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 October 28, 2013 Monday There are 10 obituaries published today Malcom Vernon Gary Cooper - 67 yrs Carmel Margaret "Marge" (Sharkey) Gillis - 85 yrs Clair "Sis Howard" Brenna - 65 yrs James W. Townsend - 63 yrs Margaret (O'Handley) MacLellan - 96 yrs Donald Wallace "DW" Matheson - 80 yrs Kathleen V. "Kay" Dillon Mikkelson - 92 yrs Mary Theresa "Terry" Collyer - 70 yrs Frederick Arthur "Fred" Simmons - 82 yrs Elizabeth (MacDonald) Jessome - 73 yrs Malcom Vernon Gary Cooper Born: January 17th, 1946 Passed in: Howie Centre Passed on: October 26th, 2013 It is with heavy hearts, that we the family of, Gary Cooper, of Howie Centre, regret to announce his passing at the age of 67 in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, after a short battle with cancer. Gary worked as a fisherman with National Sea, then later in life he worked with Dilney Landscaping. He was a former volunteer fireman with East Bay Fire Department. Gary leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories, wife, Beverly (Harris), of 39 years; daughters Cheryl (Craig) Wylde, Howie Centre, and Sarah (Joe) MacMullin, Marion Bridge; mother, Dorothy (nee Sparkes); sisters, Jacqueline (Ted) Crocker and Martina (Terry) Kelly, both of Fort Saskatchewan, Rosemary (Wayne) Brown, Newfoundland, brothers, Alex (Val), Labrador, Stanley 'Junior' (Doris) and Rick (Cheryl), both of Fort Saskatchewan, Boyd (Debbie), Sackville; sister-in-law, Vivian Cooper, Dartmouth; grandchildren, Alicia, Aulay, Emily, Kyle and a large circle of family and friends. He was predeceased by his father, Stanley Sr. and a brother, Ray. Cremation has taken place at Gary's request. A memorial service will take place Saturday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m. in Sydney Memorial Chapel with Majors Kent and Dena Hepditch officiating. In lieu of flowers , memorial donations may be made to the Cancer Centre at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail [email protected] Carmel Margaret 'Marge' (Sharkey) Gillis Born In: Saint John, Canada Born: January 28th, 1928 Passed in: Jamesville Passed on: October 26th, 2013 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Born in Saint John, N.B., she was the fourth child of Margaret Angela (Sliney) and Peter Louis Sharkey. She graduated from St. Vincent Catholic Girls School and prior to her marriage worked as a telephone operator in Saint John, N.B. Her move from the city of Saint John to post war rural Cape Breton was quite a culture shock, having no access to indoor plumbing, electricity or a motor vehicle. However, she settled in and embraced the local people and lifestyle. She lead a harmonious life that always included music, song and family. Living in a predominantly Scottish culture, she did not hesitate to remind us of our Irish roots. She was a stay-at-home mother, raising nine children and one grandchild. She is survived by her children, Kevin (Elizabeth), Stellarton, N.S., Rod (Debbie) Glace Bay, N.S., Jim (Lily) Tantallon, N.S., Maria (Gabe) Carriere, Cornwall, Ont., Janet (Lawrence) MacKinnon, Jamesville, N.S., Cathy (Byron) MacMillan, Jamesville, N.S., Carmel (Blair) MacDonald, Timberlea, N.S., John (Alexis) Jamesville, N.S., granddaughter, Colette Thomas, Jamesville, N.S.; and daughter-in-law, Margaret Gillis, Glace Bay. She is also survived by sisters, Josephine Cusack, Dartmouth, N.S., Theresa Ward, Saint John, N.B.; and brother, Phil Sharkey, Plaster Rock, N.B.; 28 other grand-children and three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Neil John Gillis, her daughter, Barbara Thomas and granddaughter, Shauna Gillis, as well as sister, Maureen Sharkey and brothers, Pat and John 'Jack' Sharkey. Visitation will take place at the Iona Parish Center 2-9 p.m., Tuesday, Oct 29. A service of Christian burial will be 11a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 30 at St Columba Church, Iona, Rev. Paul Abbass officiating. Burial to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, MacKinnon’s Harbour. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to MacAskill’s Funeral Home, Baddeck. Family flowers only. Memorial donations can be made to the Victoria County Hospice Society or charity of your choice. “... and sing, sing to the Glory of the Lord” Clair 'Sis Howard' Brenna Passed in: New Waterford Passed on: October 22nd, 2013 A chapel service for Claire "Sis" Brenna who passed away on Oct. 22, 2013, will be held Monday, Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. in Mclellan Brothers Funeral Home chapel with Deacon Leo Penny officiating. She is also survived by sister in-law, Rose McKenzie. James W. Townsend Born In: Sydney Passed in: Catalone Passed on: October 25th, 2013 It is with broken hearts that we the family announce the sudden passing of Jim Townsend on Friday, Oct. 25, 2013, at home in Catalone. Born in Sydney, he was the son of the late Russell and Blanche (LeMoine) Townsend. Before his retirement, he was employed as a power engineer at National Sea and Han Beck Sea Products. Jim was never happier than "being down on the farm" tinkering with his vintage motorbikes and old car. He is survived by his loving wife, Anne (Wilson); his daughter, Isabelle (Alexander) Spencer, Dartmouth; his sons, David (Masako), Japan, Donald (Sheena), New Zealand, Russell (Tanya), Sydney, his beloved grandchildren, Jack, Sam, Kieran, Neala and Zachery. He is also survived by a brother, George (Rose) Bridgewater; brother-in-law, Fred (Jean) MacIntyre, as well as a niece, Kelly (Pat) Campbell and nephews Melvin and Michael. Jim was so proud of how well his family had done in life and what fine adults they had grown into. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Catherine Jean MacIntyre. The family will be receiving family and friends from 1-2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31 at the First United Church, Louisbourg, with a service to follow at 2 p.m. in the parish with Rev. Emily Duggan officiating. Interment to follow in Willow Grove Cemetery, Louisbourg. Donations may be made to the SPCA, Loaves and Fishes or the Willow Grove Cemetery Fund. Online condolences may be sent to www.chantfuneralhome.com. Margaret (O'Handley) MacLellan Passed in: East Bay Passed on: October 26th, 2013 It is with heavy hearts that we the family wish to announce the passing of our devoted and loving mother, Margaret MacLellan who passed away at home on Oct. 26, 2013, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born in Long Island, Cape Breton, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Christina (MacIntyre) O’Handley. Margaret was a life-long member of St. Mary’s parish, East Bay, and a member of the CWL. She enjoyed family gatherings and sing a longs with family and friends and she was often the last to leave a party. Margaret always looked forward to having her daily night cap each evening after a good game of 45s. She would look forward to birthdays and the next special occasion when she would receive stacks of scratch tickets, which she enjoyed more than the most beautiful sweater. She loved playing 45s for quarters, computer games and knitting, especially socks and mittens for her grandkids. Margaret’s kind and generous nature extended past her family, friends and community by sponsoring a foster child in Africa. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Survived by daughters, Mary Gillis, East Bay, Isabel (Richard) Mayo, Massachusetts, Kay Vieara, East Bay, Marguerite (Brian) Kierran, Massachusetts, Jessie (Archie) Pierre, Sydney, Betty Wermers, Massachuesetts,Theresa (Pat) MacNeil, St. Peters, and Rose Marie (Dan) MacArthur, Dartmouth; sons, Danny (Carol), Patrick 'Patty' (Judy), Roddie and Lenny, all of East Bay, Johnnie (Rose), Sydney, Michael, at home, Puis. ‘P.J.’ (Jenny), B.C; numerous, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Margaret was predeceased by her husband, Alex Angus, son, Angus, daughter, Ann Marie, brother, Donald, sisters, Anne and Marion, three children in infancy, several, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held 7-9 p.m. Monday and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday at St. Mary’s Church, East Bay, Rev Frank Abbass officiating. Interment in parish cemetery. Donations in Margaret’s memory may be made to the Cape Breton Regional palliative care unit, VON homecare or a charity of choice. donations in memory, VON, Homecare, St. Mary's parish cemetery fund or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.twcurry.com. Donald Wallace 'D.W.' Matheson Born In: Glace Bay Passed in: Little Narrows Passed on: October 26th, 2013 It is with deep sadness that we the family announce the sudden death of Donald Wallace 'D.W.' Matheson, on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, at home in Little Narrows, Victoria County.Born in Glace Bay, Donnie was the oldest son of the late John P. and Annie (MacKenzie) Matheson of Little Narrows. Donnie is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Anna (Ross) Matheson and their two sons, Kenzie (Dori), St. Patrick’s Channel, and Sheldon (Michele), Baddeck. Donnie also had a very soft spot in his heart for his 3 grandchildren, Bauer, Eilish and Wren. 