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 December 19, 2013 Thursday There were 7 obituaries published today Anne Muriel Carmichael - 86 yrs Hilda 'Eileen' MacPherson (Cantwell) - 94 yrs Edith Melicent Cormier - 86 yrs Cecil LeBlanc - Joseph Charles Michael "Joe" Cox - 93 yrs Sister Catherine MacNeil - 90 yrs aka Sister St. Catherine Maureen) Geraldine (McPhee) Larocque - 75 yrs Anne Muriel Carmichael Born In: North Sydney Born: August 21st, 1927 Passed on: December 18th, 2013 It is with deep sadness that the family of Anne Muriel Carmichael announce the passing away of their mother. She died at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital at the age of 86 on Dec. 18, 2013, surrounded by family. Muriel was born on Aug. 28, 1927, in North Sydney. Early in life she worked at the post office, telephone office, and Co-op in Baddeck. She is survived by son, Paul (Simone) Carmichael; daughters, Marjorie (Alan) Smith, Lois Pantano, Ruth Ann (Derek) Nesbitt, Erma (Matt) Kirves.; brother, Clarence Long; sisters, Eddie Toms, Blanche Williams; grandchildren, Steven, Jennifer, Shaun, Angelica, Christopher, Julie, Matthew; great-grandchildren, Cameron, Kylie, Claire, Megan, Chase. She was predeceased by husband, Harry, son, Harry Gordon, son-in-law, Rick Pantano, brothers, Kilmer and Alex. The body is resting at Macaskill Funeral Home, Baddeck, with visitation hours from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20. The funeral will be held at the Baddeck Gospel Hall at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 21, officiated by David Swan. Burial to occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Victoria County Memorial Hospital Foundation. Hilda 'Eileen' MacPherson (Cantwell) Born In: Bras d'Or Passed on: December 16th, 2013 We are sad to announce the peaceful passing of our Mom, Eileen MacPherson on December 16, 2013 at the grand age of 94. Born in Bras d'Or, Cape Breton, she was one of eighteen children of the late Frank and Theresa (McGrath) Cantwell. She was predeceased by Harry in 2002, her loving husband of 60 years. She will be remembered and missed by many especially her sons, Wayne (Diane) and Terry (Cathy) of Dartmouth; and her daughter Dr. Kathleen MacPherson (Dr. Don Pugsley) of Truro; her grandchildren Angela, David, Shawna, Sheri, Shannan, Wayne, Patti, Heather, and Erin; her great-grandchildren Alicia, Damien, Bronwyn, Brianna, Jacqueline, Allie, Lauren, Malachy, Donovan, Christian, William, Kalli, Andrew and Teryn; and her great-great grandchildren Ellie, Timothy, Arah and Titus; as well as her many nieces and nephews. She is survived by her brother Edgar (Margaret) of Bras d'Or; sisters Greta Yelovich, Toronto, Patronella Harper of Uxbridge Ontario, Geraldine (Peter) Kleronomos of Halifax, Phyllis (Dave) King of Sydney Mines, and Shirley (Charles) King of North Sydney. She was predeceased by her brothers Joseph, Murray, Earl, Russell, Percy, Warren, Keith and Don and her sisters Marguerite, Ida and Frances. Her family wishes to thank the staff of Glasgow Hall of Parkland at the Lakes Retirement Campus where she was a resident for 3 ˆ years for all their care and kindness. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Dartmouth Funeral Home and a service to celebrate her life will be held on June 7, 2014 in Wolfville. In Lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences by visiting www.dartmouthfuneralhome.ca. Edith Cormier Born In: Alberta Born: August 27th, 1927 Passed in: Sydney Passed on: December 17th, 2013 It is with heavy hearts that we, the family, announce the peaceful passing of Edith Melicent Cormier on Tuesday, December 17, 2013, at the MacGillivray Guest Home, Sydney. Born in Lafond, Alberta on August 27, 1927, Edith was the daughter of the late Severin and Emma (Breau) LeBlanc. Edith was a conscientious, caring and community minded soul. She was a member of the C.W. L. and choir of St. Michael's Parish. Her family and friends were the center of her life. She was a 'Ray of Sunshine' at the MacGillivray Guest Home where she lived life to the fullest. Edith will always be remembered by her family and friends for being caring and very independent. Edith is survived by her children, Paulette (George) Muise, Georgetown, ON, Corinne Cormier, Vancouver, BC, Emile Cormier, Ottawa, ON, and Adrian (Yuki) Cormier, Vancouver, BC; grandchildren, Alex, Shelby, Mia, Bruce and Anna; sister, Evelyn Cormier, Toronto, ON; brother, Al LeBlanc, Tuscon, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Edith was predeceased by her husband, Arthur Cormier, sisters, Vivian Dewolfe and Aline Romard, and brother, Joseph LeBlanc. Visitation for the late Edith Melicent Cormier will be held on Friday, Dec. 20, 2013, at St. Michael's Parish Hall, East Margaree, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013, at 11 a.m. in St. Michael's Church with Fr. Douglas MacDonald officiating. Interment will take place in parish cemetery with a reception at St. Michael's Parish Hall. Donations in memory of Edith may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home. Online condolences may be forwarded to the family at www.pierfuneralhome.com. Cecil LeBlanc Born In: North Sydney Passed on: December 15th, 2013 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Cecil LeBlanc on Dec. 15, 2013. Born in North Sydney, he was the adopted son of the late Theresa (LeBlanc) and Cecil LeBlanc, foster son of Isabel and Reg Young and biological son of Ruby Rose. Cecil was a cook in the army for many years, and