Cape Breton Deaths December 30, 2008 Tuesday Bella Rooney 99, Glace Bay April 19, 1909-Dec. 27, 2008 - It is with deep sadness that we, the family announce the passing of our dear aunt Bella on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008, with family and friends by her side. Born to loving parents, Angus and Wilhena (Lynk) MacLennan, Bella lived most of her 99 years in the family home on Morien Hill of which she was very proud. Most recently she was a resident of Victoria Haven Nursing Home where she endeared herself with staff for her wit, intelligence, pride in herself, and just knowing what she wanted. She was an incredible lady whose love, support and devotion to her family were of the utmost importance. Bella liked nothing better than to be surrounded by family and friends. She always took great interest in their activities and easily related to all generations. She lived everyday making a difference in the world in so many "small" ways. She found joy in the simplest of things and saw the good in everyone. She did not strive for riches or material things but counted her blessings for her multitude of family and friends. Bella graciously welcomed all into her home and the warmth of her hospitality was experienced by many and never forgotten. Children and adults from "the hill" who travelled far and wide kept in touch with Bella and would visit when in town. The candy dish was always full and the teapot always on. She was generous and kind and in her younger years could be seen with a car full of children headed for the beach or a picnic. Everyone near and dear can boast about the quilts she crafted, the mittens and socks she knitted, the clothes she sewed or the wonderful pies, cakes, cookies and tea biscuits she baked and freely shared. Bella loved music and the many albums could be heard echoing through the house with her singing along. As her sight was deteriorating she loved to listen to CBC and discuss the topics she would hear. She was an extremely strong, resilient woman who faced every challenge that came her way. Bella had a tremendous sense of humour, was quick witted and loved to share a joke. She took pride in her clarity of thought in her 100th year and vividly remembered her early childhood. Many a school child who had a project of "life in the past" came to interview Bella. Most would return to let her know how well they had done on that project. Bella is survived by her brother, Danny MacLennan, Birch Street, Glace Bay; sisters-in-law Mrs. Mary (Christopher) MacLennan, Dartmouth, Mrs. Florence Kelly, Glace Bay; brother-in-law, Danny Rooney, Vancouver B.C. Also surviving are her many special nieces and nephews and their families both in U.S. and Canada - all of whom were very important to her. However over the past four years when her blindness prevented her from managing her own affairs, her devoted niece, Karen Morrison saw to and fulfilled her needs and wishes with great pleasure. Besides family, Bella will be greatly missed by friend Mary McGillivary and her faithful visitor Sharon Bushnik. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, J.O. (Ottie) Rooney in 1961, twin sister, Sadie, sisters, Lexie, Catherine, Margaret (Sis) Boutilier, Etta, Jean and brothers, Christopher (Buster), Angus and James MacLennan. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at Patten Funeral Home, 71 Union St., Glace Bay, 849-7520, with Rev. Michael Henderson officiating. Family will receive friends at 1 p.m.. Donations in Bella's memory can be made to Victoria Order of Nursing. Online condolences may be sent to patten@seaside.ns.ca. I shall pass this way but once, therefore Whatever good I might do, let me do it now, for I will never pass this way again. Stephen Grelley ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ethel Elizabeth (Squarey) Cluett 69, RN, CIM, HCOM, DTM Sydney Mines - It is with the saddest of hearts that we announce the passing away of one of the angels of our family, Ethel Elizabeth, on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008, at Northside General Hospital, North Sydney.She was the beloved wife of Donald (Donnie) Cluett; mother to Grace (Robert Brake), Corner Brook, N.L., Arthur, Halifax, and Brett (Penny), North Bay, Ont.; grandmother to Lauren, Sam, Ethan, Liam and her namesake Sydney Elizabeth. Ethel was born in Channel, N.L., Nov. 2, 1939, to Grace and Baxter Squarey, and moved to North Sydney to attend St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing, where she graduated with her RN in 1963. Over the years, she managed to raise three children while obtaining her CIM from UCCB, her HCOM diploma from the University of Ottawa, her diploma in theology and ministry from the Atlantic School of Theology, and a diploma in rehabilitative care. She was also a member of the Lay Readers Association of the Anglican Church of Nova Scotia. Ethel received her life membership from the Nova Scotia College of Registered Nurses in May of 1996. Ethel nursed in St. Elizabeth Hospital, now Northside General, and Harbour View Hospital and was director of nursing at Miner's Memorial Manor when it opened. Ethel gave of her life freely to all who needed her help. She had to curtail some of her activities in later years due to heart problems and, just recently, a courageous fight with cancer. Ethel is survived by her husband; her three children; five grandchildren; her brothers-in-law, Harold Cluett and Gordon MacDonald; four sisters, Leona, Sade, Roberta and Florence; and a brother, Arthur; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Harry and sister, Alice. She was an active volunteer for the Cancer Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the Salvation Army. She was also involved with church work over the years, with hospital visitations and serving communion to shut-ins. She was an active member of Mother's Union of St. John's Anglican Church, North Sydney, and a 44-year member of Cann Rebekah Lodge. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her, especially her best friends, Thelma Grant and Lexie Reid, with whom she worked over the years. Visitation will take place Wednesday, Dec. 31, 7-9 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 1, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, 635 Main St., Sydney Mines, with funeral service to follow Friday, Jan. 2 at 2 p.m. at St. John's Anglican Church, King Street, North Sydney, with Bishop Ron Culter officiating assisted by Rev. Gloria McClure-Fraser and Rev. Carl Fraser. The burial will be in Brookside Cemetery, Sydney Mines. A reception will follow at the church. Memorial donations may be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Centre or St. John's Anglican Church. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Flora Delaney 82, Sydney - We regret to announce the passing of Flora Delaney, 82, of Sydney which occurred Monday, Dec. 29, 2008, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in Lands Bank, Durham County, England, she was the daughter of the late Jabez and Jane Anne (Shaw) Linsley. Flora was a veteran of the Second World War, serving in Gosport, England, with the Women's Royal Naval Service. She came to Canada on the SS Aquatania in 1946 arriving at Pier 21. Surviving are her daughters, Sharon (Alex) Cross, Halifax, Jackie (Bill) Smith, Sydney; and one son, Donald (Bev) Delaney, Brockville, Ont. Flora is also survived by one sister, Joan (John) Ford, Hampshire, England; five grandchildren, Alexandra and Fergus Cross, Scott, Ian and Ryan Delaney. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband, Thomas Francis Delaney, one daughter, Barbara Stoyek, one brother, John Linsley. Visitation for the late Flora Delaney will take place tonight (Tuesday, Dec. 30) from 6-9 p.m. at the S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 31 in the funeral home chapel, with Fr. James Oliver officiating. Burial to follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. Donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be sent to our web page at www.chantfuneralhome.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Blair A. Henry Age 45 July 15, 1963-Dec. 27, 2008 Agassiz, B.C. - It is with a heavy heart we say see you later to Blair. After a short battle with cancer Blair died peacefully while surrounded by his loving family. Blair is survived by his wife, Kelly and two young sons, Keith and Jordan. Blair is also survived by his mom, Rose, sisters, Mary Frances (Allie) MacCormick and Rose Marie (Fred) MacKinnon, all from New Waterford. Brothers, Joe, Cold Lake, Alta., Angus, Shilo, Man., Lester, Kingston, Ont., and Shawn (Rosemary), New Waterford. Blair has many nephews and nieces who will miss him dearly. Blair was predeceased by his father, Raymond. Blair was a fun loving man who brightened the day of everyone he met with his contagious smile. He was born and raised in New Waterford. He served his country with the Canadian Armed Forces in the engineers and the postal corps. He served across Canada, Israel and the former Yugoslavia. After the military he worked within the federal prison system in B.C. He was a volunteer firefighter for a number of years, coached Little League baseball and hockey plus was involved in many more community activities. Blair will be sadly missed by his family and the many friends he made as he journeyed through life. Funeral arrangements will be made later this week in Agassiz, B.C. A mass to celebrate Blair's life will be held in New Waterford at a later date. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Brenton Roy Peach 89, Glace Bay It is with great sadness that we, the family announce the passing of Brenton Roy Peach, 89, of Glace Bay at the Glace Bay Health Care Facility on Dec. 28, 2008. Born in Port Morien, he was the son of the late Murray and Margaret (Boutilier) Peach. Brenton began his working life with his father fishing lobster out of Schooner Pond. Later, he followed his three brothers into the carpentry trade, beginning his career with the Dominion Coal Company and finishing it with Manning MacInnis Construction. He was a lifelong member of the local Carpenters Union, Local 1588. He was a member of St. Mary's Anglican Church, Glace Bay. Brenton was active in several church clubs and committees and sang in the choir for 26 years. Dad was the very model of a family man, loving husband, devoted father and cherished grandfather. He relished time spent with all members of his large extended family. He was witty and full of life to the very end. He was a role model husband and father, setting a high standard for his three sons to live up to. The love he gave was surpassed only by the combined love returned to him by his family. He will be greatly missed. Brenton is survived by his loving wife Muriel of 63 years; three sons, David (Donna), Kevin (Florence), Gary (Arlene), all of Glace Bay; sister, Edna (Angus) MacDonald. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Ryan, Jason, Shannon, Kelly, Janice, Andrea Elicia and Charles (Stephanie); and one great-grandchild, Emily. Besides his parents, Brenton was predeceased brothers, Charlie, Leslie and Bill, sisters, Marjorie, Ruth, Betty and Jean, and grandchild, Treena. Visitation for the late Brenton Peach will be held Tuesday, Dec. 30 from 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 31 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Patten Funeral Home, 71 Union St., Glace Bay, 849-7520. Funeral service will be held Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009, at 11 a.m. in St. Mary's Anglican Church with Rev. Vernon Reed officiating. Internment in St. Mary's Cemetery at a later date. Donations in Brenton's memory can be made to the Victoria Order of Nursing or St. Mary's Anglican Church. Online condolences may be sent to patten@seaside.ns.ca. The Captain of the ship is gone but the ship he built sails on. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ William Neil Wallace 69, Baddeck William Neil Wallace passed away suddenly on Dec. 24, 2008, at home in Baddeck. He was the son of the late Helen and William Wallace. He was predeceased by two sisters, Helen Weick and Margaret Wallace and a brother, James Rae. He is survived by his wife, Linda; a daughter, Karen (Jim) Kearney; two grandchildren, Taylor and Jessica; several nieces and nephews; a sister, Joan; and by first wifem Donna Lilly. Billy was an avid sports fan and fisherman. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Cruikshank's Halifax Funeral Home. A private family service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. To place a message of condolence, you may visit www.mem.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Matilda Mary (Mam) Clannon 91, Lower L'Ardoise, Richmond County - Matilda Mary (Mam) Clannon, 91, of Lower L'Ardoise, Richmond County, passed away suddenly on Christmas Day at Holy Guardian Angels Church in L'Ardoise. Born in Lower L'Ardoise, she was the daughter of James R. and Mary Jane (Sampson) Mombourquette. She was a devoted member of Holy Guardian Angels parish and had a strong belief and faith in St. Anne, having just completed her 27th pilgrimage to the Shrine in July. She will be sadly missed by her family who were the centre of her life, sons, Thomas (Cecelia), Dartmouth, Robert (Bobby), Lower L'Ardoise; daughters, Rose Raney, Halifax, Marie (Mannie) Mombourquette, Lower L'Ardoise, Barbara Ann (Tony) Arcand, Ottawa; grandchildren, Perry, Byron, Tilda, Rosetta, Gregory, Carolyn, Gerard, Gerald, Christopher, Kevin, Adam and Thomas; great-grandchildren, Amanda, Corey, Shanel, William, Andrew, Isaac, Gavin and Fox; many nieces and nephews. She was the last surviving member of her family. She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas, sisters, Evangeline Martell, Victoria Mariner, Mary Slate, brothers, Henry, William, Billy, Francis, Isaac and two grandchildren in infancy. Visitation was at Holy Guardian Angels Parish Funeral Home, Sunday, Dec. 28 from 2-9 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 29 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Funeral mass was held at Holy Guardian Angels Church, Monday, Dec. 29 at 2:30 p.m. with Fr. Barrett Clare-Johnson officiating. Family flowers only please. Donations may be made to the L'Ardoise Volunteer Fire Department or Dr. Kingston Memorial Clinic. Arrangements are under the direction of Alex A. Morrison Funeral Home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lois M. Kemp 1968-2008 Fort St. James, B.C. - With saddened hearts we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, Lois, born in Sydney Mines. She was the daughter of James and Lois (McKinnon) Gear. Besides her parents, she is survived by her husband, William, one daughter, Lacey, sons, Alexander, Ian and Andrew, one sister, Laurel Lee (Joe Kirrane), U.S.A., five brothers, Roy, (Kim), Blaine (Patti), Kevin, (Shelly), Ontario, Michael (Bernice), Gordon (Maria), North Sydney, three nieces and 12 nephews, mother and father-in-law, Edward and Louvine Kemp. She was predeceased by a brother, James. Memorials may be made to Canadian Cancer Society or the Diabetes Association. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Angela Giacomantonio July 15, 1922-Dec. 28, 2008 Sydney - Angela Louise (Tortola) Giacomantonio, who passed away Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008, was predeceased by her husband, James in 1976. The funeral mass will be celebrated 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 31 at Holy Redeemer Church with Rev. Gerald Dunphy officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. ******************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgha.org