'Pa' always referred to them as his “precious jewels”. His face lit up the minute they entered the room. Donnie is also survived by three brothers, Allister (Marion), Blues Mills, Arnold (Laddie), Whycocomagh, and Roy (Marybelle), Little Narrows and his nieces and nephews. Family meant a lot to Donnie and he always enjoyed family gatherings. In 1967, Donnie started his own construction company, 'D.W. Matheson and Sons Contracting Ltd.' He worked many tireless hours growing his company which is still maintained by “his boys”. Donnie enjoyed hard work and his greatest passion was repairing and rebuilding equipment. Donnie was always a very active community member. His past endeavors included, member of the Little Narrows Presbyterian Church, Past President of the Grand Narrows and District Board of Trade, Past President of the Nova Scotia Truckers Association, Member and Past Master Sircom Lodge #66, Whycocomagh, Past Potentate of Philae Shriners Temple (1996). Donnie loved to be 'kept busy'. Some of his favourite pastimes included his love of reading, his knowledge of genealogy , history, rebuilding antique cars and endless socializing. Donnie made many friends while travelling far and wide. Visitation will be from 2-9 p.m. on Wednesday, with a Masonic Service at 7 p.m. both in the Dennis Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Whycocomagh. Funeral service will be 1 p.m., Thursday, from Little Narrows Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Andrew MacDonald officiating. Burial will follow in Little Narrows Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Memorial donations in Donnie’s memory may be made to the Shriners Children Travel Fund, P.O. Box 9050 Station ‘A’ Halifax, N.S., B3K 5M7. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com. Kathleen V. 'Kay' Dillon Mikkelson Born In: Round Island Passed in: Marion Bridge/Dartmouth Passed on: October 25th, 2013 Kay (Kathleen V. Dillon) Mikkelson, 92, Dartmouth, formerly of Marion Bridge, Cape Breton, passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 25, 2013. She was the daughter of the late Arthur and Janie Dillon of Round Island. She worked at the general office in the steel plant before becoming a full time mother and homemaker. Kay was a member of the St. Columba Presbyterian Church, Marion Bridge, and was very active in community groups such as the Home and School Association, the Women’s Institute, the St. Columba Presbyterian Ladies Guild and choir, the Mira Seniors & Pensioners Club, and the Mira Stitch Makers. She also taught evening sewing classes and canvassed for various charities. Her hobbies included bowling, playing cards, gardening, knitting, quilt making and baking. She will be dearly missed by her daughter, Joan Mikkelsen, Dartmouth; sons, Gary (Phyllis), Glace Bay, Brian (Donna), Caribou Marsh, Ivan, Sudbury, Ont., Howard (Sandy), Summerland, B.C., Blair (Joan), Dartmouth, Sheldon (Elaine), Mira Gut; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sister Ethel Nicoll, Sydney/Glace Bay. She was predeceased by her husband, Harold Mikkelsen, sisters, Bertha Peach, Jean Jones and Anna Lewis, and brothers Wilfred, Ira, Eldridge, Louis, and Leslie Dillon. A special thank you to Dr. Mark Stender, and to the Northwood Home Care staff for their loving and caring attentiveness to Mom. Visitation will take place at Sydney Memorial, Sydney, on Monday, Oct. 28, 2013, from 2-4, and 7-9 and at St. Columba Presbyterian Church, Marion Bridge, on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013, from 10-11 a.m. followed by a funeral at 11 a.m. Following the service, interment will take place in Oakfield Cemetery, Hillside Road, Mira. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be sent to the memorial fund of the St. Columba Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or emailed to [email protected] Mary Theresa 'Terry' Collyer Born In: False Bay Passed in: Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed on: October 24th, 2013 It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Theresa 'Terry' Collyer, 70, of Lunenburg, announce her passing on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital, Lunenburg. Born in False Bay, C.B., she was a daughter of the late Charlie and Edith (Fougere) McDonald. Terry was a one of a kind lady to whom people were immediately drawn. While quiet by nature, she had a bright smile and an infectious laugh when something struck her funny. These qualities allowed her to show great empathy to those in need. This served her well throughout her life, especially during her time working as a home care worker for the Canadian Red Cross in HRM from which she retired after 19 years. Terry always put her family first, setting her career aside when the boys were born to look after home and family. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Rodger; son, John ( Sheri), Crouse’s Settlement, Robert (Lynn), Tyler, Texas; sisters, Rita (John) Paquette, North Bay, Ont., Cathy LaMarshe, St. Hilaire, Que., Marie Fougere, River Bourgeois; brothers, Pat and John, also of River Bourgeois. Terry was also a proud and loving grandmother to her three grandchildren Kyrsten, Andrew and Emma. The family would like to thank all the caring staff at Harbour View Haven and Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital for their care and compassion. A special thank you to nurse Cindy Dares for caring for Terry in her final hours. Your kindness will always be remembered. You are a credit to your profession. Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213, Hwy. #3, Lunenburg. In keeping with Mary’s wishes there will be no memorial service. Donations to the Canadian Red Cross in Terry’s memory would be appreciated by the family. www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca Frederick 'Fred' Arthur Simmons Born In: Glace Bay Born: October 9th, 1931 Passed in: Reserve Mines Passed on: October 25th, 2013 It is with great sadness that we the family announce the passing of Fred Simmons on Friday, Oct. 25, 2013, at home with his wife and family at his side. Born in Glace Bay, he was the son of the late George and Marcella (Mugford ) Simmons. Fred belonged to the Boiler Maker’s Union and worked many years throughout the Martimes. He also worked as a coal miner and was a member of the Reserve Pensioner Club. He belonged to Gordon United Church. Surviving are his wife, Verona (Matheson ); sisters, Marcella Angelo, Florence Turner, both of Glace Bay; brother, George ‘Sonny’, also from Glace Bay. He will be sadly missed by his many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents, brothers, Calvin, William, Warrick, Alfred, James, sisters, Miriam Gillis, Delsie Simmons. Visitation for Frederick Arthur Simmons will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 7-9 p.m. in Patten Funeral Home, 71 Union St., Glace Bay. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 11 a.m. in Patten Funeral Home Chapel with Martha MacDonald officiating. Burial will be in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens. A luncheon will be held in Gordon United Church Hall. Family flowers only. Donationa may be made to palliative care or charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.pattenfuneral.com. Elizabeth (MacDonald) Jessome Passed in: Ball's Creek Passed on: August 26th, 2013 Jessome (MacDonald), Elizabeth, 73, of Balls Creek, N.S., passed away on Aug. 26, 2013. She is deeply missed by her son, Kerry Laffin (Sheila), Aylesford; her daughter, Cathleen MacKinnon, Cole Harbour; grandchildren, Catherine Laffin, (Corey), Tiffany MacKinnon, Justin Laffin, Michael Laffin; great-grandchildren, Destiny Laffin, Tiana Oliver MacKinnon, Tristain Laffin, Shoncy Simmonds MacKinnon and Athyas Johns. A brief Graveside service will be held on November 2nd, 2013 in the old “Union” Cemetery, at St. Stephens United Church, Port Hood, N.S. Pastor Maggie Plant officiating. Condolences can be emailed to [email protected] or call 902-404-2997. Flowers are welcome as she loved flowers.