then moved on to work at the VG as a baker serving some of the very same people that were there to help him as he passed. Cecil touched the hearts of many people and made friends with whomever he met. He was lucky enough to have three families who loved him dearly, adopted family Hilda (Dave) Jabalee, Frances (Jim) Pero, Buddy (Carmella) LeBlanc, Gordon (Carmella) LeBlanc, Adrian (Shelly) LeBlanc, Percy (Jose) LeBlanc, June (Joe) Kowalski, Gladys (John) Morris, Rosalie (Wayne) Carey, Madonna (Dennis) MacIntyre, Marlene Boudreau, Linda (Pat) Marsh, special cousin Betty (Jack) Gardiner, foster family Jimmy (Betty) Young, Irene (Randy) Croft, Peggy (Donald) Phillipo, Carter (Celeste) Young, and biological family Llewellyn (Paulette) Rose, Donna (Guy) Eastabrook, Rocky (Donna) Harnish. Cecil was also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and best friends Michael Conway and Wayne Whitford. Cecil was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, William and Loretta (Jessome) LeBlanc, Peter James and Elizabeth (Howard) LeBlanc, aunt, Carmella LeBlanc, uncles, Elmer LeBlanc and Dave Jabalee, foster mom and dad, Isabel and Reg Smith, foster sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Gordon Newton, biological, Mom Ruby Rose. At this time the "Mayor" of 8A and his families would like to thank all the Doctors and staff of 8A Centennial VG, for their love and kindness shown to our brother and friend. Cecil will be cremated by the Dartmouth Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Florence, Cape Breton, at a later date. His wish was to be buried with his adopted mom and dad who loved him dearly. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Children's Cancer Ward IWK, 8A VG or charity of your choice. Joseph Cox Born In: North Sydney Passed in: Orillia, Canada Passed on: December 16th, 2013 Michael peacefully with family by his side in a Veteran's bed of the Leacock Care Centre, Orillia Monday, December 16, 2013 in his 94th year. Joseph Cox of Owen Sound, Ontario and formerly of Sauble Beach (W/O RCAF 1941-70) was proud of his Cape Breton Heritage being born in North Sydney, Nova Scotia to the late William and Odessa (Oriesa) Cox. Beloved husband of Anne Grogan-Cox and the late Beatrice Lauzon Cox. Loving father of Joanne Cox (Franceen Blidner), Roxanne Cox (James Ouellette) and Charlene Ley (Randy Ley). Lovingly remembered by his five grandchildren Ryan, Kyle (Brittany) and Sean Ouellette and Bryson and Taylor Ley and his great grandson Carter Ouellette. Dear stepfather of Mary (Michael Ritza), Patricia Grogan, Eileen Grogan (Michael LeBlanc), Sharon (John Morrissey) and Paul Grogan (Simone Lee). Step grandfather of Tamar (Brad Soltys), Katie Ritza (Rob), Aaron Ritza (Brandi), Jared Grogan (Jennifer), Devin and Erika Herman and Clara, Patrick and Julia Morrissey and great grandfather to Anna Louise Grogan. Cherished special uncle to many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his infant daughter Mary, brother Arthur (Sadie) and sisters Lillian (Russ Moulton) and Viola and Ida Cox. Funeral mass in Joe's honour will be conducted at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 554 15th Street East, Owen Sound Friday at 11 a.m. Father John Redmond officiating. Visitation one hour prior to service. Interment Greenwood Cemetery, Georgetown. Arrangements entrusted to the Downs and Son Funeral Home, Hepworth. Expressions of remembrance to Holy Family Roman Catholic Chapel, Sauble Beach, the Heart & Stroke Foundation or Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Messages of condolence are welcome at www.downsandsonfuneralhome.com. A tree will be planted in the Memorial Forest of the Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation in memory of Joe by the Downs and Son Funeral Home. Sister Catherine MacNeil Born In: Sydney Passed in: Sydney Passed on: December 17th, 2013 Sister Catherine MacNeil, 90, died peacefully on Dec. 17, 2013, at the CND Health Care Centre in Sydney. Born in Sydney, she was the daughter of the late John J. MacNeil and Margaret Jane MacLean. Besides her parents, Sister Catherine was predeceased by her brothers, Neil, Hector, John, Steve, Fr. Frank, Hector 'Bookie' and sisters, Mae, Anna, Josephine, Margaret, Christina Anna and Mary Margaret. She was the last surviving member of her family. She is survived by a brother-in-law, Joseph Campbell, Cornwall, Ont.; and sisters-in-law, Audrey MacNeil, Montreal, and Joan MacNeil, Sydney, also many nieces and nephews and their families. Sister Catherine made her religious profession in the Congregation of Notre Dame on Aug. 23, 1944. She will be fondly remembered by her sisters, family and friends, as a woman of deep faith and prayer who manifested genuine warmth, as well as compassion and a deep respect for the dignity of each person and an ability to affirm others. She possessed a keen intellect and shared this giftedness with others. Her accomplishments were many. Her teaching career spanned 29 years. These years of teaching were interrupted only for study which earned her a Bachelor of Science degree and a masters in science and a doctorate in education. She was a specialist in nutrition. At the St. Francis Xavier University she was chairperson and professor in the department of home economics. During this time, she was also for 10 years, professor of nutrition at the Coady International Institute. She was called upon to represent the Coady at the Second International Congress in Puerto Rico and in carrying out this assignment