Canadian Obituaries Forum
Share and search for your Canadian obituaries for genealogy research!
The search engine for this forum is optimized for SURNAME research primarily.
Mary Jane Besso
75, Sydney
Mary Jane Besso, 75, of Webster Street, Sydney, passed away Sunday, June 13, 1999, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born in Carbonear, Nfld., she was a daughter of the late Arthur and Lenora (Howell) Marshall. She was a member of the Sydney Pentecostal Church, 20 Victoria Road.
She is survived by four daughters, Phyllis (Charles) Halloran, Bonnie Nicholson (Companion Peter Hill), Linda (Dennis) Weatherby, Virginia (Wesley) Cromwell; three sons, Billy (Hilma), Wayne (Tonya) and Brian (Karen), all of Sydney; 16 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; brother, John Marshall, Sydney.
She was predeceased by her husband, William Henry Besso; one great-grandchild, Matthew Besso; sister, Elsie Mae in infancy.
Visitation will be held in Sydney Memorial Chapel on Monday 7-9 p.m. and on Tuesday 2-4, 7-9 p.m. with funeral service in Sydney Pentecostal Church on Wednesday at 2 p.m. with Pastor Terrance Carew officiating. Interment in Hardwood Hill Cemetery.
Lena Carver
82, Westmount
Lena Amelia Carver, 82, of Monteith Avenue, Westmount, passed away Thursday, June 10, 1999, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born in Bridgeport, she was a daughter of the late Hector and Charlotte (MacSween) MacNeil. She was a member of Holy Rosary Parish, Westmount.
She is survived by two grandchildren, Donnie and Debbie and two great-grandchildren, Sean and Carla; sister Mary Shebib, Peterborough, Ont.
She was predeceased by her husband James in 1982; son, George in 1983; a sister Lima and brothers, Neil, George and Donald.
Visitation was held in Sydney Memorial Chapel Saturday, from 7-9 p.m. and Sunday from 2-4, 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be held Monday at 2 p.m. in Holy Rosary Church with Rev. Dan MacInnis officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorials made to charity of choice.
Rose Harker
79, Lower L'Ardoise
Rose Anna (Rosie) Harker, died unexpectedly, Saturday, June 12, 1999, at home.
Born in L’Ardoise, Richmond County, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Angeline (Mombourquette) Peters. She was a member of the Holy Guardian Angel Parish, L’Ardoise. She was active in her community as a member of the L’Ardoise Fire Department Auxiliary, Ladies Social Club, Seniors Jolly Club, Annual L’Ardoise Festival and past long time member of the L’Ardoise Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
Rosie was employed for several years with the L’Ardoise Parish as a housekeeper. She will be forever remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.
She is survived by daughters, Myra O’Brien (Raymond), Gladys Harker, Janet Landry (Paul), Sally Briand (Paul), Paula Sampson (Leo), all of L’Ardoise, Mary Sudeyko (Sam), Ontario, Edyth MacDonald (Graham), Bedford, Cecille Chapadeau, Sackville; sons, Keith (Simone), Weston (Linda), both of Sackville, Gary (Josie), Halifax; Chester (Shirley), John (Rosie), Glenn (Nadine), all of L’Ardoise; sister, Sadie Sampson (Lorenzo), L’Ardoise; brother, Edward Peters (Fran), Timberlea; 32 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years Roy Keith; daughter Carol; son, Ivan; grandson, Michael; granddaughter, Erin and sister, Marion Jeans.
Visitation will be Monday, June 14, 1999, from 2-9 p.m. and Tuesday, June 15, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. at the L’Ardoise Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, June 16, 1999, at 10 a.m., at Holy Guardian Angel Church, L’Ardoise, with Rev. John MacIntyre officiating.
Donations may be made to W.B. Kingston Memorial Clinic L’Ardoise, L’Ardoise Fire Department or the charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Alex A. Morrison Funeral Home, St. Peter’s.
