Cape Breton Deaths January 14, 2009 Karen V.P. Holm Shaw 86, New Waterford - Karen Holm Shaw, 86, of MacLeod Avenue, formerly known as Maple Hill, where she was raised, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 9, 2009. Born in New Waterford, she was a daughter of the late Hans and Petrine (Pedersen) Holm. Karen was born on Wood Avenue in 1922. At the age of eight her family moved to 'Maple Hill.' She began her musical career at the tender age of four. Her older brother Gordon taught her to play piano, accordion, mandolin and banjo. Later, with her sister Gloria, she learned to tap dance as a pupil of Doris MacDonald. In her early 20s, Karen again followed her brother into the Canadian Army and was stationed in numerous locations. After the Second World War she served overseas, during the occupation of Germany, as a police woman at Nazi trials. While overseas, Karen met Stewart B. Shaw who later became her husband. Married in 1946, the couple moved to the town of Arnprior, in the Ottawa Valley where they resided for nine years. During daylight hours they owned and operated Mainview Photo Studio. Karen also became a member of the well-known orchestra, 'Mac Beattie and the Ottawa Valley Melodiers,' and performed several times a week at various venues including CFRA Radio. Somewhere between photography and music she also found time to be Girl Guide commissioner. Karen returned to her hometown of New Waterford in 1956 with baby, Elizabeth (Betty). She continued her careers in photography and music, managing Meyer's Photo Studio in Glace Bay and performing in variety shows and on radio and television with well-known local musicians. Mom was an honorary lifetime member of Cape Breton Professional Musicians Association Local No. 355 and was a longtime member of the Everett Cann Orchestra. Mom really enjoyed working and 'playing' in her numerous flower beds and had a real love for the many birds that she fed year round. Being a very spiritual person, Mom had deep respect for God and His written Word, the Bible. After several years of Bible study she was happy to become a baptized member of the Glace Bay Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. From 1972 until her passing she always thought it a privilege to share her knowledge of the Bible and her hope for the future with friends and neighbours. James 4:8 is an appropriate scripture to describe her relationship with Jehovah God. "Draw close to God and He will draw close to you . . ."Surviving are daughter, Elizabeth 'Betty' (Joel) Young, Reserve Mines; stepson, Shane (Marlene) Tourangeau, Carp, Ont., Ottawa Valley; brother-in-law, Albert 'Blackie' Digero, New Waterford; several nieces and nephews. Karen was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was predeceased by brothers, Urban 'Dick' and Gordon, sisters, Carola, Tove, Thekla and Gloria. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. A funeral service will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Reserve Street, Glace Bay with Richard Volkes officiating. A reception will follow at the Kingdom Hall. Interment will be in Union Grove Cemetery, Scotchtown, at a later date. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.vjmcgillivray.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ray MacPherson 86, Sydney - The family of Raymond Alphonse MacPherson regret to announce his passing after a long, intense battle with illness over the past three years, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009. Raymond will be remembered as a man with remarkable ethics whether it be work related (he was a sergeant with security at Sydney Steel for most of his working years) or interacting with numerous family and friends. He was always there with a helping hand or word for many. Raymond was a man of strong religious belief and faith as was evident by his involvement with the Men's Club and as a Eucharistic minister at St. Theresa's parish over the years. He was a familiar sight at daily mass and could be seen after mass 'fixing the books.' Raymond was a member of the Ashby Legion, Branch 138 and enjoyed his involvement especially selling poppies. Raymond will be remembered for many reasons but most of all he was a loving, caring father who taught us well, mostly by example. He was most loved and will be truly missed by all especially his loving wife of 63 years, Josephine (Sylvester) MacPherson. Raymond is survived by his five children, Ann Marie (Glen, deceased) Hill, Sydney, John (Diane), Missouri, U.S.A., Raylene (Yves) LeClerc, Ottawa, Marion (Michael) Silver, Halifax, Terry (Lynn), Halifax. Beloved poppie to grandchildren, John, Christopher and Becky MacPherson, Tracey Hill-Hannah and Craig Hill, Rene and Marc LeClerc, Aaron and Kyle MacPherson, Brandon and Ryan Silver. Also special extended granddaughters, Melanie, Amy and Kimberly Bonaparte and their parents, Marilyn and Mike. Poppie dearly loved his great-grandchildren, Cody and Kelsy MacPherson, Jade Hannah and Presley LeClerc. Raymond was the last surviving member of his immediate family and is survived by sister-in-law, Lucy (Robert) Ramey, and special nephew, Robyn (Christie) Foret, Calgary. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews whose lives Raymond continued to be involved with until his illness prevented him from doing so. Raymond was predeceased by his parents, John V. and Annie (MacKinnon) MacPherson, brothers, John, Dan and Bernie, sisters, Mary MacNeil and Florence Ling, sisters-in-law, Dorothy MacPherson and Eileen MacPherson and brothers-in-law, Tom Ling and Dan MacNeil. Visitation will be at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. in St. Theresa's Church with Rev. Jim Oliver officiating. Interment to follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. Donations in his memory can be made to Cape Breton Palliative Care or to the Canadian Alzheimer Society. Online condolences may be sent to twcurryparkviewchapel@ns.sympatico.ca. or www.mem.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Eva Mae (Westwood) Tracey 56, Broughton - It is with great sadness and broken hearts the family announces the passing of Eva Mae Tracey, much loved wife, mother, sister and friend on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, at the An Cana Palliative Care Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Eva was born in New Waterford in 1952. She was employed with several government departments and agencies in various positions for the past 25 years. Eva lived for the moment and had a great zest for life. She enjoyed many activities such as ceramics, quilting, jewelry making, scrapbooking and photo creations. Another passion of Eva's was travel, anywhere, anytime and at the drop of a hat. Eva was a colourful individual in both her personality and her wardrobe. She often liked to surprise her family, friends and co-workers with her various theme outfits and rap performances. Eva was a kind and compassionate person as evidenced by her donations to various charities. She was always there with a word of advice for anyone who asked. Eva is survived by her husband, Edward Tracey, Broughton; her daughter, Lisa Brewer, at home; son, Chris (Monica), Enfield; stepdaughter, Renee (Joey), Glace Bay; three grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers, Francis (Marguerite), New Waterford, Reg (Joan), Lingan, John (Lorraine), New Victoria; sisters, Margaret (Frank), Gardiner Mines, Audrey (Raymond), Whitney Pier, Norine, Lingan, Carol (Keith), Brampton, Ont.; many nieces and nephews; her mother-in-law, Trudy Tracey; sisters- and brothers-in-law; special friends, Sabeth, Brenda and Kathy; and aunts, Edna, Boston, and Mary, New Waterford. Eva was predeceased by her parents, Mamie MacPhee and Aubrey Westwood, grandparents, Frank and Mary Westwood and Jack and Mary MacPhee, niece, Sarah, father-in-law, Thomas (Jigger) Tracey, sisters-in-law, Sandy and Sharon in infancy. Visitation will be held Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. A funeral mass of celebration for Eva will take pace Friday, Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. in the parish of St. Leonard, St. Michael Church with Fr. Paul MacNeil officiating. Cremation will follow. A luncheon will be held at the Carmel Centre following the funeral mass. Interment will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery at a later date. Family flowers only. Donations in Eva's memory may be made to An Cala Palliative Care Unit, Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Spina Bifida Association, Canadian Cancer Society or Canadian Diabetes Association. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.vjmcgillivray.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mary Yvonne Kendall 'Mary Summer' 89, Dominion - Mary Yvonne Kendall, 89, of Pleasant Street, Dominion, passed away Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, at the Glace Bay Health Care Facility. Born in Sydney, Mary was the daughter of the late Peter and Jennie (Dominic) Doublet of St. Pierre and Miquelon. She was a member of St. Eugene's Church and a devout Catholic. Mary was a lifelong member of the Dominion Pensioners Club and at one time held the position of treasurer. She loved sports and was an avid fan of the Toronto Blue Jays. Mary also loved a good game of cards and did volunteer work with the Red Cross. But mostly, Mary will be remembered as a compassionate, loving mother and grandmother who always put family and friends as her priority in life. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Mary is survived by two daughters, Jean Burke (Vic), Montreal, Angela (Mick) McKinnon, Dominion; three sons, John (Dorothy), Glace Bay, Peter (Donna), Montreal, David (Philomena), Dominion. Mary is survived by 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her first husband, John MacDonald, second husband, John Kendall, four children in infancy and three brothers, Peter, Edward and Leon. Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 15 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay. The funeral mass officiated by Rev. Gerald Campbell is Friday at 2 p.m. in St. Eugene's Church followed by interment in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens. All are invited to join the family for a reception in the parish hall. As an expression of sympathy for Mary, donations in her memory may be made to the Cancer Society or St. Eugene's Church, Dominion. Condolences to the family can be expressed through the funeral home at www.vjmcgillivray.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Anne Marie Gillis 49, Grand Mira South - It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Anne Marie Gillis, 49, Grand Mira South on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009. Born in Sydney, she was the daughter of John G., Grand Mira South and the late Rose Marie (Black) Gillis. Anne is survived by her faithful companion and soulmate, Andy Ganaway; her father, John; her seven sisters, Helen (David) Ferguson, Theresa Gillis, Mary Gillis, Donna (Edward) Niedzielski, Kimberly (Glenn) MacDonald, Karen (Blair) MacDonald and Arlene (Dexter) Wiseman; her two brothers, Ronnie (Ann) and Steve (Mora); her two godchildren, Corey Matthews and Anthony Niedzielski; and her many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles; and special friend, Andrea Doyle. Anne was predeceased by her sister, Janice in infancy. Anne was a light in the lives of many and will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. As per Anne's wishes and as a final act of kindness, she chose to be an organ donor. A special thank you to the nurses in dialysis and ICU. Visitation for Anne Marie Gillis will be held at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, Wednesday, Jan. 14 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday at 2 p.m. in St. Margaret's Church, Grand Mira South, with Fr. Paul MacGillivary officiating. Burial in the parish cemetery. Donations in memory of Anne Marie may be made to the Diabetes Association or to the Cape Breton Kidney Foundation. Online condolences may be sent to twcurryparkviewchapel@ns.sympatico.ca. "What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply, becomes a part of us. Rest in peace Buttercup" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Therese 'Tracy' Ann Oursin 55, Sydney - It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Tracy, at home on Tuesday morning, Jan. 13, 2009, with friends and family by her side after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Antigonish to the late Leonard G. and Margaret E. (Warner) Ryan. Tracy was a member of St. Theresa's parish. She was actively involved at an earlier time in the N.S. Society for Autism and also was a former employee of Nightingale Nursing Service. She is survived by her loving husband, David; daughter, Crystal Oursin (Joel Young), Halifax; and special son, Jason, Braemore Home. She is also survived by three brothers, Gerard (Janet), Mike (Jackie), both of Saskatchewan, and Leonard (Jeannie), P.E.I.; one sister, Elizabeth Forcey, Edmonton; best friend, Barbara Oursin; very special and caring cousin, Nancy Marchand; good friend and neighbour, Raylene George as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by a younger brother, Martin and a special sister-in-law, Marie Ryan. Visitation for Therese 'Tracy' Oursin will take place at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. as well as Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Theresa's Church, Saturday at 10 a.m. with Fr. Jim Oliver officiating. Burial in Resurrection Cemetery. Donations in Therese's memory may be made to C.B. Palliative Care or the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences may be sent to twcurryparkviewchapel@ns.sympatico.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Michael Jerome Kennedy 74, Little Lorraine - We regret to announce the passing of Michael Kennedy of Main-a-Dieu Road, Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, where he had a long hard fight with cancer. Born in Little Lorraine, Dec. 27, 1934, he was the son of the late Michael Thomas and Mary Elizabeth (Price) Kennedy. He was a member of Immaculate Conception parish, Main-a-Dieu. He was employed with Hopkins Fish Plant for many years in Louisbourg. Michael was the kind of man that would give you the shirt of his back. We are going to miss him terribly, he'll always be loved and remembered by all who knew him. Mike is survived by his sisters, Barbara (Louis) MacGillivary, Little Lorraine, Marcella and Rhoda Kennedy, both of Halifax, Jackie (Chester) Pyne, Albert Bridge; brothers, Bobby, Howard, Jim, Alex and Gerard, all at home, Stanley, Sydney; as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Mike was predeceased by sisters, Patricia and Viola in infancy, Frances MacMullin, Alice Kennedy and Catherine MacGillivary. Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will take place 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 16 at Immaculate Conception Church, Main-a-Dieu with Fr. Patrick O'Neill officiating. Online condolences may be sent to our webpage at www.chantfuneralhome.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ronald Lewis 'Junior' McDonald 78, New Waterford/Windsor, Ont. - It is with deep sadness we announce the sudden death of Ronald Lewis 'Junior' McDonald at the Windsor Memorial Hospital, Windsor, Ont., Dec. 25, 2008. Ronald was the son of Ronald H. and Theresa McPherson McDonald. Born in New Waterford, Ronald attended St. Agnes School and later became a scout leader at St. Agnes. He worked in No. 12 colliery. Ronald married the love of his life Catherine Hutchison. Ronald left the mines and moved to Sault Ste. Marie, where he worked for the railroad at Algoma Steel. Upon retirement the family moved to Mississauga, Ont., where he worked as an assistant superintendent for six years. He then decided to move to Windsor with his two daughters and very special granddaughter, Courtney Trudell. He enjoyed and was very proud of his gardens which were very beautiful. He loved the outdoors and spent a lot of his time in the back yard with his flowers. He is survived by his two daughters, Ronalda Trudell and Doreen, also granddaughter, Courtney Trudell; sisters, Peggy Beaton, New Waterford, and Veronica, Pictou, N.S.; brothers, Charles 'Sharkey' McDonald, New Waterford, and Archie McDonald, River Ryan. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Catherine Hutchison McDonald and sisters, Mary, Theresa, Gertrude, Taddy and Doreen, brothers, Buddy and Ernie. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. Burial and memorial mass will be at a later date. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gladys 'Elaine' Ward 72, Springhill - Gladys 'Elaine' Ward, aged 72 years, of Springhill, passed away on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, in Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, Nappan, N.S. Born in Glace Bay, Cape Breton, she was a daughter of the late Alexander and Mary Margaret (Boutilier) Ward. She was educated in Dominion, Cape Breton and was employed for over 30 years at the School for Hearing Impaired, Amherst. She was a member of the Catholic Women's League, Springhill. She was an avid 45s and cribbage card player and enjoyed being with her family and friends. She is survived by brothers, Raymond (Laraine) Ward and Roy (Linda) Ward, both of Glace Bay, Cape Breton; sisters, Delores (Warrney) McCumber, Nanaimo, B.C., and Coleen MacKay, Glace Bay, Cape Breton; several nieces and nephews; extended family, Paul and Cathy Meekins and their children, Salt Springs; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her companion, Charles O. Reid, brothers, Alexander, Fabian and William. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held 7-9 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, in A. H. Brown Funeral Home, Springhill. Memorial funeral mass will be held 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 16, 2009, in St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Springhill, with Fr. David MacDonald officiating. Burial in Hillside Cemetery, Springhill, at a later date. If so desired, donations to the Catholic Women's League or charity of choice would be appreciated. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gregory MacDonald 58, New Waterford - It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gregory MacDonald on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, at the Glace Bay Health Care Facility. Born in New Waterford, he was the beloved son of the late Georgina (Getto) and Donald MacDonald. Gregory loved to be surrounded by his family and friends. He had a great passion for music and a wonderful sense of humour. Gregory is survived by brothers, Donnie (Nettie), Broad Cove, Wendell (Geri), Dwight (Jane), Zachary (Debra), John (Pam) and sister, Mugsie (Schima), all of Massachusetts; several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. A memorial mass to celebrate Gregory's life will be held at a later date. Donations in Gregory's memory may be made to the Cerebral Palsy Association or a charity of choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.vjmcgillivray.ca. Our sincere thanks to the staff at the Braemore Nursing Home and Harbourstone Enhanced Care, Spanish Bay Unit. Also a special thanks to the ICU at the Cape Breton Regional and Glace Bay hospitals. ******************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgha.org