Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CAPE BRETON GENEALOGY & HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE - <http://www.cbgen.org/>www.cbgen.org NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Cape Breton Deaths February 15, 2014 Saturday There were 12 obituaries published today Linda Marie Aikens - 64 yrs Mary Catherine Ongo - 78 yrs Morris Kerr MacLennan - 91 yrs Aloysius Peter “Allie” Kalbhenn - 89 yrs Phyllis Margaret Beyreis - 84 yrs Chrisoula Raptis - Francis Xavier Matlock - 56 yrs Mary Eileen “Minnie" McNeil - 74 yrs Ken Muise/Pharaoh - 63 yrs Mary Margaret (Walsh) Legatto - 61 yrs Catherine “Diane” Currie - 69 yrs Gary Stephen Mercer - 59 yrs Linda Aikens Born In: Boisdale Passed in: Upper Leitches Creek Passed on: February 14th, 2014 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Linda Marie Aikens, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, godmother and friend, on Friday February 14, 2014, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in Boisdale she was a daughter of the late Duncan and Marion (MacDonald) O’Handley. Linda was employed as a PCW at the New Dawn Guest Home, Lingan and was working until the end of September. She enjoyed cooking and baking for friends, family and community events, helping with the New Dawn Bake sale was a special event every year. In years past she also enjoyed bowling with the woman on Wednesdays and the Friday night mixed bowling. She loved spending time with friends and family laughing, dancing and all who knew her know she enjoyed a good joke. Linda is survived by her husband Charlie; her son Mark (Sheri), Langley BC; her daughter Tracey (Dana) Collins, North Sydney; grandchildren Josh & Sydney Aikens and Nicholas Collins (Amanda Styles); special godchildren Ray Aikens, Connie MacNeil, Meaghan O’Handley; special friends Cassandra, Aaron, Carol and Fred Martell. Also surviving her sisters Marguerite (Jimmy) Goode, Dutch Brook, Renee Rudolph, Lethbridge, AB, Ann (Earl) MacPherson, North Sydney, Sylvia (Norman) MacNeil, Halifax, Mary (Ed) Naugle, Dartmouth, Kay MacKinnon, Sydney Mines; her brothers James (Margie) O’Handley, Gerald (Sandra) O’Handley both of Boisdale, she will also be greatly missed by her brothers and sisters-in-law and all the Aikens family. Besides her parents Linda was predeceased by a daughter Lisa; her sisters Bernadette MacDougall and Charlotte O’Handley. No visitation by request. A funeral mass for Linda will be celebrated 2 p.m. Tuesday at St. Andrew Church, Boisdale with Rev Paul Abbass officiating. Memorial donations may be sent to the Cancer Center, Cape Breton Regional Hospital or the Hospice Palliative Care of Cape Breton. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. Mary Ongo Born In: Glace Bay Passed in: North Sydney Passed on: February 13th, 2014 It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Mary Catherine Ongo, age 78, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister on Thursday, February 13, 2014 at the MacGillivray Guest Home in Sydney surrounded by her loving family. Born in Glace Bay, Mary was the daughter of the late Henry and Catherine Poirier. In earlier years she worked at Cameron’s Dry Cleaners in Glace Bay. The most important enjoyment in Mary’s life was spending time with her children and grandchildren and she also enjoyed the time she spent at the family cottage in Orangedale. Mary was a member of St. Joseph Church, North Sydney. She is survived by her husband Frank Ongo, North Sydney; her son Frank Jr. (Shannon), Sydney Mines; her daughter Tevis (Joseph), Sydney; seven grandchildren Michelle (Jason), Chris (Kayla), Devin, Tyler, Justin, Alyssa & Andrew and four great-grandchildren Chloe, Breanna, Hunter and Mya. She is also survived by her brother Henry (Joan) Poirier, Glace Bay and sister Sheila (Mike) Campbell, Ontario and her brothers and sisters-in-law of the Ongo family, nieces and nephews. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her stepmother Pearl Poirier; brothers Donald, Alec and Gene Poirier and sister Gervase MacDonald. Visitation for Mary will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. A funeral mass will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Church, North Sydney with Rev. Patrick O’Neill officiating. Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Hospice Palliative Care of Cape Breton or the MacGillivray Guest Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com. Morris MacLennan Born In: Groves Point Born: September 11th, 1932 Passed in: Florence Passed on: February 14th, 2014 We regret to announce the passing of our dear brother, and special uncle Morris Kerr MacLennan on Feb 14,2014, at the North side General hospital. Born in Groves Point he was the son of the late Norman and Annie (Morrison) MacLennan. Morris was employed at Leon furniture store and Rowlinson moving and storage in Toronto, Ont; Morris work in number 3 colliery in Florence also served in the army for three years and served in the Korean War over seas. Surviving are brothers John, Ont, Howard (Dena) Hillside Boularderie, William (Helen), Sydney Mines; sisters Anita (David) Brown, Toronto, Ont, Janice (James) Gannon, Moser River. Morris will be also sadly missed by his many friends at the King Street senior complex and by many good friends and also by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents; brothers Roddie and Angus; sisters-in-law Eva and Mary. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Fillmore & Whitman Funeral Home Graveside services will be held at later date. Family would like to send a special thank you to Doctor Michele McKeough and the nurses & palliative care nurses at the Northside General Hospital. Donation can be made to palliative care North Sydney or to a charity of one’s choice. Aloysius 'Allie' Kalbhenn Born In: New Waterford Born: April 1st, 1924 Passed in: New Waterford Passed on: February 13th, 2014 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved uncle, Allie Kalbhenn, age 89, on Thursday, February 13, 2014 surrounded by family at the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital. He was born in New Waterford on April 1, 1924 the son of the late Josef and Veronica (O’Handley) Kalbhenn. Allie was enrolled in the pre-med program at Dalhousie University, but left to pursue Engineering at St Mary’s. During the war he left university to serve his country as an RCMP officer (1944-45) in the protection and security of convoys assembling in Bedford, NS prior to an overseas crossing. After the war, he returned to university and later became involved in the Mining Consulting business, furnishing many mines throughout Canada with up-to-date Gardiner-Denver Company equipment. He lived in Halifax for many years working as a salesman, travelling extensively for the company, before he retired to Cape Breton. During his many years in Cape Breton, he renewed old friendships and made many new friends with his out-going manner and friendly attitude. Left to mourn his passing are his loving nephews, Paddy, Bernie, Peter, Paul and Ryan; nieces Judy, Sheila, Colleen, Lilly, Anna, Rose and their families, as well as extended family members near and far and his extended family in Germany with whom he looked forward to speaking with. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Pauline (Murphy) Kalbhenn, in 1982. Brothers John, Joseph, Ludwig, Agustus in infancy, and most recently his beloved sister Dorothy Pembroke. There will be no visitation as per Allie’s request. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. A funeral mass of celebration will be held at the Parish Church of St Leonard, Mount Carmel Ave., on­­­­ Tuesday, February 18, 2014, at 10 a.m. with Father Ray Huntley officiating. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney River. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul or a charity of ones choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. We would like to extend sincere thanks to his home care workers, Dr Lowry, and the nurses at both the Cape Breton Regional and New Waterford Consolidated Hospitals. Allie will always be with us, and as he used to say....'Matter cannot be created or destroyed, it can only change its form'. Phyllis Beyreis Passed in: Sydney Passed on: February 8th, 2014 We regret to announce the passing of Phyllis Margaret Beyreis (nee Jones) on Saturday Feb. 8, 2014 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Phyllis was born to the late James and Mary Jones in Cobourg, ON. She is survived by her husband, Maxwell; daughters, Deborah (Brian) MacDonald and Carla Beyreis; her son Kurt Beyreis; grandsons, Liam and Brian MacDonald. Her immediate family wish to express their sincere thanks to the EHS Paramedic team and the hospital intensive care staff for their outstanding help and care. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation or funeral service. Interment will take place at a later date. Online condolences may be sent to our webpage at www.chantfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements are under the direction of… Chrisoula Raptis Passed in: Sydney Passed on: February 12th, 2014 It is with great sadness that we the family announce the passing of Chrisoula Raptis on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Full obituary will run in Monday's edition of the Cape Breton Post Funeral arrangements are under the direction of.... Francis Matlock Born In: Scotchtown Born: December 3rd, 1967 Passed in: Sydney Passed on: February 14th, 2014 It is with great sadness and broken hearts we announce the passing of our husband, father and brother, Francis Matlock, 56, of Scotchtown on Feb. 14, 2014 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in Scotchtown, he was a son of the late Anthony 'Tony' and Mary (Morrison) Matlock. He was a member of St. Leonard's Parish, New Waterford. Francis was a kind and loving soul who adored his family. He enjoyed watching sports and sitting on his patio on a warm summer day. In his final days he suffered much but bore it with dignity and strength. Francis is survived by his wife, Catherine (MacKay); son, Matthew, of whom he was extremely proud; loving sister, Midge (Doug) McVicar; brother, John (Patty); sister-in-law, Jane Matlock. Besides his parents, Francis was predeceased by his brother Tony and sister, Sheila. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. A funeral mass of celebration will be held Tuesday, Feb, 18 at 2 p.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Fr. Ray Huntley officiating. Burial will be in St. Michael Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Plummer Avenue, New Waterford. Donations in his memory may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at:www.vjmcgillivray.ca. A special thanks to VON whose daily visits brought him much joy, also, to Big C, for whom he had a special love. Mary 'Minnie' McNeil Born In: Dominion Born: May 19th, 1939 Passed in: Grand Prairie Passed on: February 6th, 2014 Mary Eileen 'Minnie' McNeil, longtime resident of Grand Cache, Alta., passed away in Grande Prairie on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014, at the age of 74 years. Minnie was born May 19, 1939 in Dominion, N.S. She married George McWirter McNeil on Sept. 28, 1957. They moved to Grande Cache in November of 1969. She was a longtime employee of Grande Cache General Hospital and a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. She will be sadly missed by her sons, Todd (Tammy), Danny (Kristin), Ray (Bev), Charles (Mary) and William (Jacquie); her grandchildren, extended family, as well as her close and dear friends. She was predeceased by her husband, George; daughter, Iris McNeil; son, George McNeil; parents, Leo and Genny Young and her siblings, Gordon, Robert and Rachel. The memorial service has already taken place on Feb. 12, 2014 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Grande Cache. Memorial donations may be made to STARS Air Ambulance, 10911 123 St., Grande Prairie, Alta., T8V 7Z3. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralchapel.com. Ken Muise Pharoah Passed on: February 12th, 2014 Ken Muise/Pharoah of Guelph, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Hospice Wellington on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, at the age of 63. Beloved husband of Norma Pharoah. Loving father of Kendra. Dear brother of Gary, Dennis (Carmella), George (Karen), Renée (Charlie) Ghanem and Linda Spearing. He will be fondly remembered by the Pharoah family. Predeceased by his parents. George and Pearl Muise. A memorial visitation will be held at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014, from 2-5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Hospice Wellington, 795 Scottsdale Dr., Guelph, Ont., N1G 3R8 would be appreciated. Mary (Walsh) Legatto Born: June 20th, 1952 Passed in: Sydney Passed on: February 13th, 2014 It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother Mary Margaret Legatto, age 61, on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, surrounded by her loving family in the An Cala Unit, Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Mary was devoted to her family and cherished every moment she spent with them. Mary was born on June 20, 1952, and was the daughter of Charlotte 'Lottie' Walsh and the late Philip Walsh of Florence. Mary was a member of Holy Family Parish, Sydney Mines. She was a former member of the Florence Ladies Auxiliary of the Florence Fire Department, and an avid member of TOPS in Florence. Mary loved to participate in Aqua Fitness classes at the Northside Pool. She and Greg loved to spend summers camping with friends at St. Anne’s Campground. Mary loved to bake and always loved to share her goodies with