Cape Breton Deaths December 09, 2008 Tuesday Margaret Elizabeth (Margie) MacDonald 82, Scotch Lake - On Dec. 8, 2008, our most beautiful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and best friend, Margie (Clarke) MacDonald of Scotch Lake, left us to join her heavenly family. She was born Dec. 18, 1925, to Bert and Mabel (Johnston) Clarke of North Sydney, and was the loving wife of Francis MacDonald of Scotch Lake. She was a lifelong and faithful member of St Giles Presbyterian Church, North Sydney, and in her youth was very involved in church activities, including Mission Band, Sunday School, choir, Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT), Explorers leader, Sunday School teacher and Sunday school superintendent. She was registrar for Camp MacLeod, Albert Bridge, for many years. After graduating from Business College, she worked in the office at Jabalee's Wholesale in North Sydney, until her marriage on Dec. 9, 1952, at which time she moved to Scotch Lake where she lived until this past week. She had a unique ability to make everyone in her presence feel so very special. She had a smile and a kind word for everyone and lived her life always looking for and seeing the good in people. She gave hugs freely and often. In her later years, she discovered a talent for oil and watercolour painting and was meticulous in creating detailed paintings from pictures she loved. She travelled to England, Scotland, Holland and went on numerous bus tours. She always enjoyed her weekly Rumoli games with the girls and her daily walks with her good friend and neighbour, Babe MacDonald. In celebration of her life, we remember some of her many gifts to us, particularly a love of music, her memory for birthdates and anniversaries, regular Sunday suppers with family, encouragement to always do our best, a constant love for us all and a strong faith in God. She has always been and will continue to be the centre of our family. She is survived by her five children, Beth (Bobby) Lewis, North Sydney, Bert, Scotch Lake, Ian (Lindsay), Westmount, Karen (Andrew) Wawer, North Sydney, and Janice, North Sydney; four grandchildren, Alexander, Max and Elzbieta Wawer and Clark MacDonald; brother, Conrad (Bish) Clarke, North Sydney; sisters-in-law, Shirley Clarke and Ella Clarke; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Francis (in 1978), brothers, Bob Clarke and Howdie Clarke, a sister in infancy and her stepmother, Vivian (Pyke) Clarke. Visitation will take place at W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, North Sydney, Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. with a service Thursday, Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. at St. Giles Presbyterian Church, North Sydney. Contributions in her memory may be made to St Giles Presbyterian Church, North Sydney, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to info@wjdooley.com. "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." - Leo Buscaglia. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gerard Daniel Tobin 73, Sydney Mines - It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Gerard D. Tobin, 73, a resident of Sydney Mines and formerly of Tobin Avenue, North Sydney, on Monday, Dec. 8, 2008, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in North Sydney, he was the son of the late David and Pauline (O'Handley) Tobin. Gerard worked as a stevedore with Marine Atlantic until his retirement in March of 1993. He was a lifetime member of the Northern Yacht Club, North Sydney. An avid outdoorsman he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of St. Joseph Church, North Sydney. Gerard is survived by his wife, Valda Nugent; his daughter, Cindy Tobin (Ron Delaney), Sydney; two sons, Rick Tobin, Sydney, and Roger Tobin (Theresa Devoe), Alder Point; and his former wife, Millie Tobin, North Sydney; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews; also surviving are his sister, Vera Strickland, North Sydney; and brother, Ernie (Delores) Tobin, Ontario; stepchildren, Robert (Hughena) Nugent, New Waterford, Cindy (Wayne) Jessome, Alma Joan (Dennis) Murray, Donald (Connie) Nugent, Terry Lynn Nugent, all of Fort McMurray, George (Lynn) Nugent, Halifax, Cathy (Steve) Semeick, Eaglesajm, Alta., Eleanor (Winston) Blackwell, Dartmouth, Ronnie (Chris) Nugent, Halifax; and very good friends, Frankie and Linda, Norma and Lou, David and Mary and Dave and Liz. Gerard was predeceased by a daughter, Michelle Tobin in 1982 at the age of 21, four brothers, Russell, Dougie, Connie and Fritz and two sisters, Margaret Scott and Audrey Tobin. There will be no visitation by request. A funeral service for Gerard will be held 10 a.m., Wednesday in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home Chapel, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney, with Rev. Jim Attwood officiating Reception will follow at St. Joseph Church, North Sydney. Memorial donations may be made to the Cape Breton Regional Cancer Clinic, Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton or the Canadian Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be sent to info@wjdooley.