Albert James Harriss
69, Gabarus
Albert James Harriss, 69, of Gabarus, passed away Friday, June 11, 1999, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born in Sydney, he was a son of the late Richard and Rose (Brown Buffett) Harriss. He was a retired fisherman.
He is survived by his wife, the former Lillian Stewart; one daughter, Kathy MacLellan, Westmount; two sons, Richard, Marion Bridge, Wayne, Sydney; three grandchildren, Sandra, Scott and Amanda; one great-grandchild, Evan; three sisters, Dawn Young and June Forrest, both of Westmount and Sheila Buffett, Sydney.
There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held in Sydney Memorial Chapel, Monday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Lewis Crewe officiating. Interment in Lakeview Cemetery, Gabarus.
Memorials may be made to Lakeview Cemetery, Zion-Wesley United Church or Cape Breton Palliative Care.
Dannie MacDonald
50, Frenchvale
Howard Daniel (Dannie) MacDonald, 50, a resident of Frenchvale, died Sunday, June 13, 1999, at the Northside General Hospital.
Born in Frenchvale, he was a son of Mrs. Jean (McNamara) MacDonald of Ball’s Creek and of the late Mr. Howard MacDonald. He was employed with the Survey Crew and as a Weigher with the N.S. Department of Transportation. He was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Frenchvale.
Surviving besides his mother is his wife Patricia (McGuigan); brother, Ronnie (Bernice), Frenchvale, sister, Marie MacDonald; nieces, Karen Glencross and Heather Kerr; nephews, Derrick and Glen Corbett; two godchildren, Rosalieann McGuigan and Cheryl MacDonald.
A private family visitation will be held in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, North Sydney. A funeral mass will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Mary’s Church, Frenchvale with Rev. Paul Abbass officiating. Burial to take place in the parish Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Joseph MacDonald
63, Toronto
Joseph Alexander MacDonald, 63, of 273 Windermere Ave., Toronto, Ont., passed away suddenly Saturday, June 12, 1999.
Born in Sydney, he was the son of Nora (MacDonald) Ley and the late Andrew MacDonald. He worked for Canada Packers of Ontario for a number of years until retirement due to illness. Joe was a frequent visitor to Sydney.
He is survived by his wife Eileen; daughter Teresa Ann; sons, Joseph, Gregory and Michael, all of Ontario; his mother Nora (MacDonald) Ley; sisters, Ann (Ed) Champion, Teresa MacDonald, Catherine (Bill) Bungay, Helen (Bucky) Gallant, and Evie (Graham) MacLeod, all of Sydney; brothers, Vince (Alice), Sydney, Chuck (Norma), Ottawa, John Dicker (Joanne), Englishtown, Nick, Sydney.
He was predeceased by a brother, James.
Joseph is resting at Turner and Porter Funeral Home, Bloor St., West Toronto. Cremation will follow. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Sydney.
Allan Adam MacKay
70, Dominion
Allan Adam Sr. MacKay, 70, of MacDonald Lane, Dominion, died Saturday, June 12, 1999, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born in Sydney Mines, he was the son of the late Neil and Dora (MacKay) MacKenzie. He was a retired coal miner, working in 1B mine, No. 12, and No 26. He was a member of Chalmers United Church, Dominion. He was a member of club 55, Sydney.
Survived by his wife Frances (Gerrard) MacKay, Dominion; sons, Allan Jr., Alex and William, all at home, and Jimmy, Sydney; daughters Ann (Joe) MacDonald, Judy, (Jim) Brufatto, Loretta MacKay, all of Glace Bay, Mary Veenvliet, Ontario, and step-daughter Josie Dacheau of Glace Bay; brother Louis MacKay, Glace Bay; sisters, Ann Lyons, Ontario, Joan MacKenzie and June Harris of Sydney; also survived by nine grandchildren.
Predeceased by sister, Ceclia MacKay (Hawley); brother John MacKay, and twin brothers.
Visitation will be held Monday, June, 14, 1999, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the Patten Funeral Home and Chapel, 71 Union Street, Glace Bay. Funeral will be held June 15, 1999 at 2 p.m. in Chalmers United Church, Dominion, with the Rev. Ralph Johnston officiating. Burial will be in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chalmers United Church or the Canadian Cancer Society, or charity of choice.