family and friends. There were many people who received her knitted slippers, which she knitted with so much love. Mary worked for National Sea for over 20 years, until her retirement. Mary is survived by her husband of 43 years, Greg Legatto, a daughter, Bonnie Corinne (Shaun), in Florence, and a son Gregory in Alberta. Mary is also survived by four grandchildren who she dearly adored -- Logan, Sam, Rebecca and a special grandson Brandon Gregory. She is also survived by her mother Charlotte (Lottie) Walsh, one sister Bonnie Walsh in Florence, two brothers – Wayne (Darlene) in Sydney Mines and Philip (Karen) in Ontario. Mary is also survived by her brothers & and sisters-in-law: Clifford and Noel Legatto, Michael and Corinne MacDonald and George and Donna Burt. Mary was also survived by many nieces and nephews. Besides her father Philip, Mary was predeceased by an infant brother, Simon Percy (1951) and her mother and father-in-law Joseph and Muriel Legatto. At Mary’s wishes, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of J. M. Jobes Funeral Home. A funeral mass to celebrate her life will take place on Monday, Feb. 17, 2014, at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Church, Sydney Mines, with Fr. Thomas John officiating. The burial will be in St. Stephen’s Cemetery at a later date. A reception will be held in St. Stephen’s Hall in Florence, following the mass. Family flowers only please. Donations in Mary's memory may be made to Palliative Care through the Northside Hospital Foundation, the Cape Breton Hospital Foundation, or to a charity of one's choice. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com. Catherine 'Diane' Currie Born In: MacAdams Lake Born: October 22nd, 1944 Passed in: Montréal, Canada Passed on: January 25th, 2014 It is with great sadness that we, the family of Catherine 'Diane' Currie, announce her passing on Jan. 25, 2014 at the Lake Shore hospital in Montreal 25 days after she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Born in North Sydney on Oct. 22, 1944, she was the daughter of the late John and Christina (Gillis) Currie of MacAdams Lake. Dianne left home in 1966 to start her nursing career as an LPN, a job she loved. She was an avid bowler and enjoyed sharing her high scores with her sisters. She is survived by her son, Fred Stephens, Montreal; siblings, Jean (Roddie) Musgrave, Frenchvale, Martina Coffin, Sydney, Larry (Susan) Currie, Kingston, N.S., Carolyn MacEachern (Ross MacDonald), Sydney, Darlene (Ed) Gilson, Ottawa, Elaine (Sheldon) Mikkelsen, Mira Gut; sisters-in-law, Margaret Ellen Currie, MacAdams Lake, Sherry Morrison, Stettler, Alta. and brother-in-law, Frank MacEachern, Sydney; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her parents, Dianne was predeceased by brothers, John Patrick (in infancy); John Alexander, Patrick Darrell; nieces, Kimberly, Jennifer; nephew, Blaise and brother-in-law, Carmen Coffin. On behalf of the Currie family, we would like to thank Dianne's friends in Montreal for their love and support given to us during Dianne's courageous battle with cancer, she loved you all very dearly. Shauna you were always in her heart. In honouring Dianne's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date Gary Stephen Mercer Born In: New Waterford Born: November 4th, 1954 Passed in: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada Passed on: February 10th, 2014 Gary, 59, of Regina, passed away in his sleep on Feb. 10, 2014. Born in New Waterford, he was a son of Louis Mercer and the late Jan (Tabensky) Mercer. Gary loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and travelling with his best buddy, his dog, Sachel. He was a die hard Maple Leafs fan and all his family and friends were very important to him. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Linda; daughter, Theresa (Morgan); son, Louis; sisters, Judy (Ron), Valerie, Darlene (Kenny); brother, Johnny; brother-in-law, Gordon (Elaine); proud Papa of Damian and Jacob; his loving aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins and many close friends. Besides his mother Jan, Gary was predeceased by his in-laws, Bill and Theresa Dyck and brother-in-law, Armond. A visitation will be held at Lee Funeral Home, 3101 Dewdney Ave., Regina, Sask. on Friday, Feb. 21, 2014 from 10 a.m-12 noon. Interment will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary's memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (www.heartandstroke.com) or the Regina Humane Society (www.reginahumanesociety.ca). Online expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.