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Richard Dominic Parks North Sydney - It is with great sadness that we the family of Richard Dominic Parks, announce his sudden passing on Friday, Dec. 5, 2008. Born in North Sydney, he was a son of the late Richard and Violet (Hodder) Parks. Prior to his retirement, Richard was employed as a marine engineer working with Irving Oil, and several other companies throughout Canada. Richard was a very kind, compassionate man who loved life and spending time with his son Richard, who was his best friend. He was a quiet man who kept to himself and enjoyed his home on the water with his little dog 'Precious.' Richard was a wonderful dancer and enjoyed going to dances regularly. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by his son and best friend, Richard (Betty Ann), North Sydney; daughters, Spring (Darren) and Nova (Mark), both of British Columbia, and Madonna of Ontario; seven grandchildren, Mitchell, Spencer, Logan, Kellen, Kyle, Kevin, Krista; sisters, Mae (Emerson) Tobin, Joan (Larry) Ellis, both of North Sydney, Anne (Dwight) Scott, of Ontario; also by his special friend, Florence Power; as well as many wonderful nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Richard was predeceased by a sister, Clara (Kaye) Russell and an infant brother, John Parks. There will be no visitation by request. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, North Sydney. Online condolences may be sent to info@wjdooley.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Leo Gregory Egan 62, Baddeck/Sydney Mines - After a courageous battle with cancer, Leo Gregory Egan, 62, of Hunters Mountain, Baddeck, passed away peacefully at Victoria County Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Born in Sydney Mines, he was the son of Gregory Egan and the late Amelia (Davidson) Egan. Leo's entire career was spent with the Department of Transportation and Public Works. He began as a labourer on the centre-line truck and was superintendent for the province of Nova Scotia prior to his retirement. Leo was actively involved with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 53, Baddeck. He served as the president from 1993-2001. He also worked as a part-time jail guard for the RCMP, Baddeck. Leo leaves to mourn his loss his wife, Barb (Morrison) Egan; son, Timothy; his father, Greg; stepchildren, Vaughn Morrison (Amanda), Jolie Morrison; grandson, Kale; brothers, George, Sandy (Dorothy); sisters, Nancy Marsh, Patsy (Chester) Wyman, Kathie (Ian) Aker and Jacqueline (John) MacDonald and former wife, Bernadette (Bonny) Buffett; many nieces; nephews; relatives; his beloved pets, Tigger, Misty, Sam and many, many loving friends. His family would like to express sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses of Victoria County Memorial Hospital, the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, Palliative Care and Victoria County Hospice Society. Special thanks to Dr. Genge, Dr. MacCormick, Dr. Ritter and all the other doctors who took part in his care. Thanks also to DLM Diane Kempt and Fr. Norman MacPhee and anyone who provided support in any way. Leo's family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10 at St. Ann's Bay United Church, River Bennett with a service of celebration of Leo's life at 3:30 p.m. with DLM Diane Kempt officiating. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Center or Victoria County Memorial Hospital. We love you and will miss you always. Online condolences may be forwarded to the family at jmjobesfuuneralhome@ns.aliantzinc.