Murdock MacLean
95, Tarbot, Victoria Co.
Murdock Dan MacLean, 95 of Tarbot, Victoria County, died June 12, 1999, at Victoria County Memorial Hospital.
Born in Tarbot, he was the son of the late Allan and Rhodena (Matheson) MacLean. He was a member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in North River.
He was survived by sons Murray and his wife Jean, Boston; Allan and his wife Levenia, Labrador; Neil and his wife Anita of Boston; daughters Eunice Carmichael, Boston; Mary Ferne (Kenny), Maryland; Rhodena MacLean of Boston; sisters Bessie (Mrs. Hobert Fowler), Alene MacLean; and Rena (Mrs. Don Butts); brother Roy MacLean; 13 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife the former Mary MacIver; sisters Evelyn, Anabelle, Margaret M., Margaret F., Jean and one grandson Neil MacLean.
The body is resting at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church with visiting hours 2-4, 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, June 15, 1999. The funeral will be held at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 16, Rev. Murdock MacRae and Shirley Murdock officiating, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Goose Cove Cemetery.
Family flowers only by request. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church or The Matheson Memorial Fund of the Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of MacAskill Funeral Home, Baddeck, N.S.
James Murphy
49, Tarbot, Victoria Co.
James Bernard Murphy, 49, of Tarbot, Victoria County, passed away Saturday, June 12, 1999.
Born December 23, 1949, in Antigonish, he was the son of the late Walter and Florence (Gavin) Murphy. He was a carpenter by trade. He was a member of St. Michaels Church, Baddeck.
He is survived by his wife, the former Brenda MacLean; two sons, James (fiance Cora Lee Myler) and Richard (Sharlene Smith), both of Tarbot; sisters, Sarah (Billy) Garland, Scarborough, Ont. and Joan (Wayne) Mombourquette, Dartmouth; brothers, Vernon (Jean) of Truro, Albert (Helen), Hamilton, Ont. and Wendell (Joan) of Tarbot. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister, Noreen; brother, Johnny Power and niece Kelly Murphy.
The body is resting at MacAskill Funeral Home with visitation 2-4, 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 15, 1999. The funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, June 16, 1999, at St. Michaels Church with Rev. Charles Donovan officiating. Burial will be in St. Michaels Cemetery.
Family flowers only by request. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Robert Sampson
79, Glace Bay
Robert “Bob” Sampson, 79, of 188 Alexander Street, Glace Bay, passed away Friday, June 11, 1999, at the Glace Bay Health Care Complex.
Born in Glace Bay, he was a son of the late Charles and Sadie (O’Donnell) Sampson. Robert served overseas in Italy and the European theatre with the Cape Breton Highlanders; and was a member of the John Bernard Croak Branch 3, Royal Canadian Legion, the Glace Bay Pensioner’s Club and the Sergeant’s Mess Association. He was an avid cribbage and dart player.
He is survived by his wife Rita (Wall); sons Billy (Lucy) Wall, Richard (Elaine) Wall, both of Sydney, Lorne (Sandra) Wall, Calgary, John (Beverly) Wall, Toronto, Bobby (Candy) Wall, Vancouver, and Earl Wall, Sydney; daughters, Diane and Donna, Ontario, Marie (Sr. Mary Terrance) West Virginia, Shirley (Tommy) McCormick, Waterloo, Joan (Ray) Boudreau, Sydney, Brenda (John) Wall, Massachusetts, Mary Gibson, Kentville, and Pam (Austin) Langlois, Sydney; brothers, Charles, Waterloo, Earl and Clarence, both of Glace Bay; sisters, Mary Micossi, Rose Emond, Wilma Broderick, Ruby Deveaux, Sally Sampson, all of Glace Bay and Betty Sampson, Toronto. He is also survived by numerous grand and great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Robert Leo in infancy, Joseph Daniel at an early age, Patrick Bernard, Stanford Anthony and Gerald Francis.
