Cape Breton Deaths January 17, 2009 Jeanne Carol McNicol 93, Orangedale - Jeanne McNicol of Orangedale passed away peacefully at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009. Born Dec. 14, 1915, in New York to Caroline and Wesley Donohue. Devoted wife of the late Douglas McNicol for more than 50 years, and dear sister of the late Grace Higgins. She is survived by her nieces, Carolyn Higgins, Los Angeles, Calif., Christine Higgins Franzese (Gus), Southampton, N.Y., and many dear friends. Jeanne had many happy memories of her life on Long Island, N.Y., where she was a girl scout leader, an avid gardener, birdwatcher and naturalist. Jeanne and Doug moved to Malagawatch, Cape Breton in the late 1960s, and established the Blue Nose Oyster farm. Over the years, they became part of the community. Jeanne attended the Marble Mountain United Church, taught Sunday school, and established the "Junior Naturalists," welcoming local girls into her home to share her love of nature. Jeanne loved feeding and identifying wild birds, cross-country skiing and many other simple pleasures of Cape Breton. Jeanne was a person of strong character and boundless energy; she truly celebrated life, despite hardships like the early loss of her mother, the loss of her husband and sister, and in later years, vision and other health problems. Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Inverness County Home Care, and the friends who visited and sent messages to Jeanne in her final months. Jeanne's final wish was to donate her remains to Dalhousie University, so that she could continue to contribute to the world. Jeanne's spirit will also live on in the hearts of many people whose lives she touched. A memorial service will be held at a later date. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ John Bernard 'Bernie' Campbell 62, Glace Bay - It is with much sorrow that we announce the passing, on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, of John Bernard Campbell, surrounded by family, at his home on Main Street, Glace Bay. Born in Sydney and raised in Reserve Mines, he was a son of Mary (McNeil) Campbell and the late John A. Campbell. Bernie was an extremely active member of his community, with a lengthy history of work and volunteer experience. Bernie worked with dedication for over 30 years in the labour movement, including 18 years as business manager with Local 596. He also devoted eight years representing locals in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and P.E.I.; as well as serving as an elected representative on the Retail Wholesale Steelworkers national executive board. Bernie is a past president of the Glace Bay Kinsmen Club, past president of the Cape Breton Island Fisheries Advisory Board, church lector, delegate to the Cape Breton Island Building and Construction Trades Council, delegate to the Cape Breton District Labour Council and served on a committee to review the Nova Scotia Workplace Safety Act. He was vice-president of the Glace Bay Senior Citizens and Pensioners Club and a volunteer with the Coastal Radio Program "Vintage Views." He was also an instructor on computer usage to seniors in Glace Bay. Even through his illness of late, a trip to Marion Bridge was the best medicine God could give. Bernie found great peace and joy sitting on the deck with his cherished family and friends; especially with his buddy, Lawrence, breathing in the freshness of the Mira. Besides his mother, he is survived by his dear wife, Myrtle (nee Turnbull); children, Kim (Bob), Fall River, Kris (Stephanie), Dominion; son-in-law, Brent MacNeil; grandchildren, Jonathan (Katie), Mike, Dylan, McKenzie, Chelsey, Sam and Jack; sister, Lexie (Joe) Parsons; brothers, Ronnie (Tood), Willie (Karen), both of Reserve Mines, Brian (Jean), Dominion; many other relatives and very close friends. Besides his father, Bernard was predeceased by his sister, Jane. Visitation for Bernie will be held Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Curry's Funeral Home, 775 Main St., Glace Bay. Funeral Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated Monday, 11 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, Rev. Gerald Campbell officiating. Reception will follow in the parish hall. Donations in Bernie's memory are suggested to the Palliative Care Society, the Cancer Society, VON or charity of choice. E-mail condolences to jmcurry@ns.sympatico.ca A special 'thank you' to the staff of VON, Palliative Care, the cancer centre and Glace Bay hospital for their genuine love and support. It was greatly appreciated. Call of The River The river with her mighty flow Carries boats with people to and fro' Lined with tall majestic trees