Cape Breton Deaths January 15, 2009 Mary Mildred Poirier 84, New Victoria - The family of Mary Poirier regret to announce her passing Jan. 13, 2009, at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born May 15, 1924, she was a daughter of the late Hector Raymond and Rebecca (Garland) MacNeil. Deeply devoted to her faith, she was a member of St. Joseph Church, New Victoria. Mary was a loving wife and sister. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. She said that her Golden Years were when she was raising her family. In more recent times she delighted in visits from her sons and daughters as they inevitably returned from far away places . . . with families of their own. Mary's faith was of particular importance to her and sustained her through loss of family members and frequent periods of illness. She welcomed her passing as the final cure and as an opportunity to be reunited with loved ones who went before. An avid reader, she had a keen interest in current events. She enjoyed sharing her views on politics and the news of the day. She held her positions strongly, rarely conceding to dissenting opinion. Mary is survived by loving sons, Fred (Ruth), Coxheath, David (Anita), Dubai, Hector (Rodena), Cochrane, Alta.; daughters, Louise (Harold) Dawe, Osoyoos, B.C., Linda (Paul Hemingson), Calgary, Alta., Eileen (Harold) Montgomery, Baddeck; daughter-in-law, Rita Poirier; grandchildren, Lindy Lou, Gus, Michael, Laura, Danielle, Hal, Raymond, Matthew, Michelle, David, Nicole, Samuel, Leah, Mark, Paul, Adam; 10 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Walter MacNeil, Sydney; and a large circle of family and friends. Mary was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Azade (1990), son, Walter Francis (1998), granddaughter, Mary Christine (2005). She was also predeceased by sisters, Annie Cusack, Bessie Cameron and brothers, Raymond, Jim, Tom, Ed, John O, Joe, George 'Pink'. Visitation will be held today (Thursday, Jan. 15) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. A funeral mass celebrating mom's life will take place 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 16 in the Parish of St. Leonard, St. Michael Church with Fr. Doug MacDonald officiating. A reception will follow in St. Agnes Centre, Convent Street, New Waterford. Interment will be in St. Alphonsus Cemetery at a later date. Family flowers only by request. Donations in her memory may be made to Salvation Army. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.vjmcgillivray.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ James (Jim) Hector MacPhee 76, Boularderie - It is with sadness and love that we celebrate his life and death. James (Jim) passed away peacefully at the Victoria County Memorial Hospital on Jan. 13, 2009. He was the son of the late James and Jamie MacPhee of Boularderie, where he worked as a young boy on the family farm. At the age of 19, Jim moved to Halifax to attend trade school, graduating as a heavy duty mechanic. He spent a number of years as foreman/mechanic in Halifax, Sydney and the Wreck Cove power plant. His love of the water found Jim devoting 35 years on the Bras d'Or Lakes fishing lobsters, later passing his knowledge of fishing to his two sons. He was very knowledgeable in whatever he put his hands and mind to. When he needed a house, he built it, when he needed a boat, he built it, when someone sought advice, he gave it, if it couldn't be bought, he made it. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be missed dearly. He is survived by his wife, Sheila (Mason), Halifax, of 53 years; daughter, Deborah (late Sandy) MacKay, Baddeck, grandsons, Matthew and Gregory, Alberta, Justin, Halifax, and great-granddaughter, Alexandra, Alberta; daughter, Alanna (Ernest) Carmichael, Blues Mills, grandson, E.J., Toronto, and granddaughter, Nicole; son, Kenneth (Karen) MacPhee, Big Bras d'Or, granddaughters, Heaven and Shelby; son, Richard (Dawn) MacPhee, Boularderie, granddaughter, Emily. Brother, William MacPhee, Boularderie; sister, Eileen (Donald) MacDonald, Alberta; as well as many family members. He was predeceased by his brother, Mervyn and an infant brother. At his request, cremation has taken place. No funeral or memorial will be held. Donations can be made to the Victoria County Memorial Hospital, Baddeck, or charity of one's choice. The MacPhee family would like to thank Dr. Chow, Dr. Ritter, all the staff of Victoria County Memorial Hospital and all the paramedics for their kindness and professionalism. A special thanks to paramedic Max Taylor, you truly are a 'friend,' you made us laugh when we needed it the most, our Dad enjoyed your presence. Thanks Max. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gordon Cleveland Troke 83, Sydney - It is with deep sadness that we, the family announce the passing of Gordon Troke on Jan. 12, 2009, at the Veterans' Memorial Building, Halifax. Gordon was born in Louisbourg, C.B. He spoke of fond memories of his time spent with family and friends in Kennington Cove. Gordon was the son of the late Willard and Mildred (Kelly) Troke. He was member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 12, Sydney and a member of the Cape Breton Naval Veterans Association. Gordon served in the Merchant Navy during the Second World War and the Korean War. He retired from the Canadian Coast Guard in 1985 as a senior engineer. Gordon is survived by his wife of 17 years, Isabelle (Ferguson) Troke; and sister, Patsy (Frank) Green, Sydney; sons, Jim (Cindy), Big Bras d'Or, Donald, Sydney; stepchildren, Vivian, Valerie (Bill), Raymond (Lorraine), Ross (Anna), MaryAnn (Tom) and Hazel (Terry); 10 step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. Gordon was predeceased by his first wife, Cynthia (Williams) Troke. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Wayne MacLeod and the staff of V6 East, VMB for their constant care and genuine concern for Gordon during the last 16 months. Visitation will take place Friday, Jan. 16 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney. The afternoon visitation will begin with a naval veteran service at 2 p.m., the evening visitation will begin with a legion service at 7 p.m. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 17 at the funeral home chapel with Rev. Fred Rhymes officiating. Interment to follow in St. Mark's Cemetery, Coxheath. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be e-mailed to the family at www.chantfuneralhome.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sr. Elana Killilea, SC 64, New Waterford - Sr. Elana Killilea, 64, of Roaches Road, passed away Monday, Jan. 12, 2009. Born in Cambridge, Mass., she was a daughter of the late Mark and Mary (Malone) Killilea. Elana came to Halifax to join the Sisters of Charity in 1962. She began her teaching ministry at Saint Anthony's School, Glace Bay in 1967. She taught in British Columbia and for many years in Massachusetts. In 1983, she began pastoral ministry in St. Patrick's parish, Roxbury, Mass. Subsequently, she was director of Newton Community Center, Framington, Mass. She then served as development consultant, Project Place, South End, Mass.; outreach co-ordinator, Second Step, Newton, Mass.; and director at Seton Asian Center, Lawrence, Mass. In the fall of 2007, Sr. Elana returned to Cape Breton, where she continued her pastoral ministry, visiting seniors and working with Corrections Canada. Surviving are brothers, Mark Jr. (Fran), Paul (Eileen), both of Quincy, Mass.; sister, Terry (Joe) Incatasciato, Chelmsford, Mass.; four nieces, five nephews; three greatnephews and seven greatnieces. Cremation has taken place. A prayer vigil will be held Friday, Jan. 16 from 6-6:30 p.m. with visitation to follow onwards until 9 p.m. at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. A memorial mass will take place Saturday, Jan. 17 at 11 a.m. in the Parish of St. Leonard, St. Michael Church with Fr. Doug MacDonald officiating. A luncheon will follow at the Carmel Centre, New Waterford. A funeral mass to celebrate Sr. Elana's life will be held at Mount St. Vincent, Wellesley, Mass., with interment to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Needham, Mass., all at a later date. Donations in her memory may be made to Sisters of Charity Centre Ministry Fund, 215 Seton Rd., Halifax, N.S., B3M-0C9. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.vjmcgillivray.