made a first-hand study of nutrition problems in Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. She was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Health. While at St. Francis Xavier University, Sister Catherine served eight years on the Board of Governors. She enjoyed the distinction of having been the first woman to be elected to the executive of that board. The Student Council at St. F.X., wishing to give a lasting recognition to Sister's contribution, established the Sister Catherine MacNeil Award. This award is presented annually to the most outstanding woman in the freshman class. Sister Catherine was also the recipient of an Honorary Degree from St. Thomas University, Fredericton and St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish. She served as principal and superior of Mount St. Bernard College in Antigonish. She then served as Provincial Superior in the Maritimes. Her outstanding leadership qualities resulted in her appointment to the General Council Administration of the Congregation of Notre Dame in Montreal. She responded capably and generously. She will be greatly missed by her sisters, her family and friends for her generous spirit, her friendship, her many kindnesses and her warm smile. Visitation for Sister Catherine will take place at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will take place on Friday at 2 p.m. at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish (St. Joseph Church). Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. Online condolences to www. twcurry.com. Geraldine (McPhee) Larocque Born In: Victoria Mines Born: May 30th, 1938 Passed in: Ottawa, Canada Passed on: December 15th, 2013 Passed away Dec. 15, 2013, in palliative care at Elizabeth Bruyere Hospital in Ottawa surrounded by her loving family after a 14-month struggle with cancer. Born at home in Victoria Mines on May 30, 1938, she was the second daughter of the late Daniel and Mary (Barrows) McPhee. Besidess her husband, William 'Bill' Thayer, she is survived by daughters, Joan Williams (Steve), Kathleen Cameron, Jeanne Walsh (Mike) and son, Dan Larocque; four granddaughters, four grandsons and one great-granddaughter; two stepsons; one stepdaughter and four step-grandchildern. Also surviving is her cherished sister, Phyllis MacGillivary (the late Bill), Dartmouth; nieces, nephews, cousins. The life of the party she will be missed by many friends and colleagues. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her younger sister Iris Heney (Mike). Geraldine retired after teaching 36 years with the Ottawa Catholic School Board. She was a member of the Manderley Golf Club, the RA Riverside Curling Club, the Girls Bidge Club and the Cape Breton Club of Ottawa and she was a lector in her church. Funeral Mass will be at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home and Chapel, Friday, Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. Donations to Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent by e-mail to [email protected] *******EXTRA NOTE********* 'He was an extremely honourable person' Longtime municipal politician, veteran Hector MacInnis dies PORT HAWESBURY - A Port Hawkesbury native who spent more than 30 years serving as a municipal politician has died. Former town councillor and deputy mayor Hector MacInnis died on Saturday in Dartmouth. He was 88 years old. "Hector was always a very knowledgable person, he had a great memory of events in town because he was involved for so long, and he was an extremely honourable person," said Almon Chisholm, a former town mayor who worked alongside MacInnis for 15 years. "I went outside of town many, many, times with Hector to attend meetings and any time I went out I always knew I was accompanied by a true gentleman and somebody who you (could) be comfortable with, no matter who you were meeting." Born in 1925, MacInnis worked as a lockmaster with the Canadian Coast Guard at the Canso Canal in Port Hastings. Chisholm said that while MacInnis can be credited for decades of initiatives in his beloved Port Hawkesbury, one of his lasting legacies is the construction and expansion of a landing strip near Port Hawkesbury. "There's many things that Hector deserves credit for," said Chisholm. "If it hadn't have been for Hector MacInnis and the work he put into it, my thinking is there would never be an airport in Port Hawkesbury." According to his obituary, as a young man MacInnis volunteered himself into the ranks of the First Special Service Force, which was among the first Allied troops to enter Rome and are credited with its liberation in June 1944. Long time friend John Langley said MacInnis was one of four brothers who served overseas during the war. "Hector and (his brother) Alex were both wounded and both were shipped back to the hospital in England and neither one at the time, until a few years ago, realized they were both in the same hospital," said Langley. Hector's brother, the late Alex MacInnis, was a former City of Sydney alderman. Langley said Hector will be remembered for his quick wit, his love of family and his frankness. "He was a man that told it like it was, he didn't go behind closed doors and tell you one thing," said Langley. "He just told you right up front what he thought. He was pretty open in his opinions." MacInnis is survived by his wife, Evelyn, three daughters and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. A funeral mass for Hector MacInnis will be held 10 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Port Hawkesbury.