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ermanno Francisco Casagrande 74, Sydney - It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of a wonderful husband, father and nonno (grandfather), on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in Vittorio Veneto, Italy, he was the son of the late Pietro and Rita (Giordan) Casagrande. He immigrated to Canada on his own in 1954 at the age of 19 and quickly learned to speak English. Besides being a skilled carpenter, Ermanno was an upholsterer for over 35 years. He owned and operated Style Upholstering in Sydney. He was a member of the Italian Community Hall in Dominion. Dad enjoyed his cottage in Gabarus and spent much time gardening and tending to his fruit trees. He loved to spend time with his family and friends whom he graciously welcomed into their home and shared meals and a glass of wine. He was very proud of his grandchildren who eagerly returned their love to him. Ermanno was predeceased by his son, Mark, whom he dearly loved. Ermanno is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Rose (Gaetan) Casagrande; his daughter, Rita (Casagrande) Keating and Francis Burns, Marion Bridge; son, Peter (Cheryl), Sydney; daughter-in-law, Pauline (Kevin) Landry; grandchildren, Tiffany, Leanne, and Ryan Keating, Candice and Justin Casagrande, Danielle, Amanda and David Casagrande; brother, Franco (Patsy), Whitney Pier; family in Italy; sisters, Antonia (Antonio) Modolo, Marcella (Giancarlo) DaRoss, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to express a sincere thanks to Dr. Mohamed Hussein, Dr. Paul Murphy and the nurses at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre for their compassion and expert care; to Dr. Gowan and the palliative care nurses who comforted the family and Ermanno in his final hours. Also, a special thanks to nurse Wendy Simpson for being Ermanno's guardian angel and family supporter throughout his illness. Visitation for Ermanno will be held at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10. Funeral mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Mission Church, Trout Brook Road, Thursday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Paul McGillvray officiating. Interment in St. Margaret Parish Cemetery, Grand Mira. Memorial donations may be made to the Cape Breton Palliative Care Society, St. Margaret Parish Cemetery Fund or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to twucrryparkviewchapel@ns.sympatico.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jeffrey Mitchell 'Jeff' Pellerin 18, Beaver Bank - It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Jeffrey after a short, hard fought battle with cancer on Dec. 7, 2008, in the VG BMT Unit. Jeffrey was the beloved son of Jennifer and Bill; big brother to Kristen and Justin. He will also be sadly missed by grandparents, Gerald and Dolores Pellerin, Main-a-Dieu, Cape Breton, Cecelia O'Quinn, South Branch, N.L., Vincent O'Quinn (Dale), Port aux Basques, N.L.; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends across Canada. Jeffrey has spent the last five years as a member of the RCMP Stetson & Spurs. He was an employee of the Bedford/Sackville Wal-mart for the past two years. He was a graduate of Lockview High School in 2008. Jeffrey was planning a career with the RCMP once he reached the age of maturity. Jeffrey leaves us as one of the most avid Toronto Maple Leaf fans. Visitation will be 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008, in Atlantic Funeral Home, 125 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m., Thursday in St. John Vianney Roman Catholic Church. Burial in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Reception to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the QEII BMT (Patient and Family Support Fund), (T335), QEII Foundation, 1278 Tower Road, Halifax, N.S., B3H 2Y9. Online condolences www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Donald Gordon 'Tiny' MacDonald 1932-2008 - It is with sadness the family announces the death of Donald G. MacDonald in Havelock, Ont. Born and educated in Sydney, he was the son of the late Chas. and Phoebie (Tutty) MacDonald. He will be sadly missed by his wife of 53 years, Joyce (Burns) Fourchu; daughters, Gail, Sault St. Marie, Donna Kilby, Mississauga; son, Greg (Kathy), Port Hope; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; sisters, Margaret Gould, Westmount, Anne Richardson, South Bar, Beth MacQueen, Sydney; brothers, Charles (Norma), Dartmouth, Robert (Bob), Sydney; several nieces and nephews who knew him as Uncle Doodles. He was predeceased by granddaughter, Stephenie Kilby, sisters, Edith Hawco, Bertie Theriault, brothers, John (Cubbie), Stephen. Don was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in RCHA as a gunner. He was employed by the city of Mississauga, retiring in 1994. He enjoyed the game of golf, gaining a hole in one, before his illness curtailed his time on the links. Tiny had a fabulous life and will be missed by all. Funeral and burial took place in Havelock. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Marjorie Isabell Donovan - Marge passed away peacefully early in the morning of Dec. 6, 2008, at Penticton Regional Hospital, Penticton, B.C., after a valiant fight to overcome the recurrence of her breast cancer. Marge will be sadly missed by her life partner, Wilma Perry, Penticton; sister, Carolyn (Bill) Galt, Queen Charlotte; niece, Reneé Galt, Vancouver; by brother, Patrick Donovan, sisters, Suzanne Purdie, Marsha Melski, JoAnne Andrews, Kelly Donovan; 10 nieces and nephews and four grandnephews, all of Sydney, Cape Breton. She also leaves behind many loving friends and colleagues. During her lifetime of service in the community, in the United Church, and in her workplace, Marge was always an advocate, a caregiver, and determined to improve life for others. This tenacious hospitality was extended to people, groups and animals. Everyone was valued in her eyes and heart. Marge played an active role in the Business & Professional Women's organization her entire adult life, was national president 1996-98 and was declared honorary president of BPW Canada in 2004; she often acted as parliamentarian at BPW conferences and conventions and her skill with the written word is legendary. Wilma wishes to extend many thanks to everyone who has offered support and compassion. Marge was predeceased by her grandparents, Roy and Marge McDougall, who raised Marge for most of her growing-up years, her father, Frank Donovan, born in Morien, Cape Breton, her mother, Florence Currie, born in Montana, and stepfather, Louis Cournoyer, born in Sorel, Que. A memorial service will be held at Columbia Hall, Naramata Centre, Naramata, B.C., Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marge's memory to support the renewal of Naramata Centre or to the charity of your choice, would be appreciated. Arrangements in care of Everden Rust Funeral Services 250 493-4112. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Audrey Jane MacNeil Sept. 21, 1968-Dec. 3, 2008 - On Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, surrounded by her father, Paul Bernard and her brother, Bryan, Audrey peacefully passed away at St. Joseph's Hospital, Guelph, Ont., into God's loving hands. Audrey was born in Cambridge, Ont., but lived most of her life in Nova Scotia. She is survived by her father, Paul Bernard, mother, Charlotte Marie and brother, Paul 'Bryan.' Audrey was an avid world traveller and brought sunshine into every life she touched. She will be dearly missed, but not forgotten, by many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. A memorial service will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Sydney River, Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, at 2 p.m. Interment to take place at a later date. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of one's choice. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Viola Poirier 91, Sydney - Viola Victoria Poirier, 91, of Harbourstone Enhanced Care Facility, formerly of George Street, passed away peacefully Monday, Dec. 8, 2008, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in Poirierville, Richmond County, she was raised by her grandparents. She was a member of St. Joseph's parish, Sydney. She is survived by her son, Hubert (Sharon) of Sydney River and grandson, Stephen Craig (Connie) of Halifax; four great-grandchildren, Evan, Emma, Ian, Ryan; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Malcolm Joseph in 1988. There will be no visitation for the late Mrs. Poirier. A funeral mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church with Rev. Gerald Dunphy officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. Donations may be made to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to twcurryparkviewchapel@ns.sympatico.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Joseph R. O'Neil - Joseph R. O'Neil, Sr., 72, formerly of Glace Bay, died Dec. 7, 2008. He is survived by his loving wife, Geraldine (Layes), formerly of Dominion; son, Joseph and daughters, Colleen, Carol Ann, Heather and Heidi all residing in the United States. Brothers, John (Gaffy), Port Morien, Larry, Toronto; and sister, Mary Frances Hiscock, Glace Bay. He leaves behind six loving grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Catherine (McIvor), formerly of Row Street, Glace Bay, sister, Catherine Hillier, Bear River, and brother, Donald, Toronto. Services will be held at Everett Funeral Home in Natick, Mass. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lillian Pheifer 55, New Waterford -Lillian Pheifer, who passed away on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, will not be taken to the church at noontime on Tuesday as previously stated. The funeral procession will leave the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford in time for the service at 2 p.m., Tuesday in All Saints Anglican Church, New Waterford. ******************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgha.org