They bend as if to beckon me When nite is near, and dusk at hand She seems to whisper like a friend Come home my child, your work is done You must bid "Farewell" to everyone. Author: A friend ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Frances Marie (Rideout) Mercer 80, Glace Bay - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frances Marie (Rideout) Mercer at the Glace Bay Health Care Facility on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, with her loving family by her side. Born in Glace Bay, N.S., she was the daughter of the late Bert and Catherine (MacPhee) Rideout. Frances is survived by daughters, Gail (Maurice) Gouthro, Roberta (Steve) Melnick, both of Glace Bay; sons, Johnny (Barb), Marion Bridge, and Kenny, Howie Centre; granddaughters, Amy (Rob) Mahoney, Annette Gouthro, Adele (Joel MacDonald) Gouthro; grandsons, Stephen and Benjamin Melnick and Chris Woodford; sister, Sara MacLean. Also surviving are sister-in-law, Mora Patterson, Dartmouth, brother-in-law, Ian (Mary) Mercer, Glace Bay and their families. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by husband, Bob in November 2008. Frances was a member of Knox United Church and a longtime member of Knox UCW and a Sunday school teacher for many years. Family and home were the focal points of her life, where the teapot was always on and many wonderful memories were made. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service under the direction of Patten Funeral Home, 71 Union St., Glace Bay, 849-7520, will take place at Knox United Church, Monday, Jan. 19, 2009, 11 a.m. with Rev. John Finlayson officiating. A reception will follow in Knox Memorial Room. Burial will take place in Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Knox United Church or the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences may be e-mailed to patten@seaside.ns.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mary Patricia 'Pat' MacLean 88, Sydney - Mary Patricia 'Pat' MacLean, 88, passed away peacefully at her residence on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009. Born in Glace Bay, she was the daughter of the late Alec and Mary Walker, Marconi Towers. She was a member of Our Lady of Fatima parish and was a longtime member of the Catholic Women's League. Friends and family loved Pat's sense of humour and she was often the life of the party. Pat took pleasure in socializing over a bridge table and enjoyed going out, be it to a concert or playing a round of golf. She never missed an opportunity to bake for family and community events. She is survived by daughters, Danette (Lisa Marshall) Murphy, Glasgow, Scotland, Mary Pat Mombourquette, Glace Bay, Marion (Larry Noble) MacLean, Guelph, Ont., Bertha Ann MacLean, Sydney River, Shirley (Gerry) Wonch, St. Catharines, Ont.; grandchildren, Laura Anne, Tessa, Sarah, William, Daniel, Kathleen, Alexandra and great-grandchild, Kobe. She was predeceased by her first husband, Danny Murphy, second husband 'Bill' MacLean and brother, John McAskill. Visitation for the late Pat MacLean will take place Monday, Jan. 19, 2009, from 2-4 and 7- 9 p.m. at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church with Fr. Will MacPherson and Fr. Jerry Curry concelebrating. Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. Memorial donations to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to twucrryparkviewchapel@ns.sympatico.ca or www.mem.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lee P. Bushen 88, Upper Sackville - Passed away at the Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial Building, Halifax on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in West Dublin, he was the son of the late Eldred and Amy (Mosher) Bushen. Lee is survived by his wife of 65 years, June (Himmelman) Bushen; daughters, Judith (Paul) Church, Lower Sackville, Patricia (Mel) Ross, Upper Sackville; grandchildren, Norman MacQueen and Danielle Deveaux, Sydney; brother, Norbert Bushen, West Dublin; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be sadly missed by family pets, Rosie Lea and Ginger Mae. He was predeceased by daughter, Leah MacQueen, sisters, Anne Ackman, Eileen Robar and Barbara Worth. Lee a veteran of the Second World War, he began his naval career as an ordinary seaman in the Merchant Navy in 1937. Lee enlisted in the RCN in 1939 as able seaman. He advanced to leading seaman, petty officer, to chief petty officer first class, master gunner/instructor. He received the 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star and Clasp (denoting France and Germany Star), Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp and the War Medal 1939-45 virtue of his service in