Visitation was held in Curry Funeral Home, 775 Main Street, Glace Bay, on Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated today (Monday) 2 p.m. in St. Anne’s Church, Rev. Doug Murphy officiating. Burial to follow in the parish Cemetery.
Family flowers only. Donations to a charity of choice or Mass cards may be offered as memorials.
John Joseph (Jack) Thomey
Sydney
Jack Thomey of 105 Windsor Street, Sydney, passed away on Sunday, June 13, 1999, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born at Harbour Grace, Nfld., he was the son of the late Matthew and Mary (Ryan) Thomey. He was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish, Whitney Pier. He was employed with the Sydney Steel Corp. in the Blooming Mill until his retirement in 1989.
He is survived by his sister Margaret with whom he resided; two brothers, Harry, Victoria Rd., Sydney and Bill, Cusack Dr., Sydney; also survived by many nieces and nephews.
The late Mr. Thomey will have visitation from 2-4, 7-9 p.m. on Monday (today) at the T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday in Holy Redeemer Church with Father E. MacDonald officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Thomas Young
74, Toronto
Thomas Young, 74, of Toronto, Ont., passed away peacefully, June 11, 1999, in Toronto in St. Michaels Hospital at his bedside with his great friend, Glen Turner.
Formerly of Margaree Lake O'Law, he was the beloved son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Young of Meadows Road, Sydney Forks.
He is survived by 3 brothers, William Young, Meadows Road, James Young, Sydney and Raymond Young, Sydney; 3 sisters, Florence Furlong, Kitchener, Ont., Martha Leblanc, Sydney Forks, and Loretta Gillis, Meadows Road, Sydney Forks.
He was predeceased by his brother Alphonse; sister, Rita.
He was a long time school teacher and an accountant until his retirement.
The burial will take place in Toronto Thursday morning, June 17, 1999.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Kathleen (Coffin) Ford
83, Michigan Word has been received of the death on Saturday, June 5, 1999, of Kathleen (Coffin) Ford, RN, in the Tender Care Nursing Home, Mt. Pleasant, Mich.
Born in Sydney, N.S., she was the daughter of the late John D. and Katie (MacNally) Coffin. She was a registered nurse for 38 years. She worked in the Sydney area before relocating in Michigan in 1946. She was employed at St. Mary’s Hospital in Detroit and later with the Botsford Hospital in Farmington Hill, Mich., retiring in 1978.
She is survived by her husband, George M. Ford, Mt. Pleasant; daughter, Kathy (Ron) Beaulieu, granddaughter, Allyson, one grandson, Elliott, all of Mt. Pleasant; one brother, David (Louise), Sydney.
She was predeceased by three brothers, Charles, Raymond and Vincent, all of Sydney, two sisters, Gladys, Detroit and Rita, Sydney.
Mass of Christian burial took place at Sacred Heart Church, June 8, 1999. Burial in Calvary Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant, Mich.
Pearl M. MacDonald
70, Bucklaw, N.S.
Pearl M. MacDonald, 70, of Bucklaw, N.S., died Saturday, June 12, 1999, at the family residence.
Born in Bucklaw, she was the daughter of the late Catherine (Matheson) and Frank Ross. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Michaels Catholic Church, Baddeck.
She is survived by two daughters, Cathy MacKay and Charlotte MacDonald, both of Halifax; brother, Aubrey Ross, Baddeck; sister, Marion Matheson, Blues Mills; two grandchildren, Beth and Neil MacKay, Halifax.
She was predeceased by husband, Charles; sister, Evelyn and a brother, John.
The body is resting at MacAskill Funeral Home, with visiting hours Wednesday from 2-4, 7-9 p.m. The funeral will be held Friday, June 18, 1999, at 11 a.m. in St. Michaels Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Donovan officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Antigonish.
Family flowers only by request.
Arrangements under the direction of MacAskill Funeral Home, Baddeck.
