNeil, brothers, Billy, Harold and Tommy. Cremation has taken place under the direction of McLellan Brothers Funeral Home, 3183 Plummer Ave., New Waterford, N.S., 862-7500. A mass to celebrate Angus's life will take place Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 11 a.m. in the parish of St. Leonard's/St. Michael's Church, with Fr. Paul MacNeil officiating. A luncheon will follow at the KOC, Plummer Avenue, New Waterford, all are invited. Burial will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. Donations in Angus's memory can be made to the Cape Breton Palliative Care or the Cancer Society. Online condolences to the family can be sent to www.mclellanfuneralhome.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Angus W. McIntyre 67, Dominion - It is with broken hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved husband and father, Angus McIntyre, 67, of Lewis Drive, Dominion, which occurred Friday, Jan. 9, 2009, after a brief illness. Angus was born and raised in the town of Dominion to the late Dan and Catherine (MacIsaac) McIntyre. Angus lived and worked in the Boston area for many years. He spent most of his working life with Devco, as a miner, retiring in 1997. Angus loved his furry friends; was an avid sports fan; loved baseball and hockey and was a proud member of the Dominion Volunteer Fire Department for many years where he was also a team player in the Fire Department's dart league. His favourite times were spent with his wife taking long drives in the country; and being with his buddies, shelties, Denver and Jessica. Angus leaves to mourn his wife and best friend, Gerry (McKinnon); his twin daughters, Kathy and Karen McIntyre (Ken Shipley), both of Halifax; brothers, Donnie and Bernie and their families of Boston, Mass., Neil and his family of Winnipeg, Man.; along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews; and special friend, Lawrence Bourque. As per Angus' request there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. A mass to celebrate Angus' life will be held at St. Eugene Church, Thursday, 11 a.m. Family flowers only. Donations in Angus' memory may be made to Palliative Care or charity of choice. E-mail condolences to jmcurry@ns.sympatico.ca. God saw him getting tired A cure was not to be So He opened up His loving arms And said Angus, Come To Me Rest in Peace until we meet again. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Murdella E. MacKenzie 86, North Sydney/Ross Ferry - It is with deep sorrow we the family announce the sudden passing of Murdella 'Della' Eileen MacKenzie, 86, resident of Queen Street, North Sydney, and formerly of Ross Ferry on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at the Northside General Hospital. Born at Little Bras d'Or, Nov. 8, 1922, she was a daughter of the late Murdock and Kate (Ross) MacFarlane. Della and her husband Fraser lived for many years at Ross Ferry and Natick, Mass., U.S.A.. For the past seven years they lived in the Enriched Living apartments at the Northside Guest Home. Della and Fraser just celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary on Jan. 1, 2009. Besides her husband Fraser, she is survived by her sons, Murdock, Mendon, Mass., Robert, Ross Ferry; sisters, Maria Shaw, Fredericton, Martha MacGregor, North Sydney, Arabel MacKenzie, Ross Ferry; also by six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one sister, Annie MacFarlane. As with her wishes there will be no visitation. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009, at Drummond Memorial United Church, Ross Ferry with Rev. Sean Handcock officiating. Burial to take place in the Church Cemetery at a later date. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. Online condolences may be sent to info@wjdooley.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Anne 'Anna' Marie Coakley 71, Florence - We the family of Anne Coakley regret to announce her passing at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, Friday, Jan. 9, 2009. Born in North Sydney, Anne was the daughter of the late Stan and Grace (Lovell) Jesty. She is survived by Vern, her loving husband of 53 years; her sons, Leonard (Paula), Georges River, David (Donalda), Darrell (Denise) and Eric (Kelly), Florence; her daughters, Diane Brown (Jim), Amherst, and Colleen Mudie (Fred), Ontario; 10 grandchildren, Leonard, Kathryn, Chrissy, Ryan, Jessie, Paige, Eric, Bethany, Evan and Colby; three great-grandchildren, Ethan, Lexy and Kaden; and her sister, Sheila (Ron MacDonald), Arizona. Anne was predeceased by her brothers, Leonard and Stan and sisters, Marilyn, Patsy and Norma. She was a member of St. Stephen's parish, Florence, and a former member of the parish CWL. Anne worked for many years as a caregiver before taking ill. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends but will always be remembered for her loving and caring ways and her wonderful humour. A private family viewing will be held at Francis Funeral Home Monday evening, Jan. 12, from 7-9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday at 2 p.m. in St. Stephen's Church, Florence, with Fr. Reg Currie officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Northside General Hospital Foundation. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to d.francis@ns.sympatico.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Duncan John MacLean 83, Sydney - Duncan MacLean, 83, of Gray Street, Sydney, passed away Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born in Baddeck, he was a son of the late Fraser and Christie (MacDonald) MacLean. Duncan worked for the City of Sydney street maintenance department for 35 years. He served with the Queens Own (army) for three years. Duncan dedicated himself to the betterment of the blue collar worker. He was a strong and committed member of the Canadian Union of Public Employees serving as president of the City of Sydney CUPE Local 759 for over 25 years and also served as national CUPE representative in the Sydney area. Duncan was also very active with the Cape Breton Labour Council and served as president. He is survived by his wife, Louise (Stewart); daughters, Jane MacKeigan (Alex Wrathall), Sydney, Evelyn Wells, British Columbia; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and six great great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by daughter, Doreen and sisters, Catherine, Rhoda and Dora, brother, Kenneth. Visitation will be held in Sydney Memorial Chapel from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday. Funeral will be held in the chapel at 2 p.m. Tuesday with Rev. Stephen Mills officiating. Memorials may be made to the Cancer Clinic or charity of choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Winnifred 'Nana' Gillis - Winnifred 'Nana' Gillis, nee Williams, 84 years old, passed away peacefully on Jan. 8, 2009, at St Michael's Care Centre in Burnaby, B.C. She was born in New Waterford, N.S., where she resided until 1958, after which she moved to Montreal with her late husband Alexander 'Bucky' Gillis. She then moved to Vancouver, B.C. in 1995, where she resided until her passing. 'Nana' is survived by her sisters, Mary Dubois and Catherine Pelletier; her daughter, Irene (Wheeler); her son, Ronnie; son-in-law Gary; grandchildren, Chantal, Glenn and Paul; as well as her great-grandchildren, Brandon and Logan. She was predeceased by her brothers, Duncan, Mike, John and sister, Margaret. Winnifred was an ardent sportswoman, a caring and loving person with a hearty laugh, always ready for a great time. She will be missed by all. Donations on her behalf can be made online to the B.C. Cancer Foundation. Online condolences may be sent to www.remembering.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Margaret Joan (nee MacKay) Murphy - On Jan. 9, 2009, at the Lansing Retirement Home in Toronto, Ont., at the age of 88 years. Beloved wife of the late William (Bill) Murphy. Loving mother to Margaret Fearon (Blair) and dear grandmother to Kyle and Andrew, all of Toronto. Also she is survived by her brother, Donald MacKay (Helen) of Ottawa. The family will receive friends at the Humphrey Funeral Home-A.W. Miles Chapel, Toronto, 1-800-616-3311, from 6 p.m. until the time of the service in the chapel at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13. A memorial service will also be held in Sydney, N.S. at a later date. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 2300 Yonge St., Suite 1300, Toronto, Ont., M4P 1E4 or the Canadian Cancer Society, 20 Holly St., Suite #101, Toronto, Ont., M4S 3B1. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Elizabeth D. Hutchins - With sadness, we acknowledge the sudden passing of Elizabeth (Bette) Hutchins (Kerr, nee LeDrew) on Jan. 8, 2009, in her 88th year. Beloved wife of Bill of Halifax. Loving mother of Grant and Janice (Orville); stepmother to Bob (Marlene) and Sharlene. Precious Nana to Kimberlea (Stephane), James (Susie) and Peter. She is survived by sister, Anne, California, and Donald, Sydney Mines. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 2 p.m. in Rockingham United Church, 12 flamingo Dr., 443-2947, followed by visiting and an informal reception in the church hall. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pauline Finlayson Sydney Mines Memorial Mass - A memorial mass for the late Pauline Finlayson will take place at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009), in Immaculate Conception Church, Sydney Mines, with Fr. J.J. MacDonald officiating. ******************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgha.org