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 November 18, 2013 Monday There were 7 obituaries published today Anne Helena (MacNeil) Coones - 89 yrs Emily 'Marie' MacDonald - 71 yrs Rita Blanche (O'Callaghan) Wall Sampson - 94 yrs John Patrick 'Paddy' MacNeil - 83 yrs Mary Gertrude 'Gert' Batten - 99 yrs Joanne Steiger - 53 yrs Melrose 'Mel' LeMoine Wilson - 86 yrs Anne Helena (MacNeil) Coones Born In: St. Margaret Village Passed in: Sydney Passed on: November 17th, 2013 It is with broken hearts that we regret to announce the passing of Anne Helena (MacNeil) Coones on Nov. 17, 2013, at Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by prayers and her loving family. Born in St. Margaret Village, she was the daughter of the late John Edward and Mary (Brown) MacNeil. Anne was a devoted Catholic and a woman of great faith and demonstrated this throughout her life and with her final breath. She was a member of the Catholic Women's League and an associate of the Sisters of Martha. She worked various jobs and volunteered her time for numerous causes. She is survived by her loving sons, Gary (Laura Eagles and her children, Meghan and Kyle), Coxheath, and Kevin, Sydney; granddaughter, Shelly Coones (Chad Donovan) and great-granddaughter, Arianna, of Ingonish; special daughter-in-law, Marcella Powers; sister, Elizabeth MacNeil, MacGillvray Guest Home and brother, Leo MacNeil, Ontario; many nieces and nephews. Anne was predeceased by her first husband, Constable Buster MacDonald and her second husband, Howard Coones, brothers, Jim, Dan and George MacNeil. Visitation for the late Anne Coones will be held 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel and 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral mass at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at St. Margaret's of Scotland Church, St. Margaret Village. Interment in parish cemetery. We would like to express our sincere thank you to the MacGillvray Guest Home and to Anne's special nieces Gloria Youden and Carol MacNeil for the care they provided to her for many years. Donations in Anne's memory may be made to the Friends of MacGillvray. Online condolences may be made by visiting our website at www.twcurry.com. Emily 'Marie' MacDonald Born In: North Sydney Born: September 11th, 1942 Passed in: North Sydney Passed on: November 15th, 2013 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother, sister and aunt, Marie MacDonald, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, at the Northside General Hospital, after a quiet yet courageous third battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born on Sept. 11, 1942, in North Sydney to the late Ronald and Adelaide (Barrie) Clancy. Marie worked for 34 years in the business office of the Northside General Hospital until her retirement in 1997. Marie was a talented seamstress and quilter who always loved making that something special for a family member or friend. Mom's generosity was well known in recent years at the Northern Yacht Club. Her beautiful blankets were a popular item and helped raise funds annually for their Christmas Daddies fundraiser. For many years Mom dedicated her time to the Canadian Cancer Society's Daffodil campaign. Her leisure activities included swimming, bowling, her card club and shopping trips to Bangor. Regardless of the season, whether at home or at the trailer, when you were around Mom you were always made to feel 'part of the family'. She was an active member of St. Joseph Church, North Sydney and the CWL. Marie is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Ricky) Cousins, Sydney Mines; by her sons, Ronnie, North Sydney, and Sean (Suzy Young), Waafis, N.B.; by her sister, Sharon Morrison, Sydney; best friend and sister-in-law, Marlene Clancy, Leitches Creek; brother-in-law, Sandy (Marg) MacDonald, Oshawa, Ont.; and sister-in-law, Sylvia (Darrell) Stark, Garden City, Michigan. Marie's nieces and nephews included Janice (Steven) Benoit, Ross (Kathy Brass) Clancy, Shannon Morrison, Kristen Morrison, Ernie (Devon) Morrison; her special grandnephew, Hunter Benoit and special grandniece, Clara Adelaide Clancy. Through the years Mom's spirit touched the many people she met at different times and places in her life. The ones she cherished most were family. She developed great relationships within her neighbourhood, but none