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ John Michael MacCormick - Passed away peacefully, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, at the QEII Hospital, Halifax, at the age of 74. Born Dec. 16, 1934, he was the son of the late John and Mary Anne (MacLellan) MacCormick, French Road. Beloved husband of Agnes (Gillis) for almost 50 years. Cherished father of Johnna (Ted Livingstone) and Maureen (Gerard Comeau). Adored and proud 'Grandpa' of Bryn, Liem, Evangeline and Kian. Dear brother of Theresa Polegato and brother-in-law of Effie (Lynk) and Charlotte (MacKinnon). Predeceased by sisters, Margaret Stacey and Kathleen Nicholson, by brothers, Dan James, Joe and Bryden. John worked for many years as a salesman for Swift Canada and Gainers, Inc., predominantly in Halifax. His passions included golf, gardening, stained glass work, woodwork, carpentry and visiting what he always considered home in Cape Breton. Despite always keeping very busy, he remained completely devoted to his family. John will be intensely missed by a large number of extended family as well as many friends he amassed over the years. Special thanks to Gladys at Sheldrake Lake Guest Home, the nursing staff at the QEII Hospital (notably Laurie, Jessica, Rachel, Sylvia and Elizabeth) and Dr. Eeles for their outstanding care. Funeral mass Saturday, Jan. 17 at St. Margaret's Church, Grand Mira, at 11 a.m. Interment to follow. Immediately afterward, a Celebration of Life reception will be held at the church hall. For those who wish, an in memoriam donation may be made to the Parkinson's Society Maritime Region (parkinsonmaritimes.ca, 1-800-663-2468). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Joseph (Dodo) Allan (Retiree; TTC) MacDonald - Suddenly at home on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, in his 61st year. Loving father of Deborah (Phil Reid), Dwayne (Melissa) and Joseph. Dear Grandpa of Evan and Erik. Loving son of Emma MacDonald. Joseph will be missed by his 15 siblings and their families. Visitation will be held Saturday from 1 p.m. at the G.H. Hogle Funeral Home, 63 Mimico Ave., Etobicoke, Ont., with memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Diabetes Association would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.hoglefuneralhomes.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Douglas Bernard Anthony Fortune Guelph, Ont. - At the Guelph General Hospital on Jan. 1, 2009, in his 75th year, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by several of his children and all his brothers and sisters. He was fortified by the Last Rites of the Roman Catholic Church. Born May 4, 1934, in Glace Bay, N.S., son of the late Bernard Anthony 'Bernie' Fortune and Anna Matilda 'Tillie' Livingstone. Left Dominion for Ontario with his father in 1951 in preparation for the relocation of the entire family a year later and spent most of his working life with Canada Post. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Mary Evelyn Patricia 'Pat' Kerr (2004) and a younger brother, Desmond Lorne (1948). Survived by daughters, Laura (Larry) Clark, Stratford, Barbara (Jim) Clark, Orangeville, Cheryl Anne Oztek, Guelph; and sons, Lorne (Sadie), Hope, B.C., and Michael (Sharon), Cambridge; brothers, Paul (Kathy), Guelph, Redmond (Cheryl), Oakville; and sisters, Ellen Marie (Cesar) Vanneste, Kanata, and Sr. Sheila, SCJ, Hamilton. Devoted grandfather to eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Doug belonged to many organizations in Guelph, too numerous to mention and was honoured on several occasions for his many years of dedicated community service. A longtime parishioner of Church of Our Lady Immaculate, Guelph, adding his wonderful bass voice to the parish choir. Visitation was held at the Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Guelph, Jan. 3 and 4, 2009. Funeral mass at Church of Our Lady Immaculate, Jan. 5, 2009, with interment at Marymount Cemetery, Guelph. Luncheon served at the Royal Canadian Legion followed burial. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ John Douglas Orchieson 72, Glace Bay - John Orchieson, 72, of Douglas Avenue, Glace Bay, passed away Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, at the Glace Bay Health Care Facility. Born in Montreal, he was the son of the late Walter Douglas and Marguerite (Fitzgerald) Orchieson. John worked in the offshore oil business and in his earlier years was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. He is survived by his wife, the former Johanna Martell; one son, Jamie (Barbara), with whom he resided; one sister, Joan Comeau, Halifax; three grandchildren, Hunter, Hannah, Chris; sister-in-law, Phil Martell; and one nephew, Eric Comeau. There will be no visitation or service. Cremation has taken place under the direction of the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Glace Bay Condolences can be expressed at www.vjmcgillivray.ca. ******************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgha.org