the Merchant Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve. Lee served aboard many naval ships, Lady Hawkins, HMCS Assiniboine, HMCS Skeena, HMCS Avalon, Stadacona, Cornwallis, the armed yacht Hochelaga, the frigate Stettler. Upon release from the Navy, he enrolled in a carpentry course in 1945. He worked on several ships as a carpenter and later became a self-employed contractor, building houses in Liverpool as well as Cape Breton. The family moved to Cape Breton in 1954. He served in the Canadian Army Militia as a sapper for a brief time. Lee closed his own carpentry business after many years and worked for Reid's Building Supplies in Sydney until his retirement. After living in Cape Breton for over 50 years, Lee and June moved to Upper Sackville in 2004 to be near the rest of the family. Lee was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed the great outdoors traipsing through the woods near his hunting "shack." He loved his music, when jigs and reels were played, he would often pick up his fiddle or spoons and join in. His interests in "all things navy" continued through his membership in the Cape Breton Naval Veterans' Association. Visitation will be held 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. with a legion service 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, in Atlantic Funeral Home, 125 Sackville Dr., Lower Sackville. Funeral service to be held 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 19, 2009, in Church of the Good Shepherd, 28 Trinity Lane, Beaverbank, Rev. Don Shipton officiating. Reception to follow in the church hall. Burial in Oakridge Memory Gardens, Lower Sackville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the QE II Health Sciences Centre Foundation Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial Building Garden Fund, Church of the Good Shepherd Memorial Fund or charity of your choice. Special thanks to the VMB 5 West Garrison Team for their excellent care and support. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ John M. DeGaust 92, Glace Bay - It is with loving memories that we announce the passing of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, John Michael Alexander DeGaust; which occurred at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009, at the Glace Bay hospital. Born in Glace Bay, he was a son of the late Michael and Catherine (McNeil) DeGaust. John was employed with Devco as a heavy duty equipment machinist. He was a strong union member and served for several years as president of the Mechanics Local at the machine shop. He also served on the board of directors with the Glace Bay Credit Union for many years; travelled the province with Fr. Hugh A. MacDonald and his Eucharistic choir, was an honorary life member of Council 1953 Knights of Columbus, was involved in the Rotary productions in Sydney and Glace Bay; and we are proud of all of his accomplishments. John loved sports and the outdoors and long fishing trips with his wife, Mary, along the many back roads of Cape Breton Island. He had a great love of music, ballroom dancing and was a choir member at St. Anne's for more than 52 years. He loved his family and their gatherings with music, food and song. He is survived by his wife, Mary Margaret (nee Morrison); son, Patrick (Barb), Glace Bay; daughter, Gloria Jean (Bruce) Aitken, Marion Bridge; stepdaughters, Marian, Georgie (Bob), Kathleen and Darlene; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and close friends and special mention of Mary's twin sisters, Lizzie and Annie The last surviving member of his immediate family, he was predeceased by his first wife, Angelena Spinazzola-Smith, daughter, Joan Newcombe, brothers, Andrew, Bernard, Francis, Roderick, Ronald and seven-year-old Roddie, sisters, Anna Mae, Marie, Margaret, Elizabeth, Kathleen and Yvonne. Visitation will be held Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Curry's Funeral Home, 775 Main St., Glace Bay. The Knights of Columbus will meet for prayers at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated Monday 1:30 p.m. in St. Anne's Church, Rev. Leo Boone officiating. Donations in John's memory are suggested to the Children's Wish Foundation or charity of choice. E-mail condolences to jmcurry@ns.sympatico.ca. A special 'thank you' to the nurses on 3rd Floor ICU Unit of the Glace Bay hospital and to Dr. Kevin McNeil for his friendship, professionalism and kindness throughout. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hannah 'Ducky' Osborne 1949-2009 - It is with deep sadness that we, the family announce the passing of our beloved sister, cherished aunt and wonderful friend. Hannah known to family and friends as 'Ducky' passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009, at the Seaview Manor Nursing Home, Glace Bay, surrounded by her loving and devoted family. Born and raised in Whitney Pier, Ducky was the daughter of the late Dave and Hannah (Sharples) Osborne. Ducky was a kind and gentle soul, who throughout the years developed many friendships young and old. Each held a special place in her heart just as she holds a special place in theirs. She loved to laugh, play and dance and because of the commitment and devotion of her family and friends she enjoyed life to the fullest. Ducky has truly enriched the lives of all who knew her and her passing has left a void in our hearts that will only be filled when we someday meet again. Ducky is survived by her sisters, Vivian Atkinson, Mary Lou Grant, both of Sydney; brothers, Dave (Martha), Boots (Marg) and Tom (Debbie), all of Sydney, and Jack (Val), Ontario; as well as many nieces and nephews, especially Sharon (Jimmy). Besides her loving parents, Ducky was predeceased by her beloved sister, Lynn MacKinnon. Visitation will take place Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 19, 2009, at the S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Brenda Drake officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or charity of choice. Thank you to the staff of Seaview Manor and a special thanks to Crystal Simmons for being a friend to Ducky during her stay at the manor. Online condolences may be sent to our webpage at www.chantfuneralhome.com. A light from our family is gone A voice we loved is still A place is vacant in our home Which can never be filled. We have to mourn the loss of one We would've loved to keep But God who surely loved her best Has finally helped her sleep. After a lifetime of her love and joy And music to fill our ears God leaves these wondrous memories To help us through our tears. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Phyllis Marie Waddell 59, George's River - It is with deep sorrow we announce the peaceful passing of Phyllis Marie Waddell, age 59, beloved daughter, mother, grandmother and sister on Friday, Jan.16, 2009, at her home in George's River, surrounded by her loving family. Born in George's River, Phyllis was the daughter of Frances (Marmo) (Beaton) Bonar of Sydney Mines and the late Peter James Beaton of George's River. She was an active member of St. Joseph Church in Bras d'Or, and also a member of the choir at St. Anne Church, Alder Point. She was an accomplished painter and artisan and was also active with the legion in Frankfort, Ont., when she lived there. Besides her mother, Phyllis is survived by her daughter Terri McMillan (Terry Ross), Madoc Ont.; granddaughters, Veronica and Paige McMillan-Ross; four sisters, Julia Kavanagh, Toronto, Mary (Floyd) Fraser, George's River, Theresa (Kevin) Carroll, Sydney Mines, Sylvia (George) Summers, George's River; sisters-in-law, Maureen Brown, Campbellford Ont., Lynne Early, Port Elgin Ont. She was predeceased by her husband, Ron Waddell, two brothers, Francis and Lloyd Beaton, brothers-in-law, Clarence Kavanagh, Tom Early and father and mother-in-law, Maurice "Bob" and Monica Waddell. There will be no visitation by request. Funeral mass for Phyllis will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 19, 2009, at St. Anne Church, Alder Point, with Rev. Peter MacLeod officiating. Funeral arrangements under the direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. Memorial donations may be made to the Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton or Cape Breton Regional Cancer Centre. Online condolences may be sent to info@wjdooley.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Beverly Jane (Boutilier) Shupe 65, New Waterford - Beverly Shupe, 65, of New Waterford, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in New Waterford, she was a daughter of the late John 'Buck' and Gladys (MacPherson) Boutilier. Beverly was a member of Calvin United Church, New Waterford. She was employed as a nurse in earlier years until her children were born. Beverly then left the nursing profession and devoted all her time to raising her two daughters. Surviving are daughters Michelle (Duncan) Shupe and Karen (Aaron) Hannem, both of Manitoba; sister Sheila (Tom) Cashin, Dartmouth; six grandchildren, Alyssa, Kaitlyn, Matthew, Jordan, Samantha, and Jacob. Beverly was predeceased by her husband, Lloyd Shupe and one son, Steven Lloyd in infancy. Visitation will be held Sunday, Jan. 18, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. A funeral service will take place 2 p.m. Monday in Calvin United Church with Rev. Michael Goodfellow officiating. Beverly's remains will be taken to the church at noon on Monday. Donations in her memory may be made to a charity of one's choice. Interment will be in Union Grove Cemetery, Scotchtown. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Julia (Kish) Ihasz Cuyahoga Fall, Ohio - The death of Julia Ihasz occurred in hospital in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009. Born in Hungary, she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Kish, Sydney. She is survived by her husband, Alex and was the mother of Gary, Bobby and Mark; grandmother to seven grandchildren. Other family surviving in Nova Scotia are sister-in-law, Mary (Jack) Brille; brothers-in-law, Rev. Louis (Mary), Rev. Vincent (Anne). She was predeceased by brother-in-law, Frank (Rosemary) in 2001. Funeral will take place today in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, officiated by son, Rev. Gary Ihasz. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ D. Blair MacLeod 76, Sangaree - It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Blair MacLeod, 76, at Harbourstone Enhanced Care Centre in Sydney on Jan. 16, 2009. Born in Sydney, he was the son of the late Dan and Christine (MacDonald) MacLeod. Blair was a quiet and gentle man who in his early years was an avid hunter and fisherman. He worked for Devco for 40 years. Blair is survived by his wife, Evelyn (Holland); brother, Carmen, South Bar; sister, Eileen Clark, North Sydney. He is also survived by three stepdaughters, Donna Holland (Harry), Westmount, Karen Urich (John), Dartmouth, and Mabel Troke (Jason), Dartmouth. He was predeceased by brother, Ralph and sister, Norma and by brother, Lester in infancy. He was also predeceased by stepdaughter Brenda Lahey. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Sydney Memorial Chapel. A graveside prayer service will be held at a later date in Loch end Cemetery, Catalone. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ MacLennan William Bill 55, Millville - It is only with God's strength that I announce the sudden passing of my dear husband of only two short years. Billy left this world unexpectedly of congestive heart failure after many years of struggling with diabetes. At the age of 55, Billy died Tuesday, Jan. 13 in Sussex, N.B., where he was currently employed. Born in Sydney Mines, he was the son of Jean (MacDonald) MacLennan, a resident of the Cove, and the late Wallace MacLennan. Bill attended Grace Fellowship Church, Sydney Mines. He was a member of Sheetmetal Workers Locl 537 for many years. He was currently employed with Bill Petrie Trucking Ltd. and on contract with Seaboard, Sussex, N.B. He had also worked for many years with Timberlake Construction of Millville. He was very proud of his latest accomplishment which was graduating from Commercial Safety College in Truro. Bill enjoyed entertaining family and friends at local functions with his guitar. Billy didn't live the perfect life but when he reached out to help, he did it from the heart. He showed his true feelings with a hug and not a hand shake, and never said goodbye but always "luv ya". Bill is survived by his wife Darlene (MacLean); daughters, Donna (Mike Sinclair), Erin, Ontario, Sylvia (David MacPherson), Oakville, Ont., Danielle Harris, North Sydney, but currently studying in Toronto; sons, Billy, Guelph, and Matthew, Sydney Mines; stepdaughter, Alicia (Winston MacEachern), P.E.I.; and step-sons, Kyle and Tyler LeBlanc, Millville; sisters, Donna (Winston MacEachern) and Debbie (John Cann), both of Millville; brothers, Wayne (Ann) and Danny (Darlene), also of Millville; and special sister-in-law, Eileen MacLennan. Also surviving are a number of special nieces and nephews who loved his "make them laugh" style, all the guys who hung around our house and waited to be picked on, and of course, all the Baby Girls, each one thinking she was the only one, but soon realizing there were many of them and each being told she was his favourite. Besides his father, Bill was predeceased by his brothers, Melvin and Jessie. There will be no visitation by request. A memorial service will be held Monday, at 2 p.m. in Grace Fellowship Church, Sydney Mines, Pastor Rick Barnes officiating. Spring burial, under the direction of Fillmore & Whitman Funeral Home, will be in New Campbellton cemetery. As memorials, donations may be made to the Diabetes Association or to the Cape Breton Bible Camp. To my special dad and special friend, you always made me laugh but you also made me cry with all our special talks. Goodbye friend. Quoting Billy "Your born to live and you must die to live, if you have faith" Rest in peace ******************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgha.org