Natasha Anne O'Handley
Glace Bay
Natasha Anne O’Handley, born in Glace Bay, Sept. 9, 1974, and daughter of Malcolm Paul and Debbie (Bresson) O’Handley, died Sunday, June 13, 1999.
A former resident of Bridgeport, she attended primary and elementary schools in Bridgeport. In 1992, she graduated from Glace Bay High School at which time Natasha was a member of the Safe Grad Committee. In 1994 she graduated from Law and Security at Holland College, P.E.I. and in 1995 graduated from the Atlantic Police Academy in P.E.I. In 1996 Natasha was employed with the Unama’ki Tribal Police and worked for one and a half years in Eskasoni, N.S. In 1998 she was the first female officer to be employed by the Springhill Police Department where she continued her employment until her untimely death. While in Springhill, she was a volunteer with both the youth centre and the animal shelter. Natasha excelled in skiing, horseback riding, hiking, swimming and numerous other sports.
Besides her parents, Natasha is survived by her brother, Malcolm Roy, Ontario and maternal grandmother, Marguerite Bresson, Bridgeport; also by her extended family of numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.
She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Agnes and Malcolm O’Handley and her maternal grandfather, Alexander Bresson.
Visitation will be in the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay, Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be Thursday at 10 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, Bridgeport with Fr. Jim Oliver officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Parish Cemetery.
Dorothy M. Orcutt
100, Portland, Maine Dorothy M. Orcutt, 100, of Portland, Me., died Monday, June 7, 1999.
Born in Boularderie, N.S. she was the daughter of the late Hugh and Annie (Urquhart) MacLeod. Dorothy graduated from high school in North Sydney and later graduated from the New England Baptist School of Nursing in Boston.
She worked for many years as a private duty nurse.
Dorothy is survived by two sisters, Kathryn MacLean and Jessie Libby, both of Portland, Me.; brother, Hector MacLeod, Boston; also by nine nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Orville Orcutt, brothers, Alexander and Wallace MacLeod, North Sydney and sisters, Joanne Smiley, Boston and Phoebe in childhood.
Cremation took place. Burial in Portland.
Sister Celene Richard
82, Antigonish
Sister Mary Celene Richard, 82, of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Martha, died Sunday, June 13, 1999, in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish.
Born in Charlos Cove, Guysborough County, she was the daughter of the late Mark and Celeste (Pellerine) Richard.
Sister Celene entered the Sisters of St. Martha on Sept. 8, 1935. She served the congregation in the pioneering field of homemaking at Bethany, at St. Martha’s Convent, St. F.X. University and the Bishop’s Residence in Antigonish. She served in convents in Canso, Main-a-Dieu, Ingonish, Dominion, Heatherton, St. Margaret’s Village and Guysborough. Sister Celene served as the community leader in Heatherton for three years. She returned to Bethany but remained active.
She is survived by one sister, Cecelia, Charlos Cove.
She was predeceased by sisters, Christine, Anna, Lucy, Margaret, Minnie and Pearl, brothers, Bernard, Dan and Hubert.
The remains will rest at Bethany Motherhouse after 1:30 p.m. today from where a Bible Vigil will be held at 7:30 this evening.
Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Bethany Chapel. Burial in Bethany Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to the C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish.
Reginald (Reg) Williamson 75, Coxheath
Reginald (Reg) Williamson, 75, of Coxheath Road, passed away Monday, June 14, 1999, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born in England, he was a son of the late George and Sarah (Hickman) Williamson. He worked in the lumber business all his life.
He is survived by two sisters, Pearl (Sonny) MacKeigan, Florence and Sally Williamson, with whom he resided; one brother, Cyril (Ivy), Coxheath and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by two brothers, George and Fred.
Visitation will be held in Sydney Memorial Chapel, today (Tuesday) 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service in the funeral home chapel, Wednesday, 4 p.m. with Pastor Mike Thorburn officiating. Interment in John Pringle Cemetery, Blacketts Lake.
Memorials may be made to the ICU, Cape Breton Regional Hospital or to a charity of choice.