as special as the ones with the Jackson and Power families, particularly her great friends Anne and Patricia. Marie loved cats all her life, especially her last furry friend Ralph. Besides her parents, Marie was predeceased by her husband, Reg MacDonald, brother, Ronnie Clancy, father and mother-in-law, AJ and Edna (MacNeil) MacDonald, sister-in-law, Moira McGrath, brothers-in-law, Ernie Morrison, Hughie MacDonald and Doug McGrath. Visitation for Marie will be held Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. Funeral mass will take place Wednesday, Nov. 20, 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, with Rev. Patrick O'Neill officiating.Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Northside/Harbourview Hospital Foundation or Palliative Care of Cape Breton. Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com. Rita (O'Callaghan) Wall Sampson Born In: Sydney Passed in: Sydney Passed on: November 16th, 2013 It is with heavy hearts that we the family announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Rita Blanche Sampson on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Sydney, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Blanche (Stone) O'Callaghan. She was a hard worker, being widowed at a young age raising a family of 12 young children. Rita lived for her children, she was proud of each of them for their accomplishments. Rita enjoyed playing darts, watching her favorite hockey team the Toronto Maple Leafs, she enjoyed baking and was most famous for her peanut butter cookies. Rita was loved very much and will be deeply missed. Rita is survived by her children, Pam (Austin) Langlois, Joan (Ray) Boudreau, Shirley McCormack (Freddie), Earl (Darlene), Richard, all of Sydney, Mary Gibson, Kentville, Brenda (John) Wall, Florida, Marie (Sr. Mary Terence), West Virginia, Bobby (Candace), White Rock, B.C., Lorne (Sandy), Clyde River, John (Beverley), Ontario, her wonderful 26 grandchildren, Shawn, Elisha, Lisa, Karen, Christopher, Marcia, Charlie, Michelle, Michael, Bernadette, Crystal, Natasha, Billy D., Kirk, Vanessa, Shawn, Craig, Tracey, Jeff, Ann Marie, Danny, Sherry, Jimmy, Rita, Suzanne and Paul, as well as her precious 34 great-grandchildren. Rita is also survived by her sister, Anna Gillis; brother, Emmett O'Callaghan, both of Sydney; sisters-in-law, Rosie, Sally, Ruby, Betty, Jennie and Shirley; brothers-in-law, Clarence (Kay), Earl (Irene) and Pat (Joan) Wall as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, William D. 'Bill' Wall, second husband, Robert 'Bob' Sampson, a son, Charlie in infancy, son, Bill (Lucy), grandson, Paul Francis, her twin sister, Cleo, sister, Mary, brothers, Sid, Earl, Bert, Roy and Stan. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013, from 7-9 p.m. at the S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney. A memorial mass will take place 10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013, at St. Theresa's Church with Fr. James Oliver officiating. Interment to take place in St. Anne's Cemetery, Glace Bay. Donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Online condolences may be made to our web page at www.chantfuneralhome.com. John Patrick 'Paddy' MacNeil Born In: Glace Bay Passed in: Benacadie Passed on: November 15th, 2013 It is with broken hearts that we the family announce the peaceful passing of Paddy MacNeil on Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, with Lexie and Gordie by his side. Born in Glace Bay, he was the youngest of 17 children. He was the son of the late Hector J. and Catherine (MacLennan) MacNeil. Paddy was a humble man who cared for the dignity of everyone he met. As a boy, he cherished the time he spent with others at St. Anne's Camp where he met a longtime mentor, Rev. E.J. Nash. Though he enjoyed boxing, swimming, hockey, music and dancing, Paddy's true passions were best expressed through his relentless activism and concern for the vulnerable. After serving his country in the Korean Conflict, Paddy found any way to serve his community. He was a dedicated Union Rep for United Electrical in Toronto (36 years), a member of the parish council, a Eucharistic minister and taught Catechism for 10 years at Christmas Island. Paddy helped so many people in so many ways, most namely through his 32 years with AA. Next to his wife and his family, Paddy had a deep love for the church, The Holy Eucharist and The Virgin Mary. He truly was a special man with a heart of gold and the courage of a lion who will be deeply missed by so many. Paddy is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Rhondena (MacDonald); his children, Kirk MacNeil, Edmonton, Rhonda (Sal) Iannuzzi, Toronto, Alphonsus (Isabel) MacNeil, Toronto, Stella (John) Bruni, Toronto; son-in-law, Paul Butt; daughter-in-law, Janet MacNeil; his wonderful grandchildren, Genevieve (David), Brandon, Trystan (Heather), Kyle Patrick, Katrina, Desiree, Cassandra, Paula and Meghan and three precious great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Alphonsus (Mildred), MacNeil, Los Angeles, as well as his best friends, Dan Dougall MacLennan and Gerald MacNeil. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Alexis Butt, brothers and sisters. Visitation will be held Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at St. Barra's Church, Christmas Island. A funeral mass will take place 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013, at St. Barra's Church with Fr. Paul Abbass officiating. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. The reception will take place Christmas Island Fire Hall. Online condolences may be sent to our web page at www.chantfuneralhome.com. Mary Gertrude 'Gert' Batten Born In: New Aberdeen Born: November 18th, 1913 Passed on: November 16th, 2013 Mary Gertrude 'Gert' Batten was the second of 15 children born to Isaac and Catherine (Haley) Batten. She passed peacefully away in the presence of family on Saturday evening on the eve of her hundredth birthday. Save for the three years spent in military service during the Second World War, Gert lived in the family home on 5th Street, New Aberdeen, until she became a resident at the Veterans' Wing of Taigh Na Mara four years ago. Gert was an expert seamstress. During the Second World War, Gert was in the Air Force and put her sewing skills to use making parachutes. When she returned to Glace Bay she studied to become a seamstress and made her living sewing. A woman of faith, Gert was a life long member of St. John's Parish and a former member of the Ladies Guild. Her handiwork and baking were regular features at their fall fairs. Gert was a loving daughter who took care of her parents at home until their deaths. She was like a second mother to her younger siblings. Her many nieces and nephews fondly remember that you never visited Number 2 without being offered a jam-jam or molasses cookie or a slice of homemade bread. Christmas meant a fruit cake from Aunt Gert. Although legally blind, Gert continued to bake as long as she lived on 5th Street. After her sight failed, Gert continued her love of reading by listening to her stories on books supplied by the CNIB. At home the radio was always on and Gert kept herself well informed on current events. She had a wonderful memory and until her final illness in the past few weeks was actively engaged in conversation. Gert is survived by her brothers, Jim, Taigh Na Mara, Tom, Smith Falls, Ont., Naish and his wife Elvira, Glace Bay, and Philip and his wife Ruth, Grand Cache, Alberta. She is survived by sisters, Emmeline Burns, Halifax, Kathleen (Kay) Yorke, Toronto, Sister Cecilia Catherine (Mary Frances), Halifax, and Anne Marie and her husband, Jim McDonald, Grand Cache. Besides her parents, Gert was predeceased by her brothers, Jack, Joe, Ike, Allie and David, in infancy, and by her sister Jenny (Steve) MacCormick. Visitation for Gert Batten will be held 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013, in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay. A funeral mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013, at St. Anne's Church, Glace Bay, with Fr. Leo Boone officiating. Interment will be held in the parish cemetery. A luncheon will follow in the church foyer. The family would like to thank the staff of Taigh Na Mara who have shown their sister and aunt great care and kindness during her stay with them. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gert's memory may be made to Taigh Na Mara Nursing Home or a charity of your choice. Online condolences to the Batten family are available through www.vjmcgillivray.ca. Joanne Steiger Born In: New Waterford Passed in: New Waterford Passed on: November 16th, 2013 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joanne Steiger on Nov. 16, 2013, in the Palliative Care Unit, Cape Breton Regional Hospital with her loving family by her side. Born in New Waterford, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Gertrude (MacKenzie) Reid. Joanne was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and a good friend. She loved to play bingo and have a good game of cards. She looked forward to having her grandchildren come visit. She is survived by her best friend and loving husband, Wayne Steiger; sons, Wayne Jr. (Michelle), New Waterford, Chris (Pam), Reserve, Shane (Deanna), Eastern Passage; daughter, Tanya (Jermaine), Halifax; sisters, Selena 'Buddie' Reid, Ontario, Rossie (Bobby) O'Neil, Glace Bay; brothers, Charles (Michelle) Reid, Sydney, Tony (Loretta), Abel (Judy) and Jim Reid, all of Ontario; grandchildren, Brady, Colby, Cody, Bella, Kalan, Ashton, Autumn, Jack, Patrick, Jacob, Sidney and Rebecca. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Brenda (Tuddie) McEachern; brother-in-law, David (Betty) Steiger; a special niece, Melissa McEachern and good friend, Cheryl Steiger. As well as many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Joanne was predeceased by her brothers, Cecil, Angus, Walter, Wayne, Butch Reid and sister, Sis O'Connell. Visitation will be held on Monday, Nov. 18, 2013, from 2-4, 7-9 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013, at 10 a.m. in the Parish of St. Leonard, with Fr. Ray Huntley officiating followed by a luncheon at the Army, Navy & Air Force, Smith Street. All are welcomed. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of McLellan Brothers Funeral Home, 3183 Plummer Ave., New Waterford, 862-7500. Donations in memory of Joanne can be made to the palliative care unit, Cape Breton Regional Hospital. To send online condolences go to: www.mclellanfuneralhome.com. Melrose 'Mel' LeMoine Wilson Born In: Sydney Passed in: Sydney Passed on: November 14th, 2013 We, the family of Melrose LeMoine Wilson of Windsor Street, Sydney, regret to announce his passing on Nov. 14, 2013, at The An Cala Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born in Sydney, he was a son of the late George and Ellen 'Nellie' (Noseworthy) Wilson. Mel will be sadly missed by his wife, Gloria 'Jackie' (Higgs); daughter, Melanie (Greg) MacLeod, Sydney; grandchildren, Lyndon and Taylor Macleod, Joel, Justin and Joshua Wilson, along with great-grandchildren, Sophia and Wyatt Wilson. He was predeceased by his son, Garth. The last surviving member of his immediate family, Mel was predeceased by his sisters, Elsie, Evelyn, Marion, Hazel and Joyce and brother, Walter. Age 15 he started working at Ideal Ice Cream, having many jobs throughout the years, his last job being a salesman of 25 years for Adams Brand -where he was fondly known as "The Chiclet Man". He loved dancing, swimming, skating, camping and most of all travelling anywhere, anytime with 'Jack' his longtime love of 68 years. For over 44 years one of his other great loves was to spend fun in the sun at Ben Eoin Beach, and swimming the Bras d'Or Lakes. In his early retirement years, Mel worked with his son Garth at Trim Line Design, and up until seven weeks ago was helping his daughter Melanie at TPI- MacLeod Travel making deliveries or anything he could help out with. He loved to keep busy, and do things for people. He had numerous nieces and nephews, grandnieces and nephews whom he loved very much, and many friends who were like extended family. A true gentleman, he was a very humble man, and did a lot behind the scenes which not many knew about. He loved to tell stories of when he was young and laugh about the good old days. Dad will be missed by all who knew and admired him. Our hearts are broken. Special thanks to Maria, Philip, Velma, Shirley, Denise and Mallory. The staff of 4A and An Cala Unit at CBRH. He would have been so proud to know you cared for him so well. A memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, Alexandra Street, Sydney on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m., with Richard Volkes officiating. Memorials may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or the Cancer Treatment Centre at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, or An Cala Unit CBRH. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail [email protected]