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George Abbass
89, Sydney
George Anthony Abbass, 89, of 286 Townsend St., Sydney, passed away suddenly Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1998, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born in Lebanon in 1909, he was the son of the late Tanus and Zaid (Ghattanas) Abbass. He was a graduate of Sydney Academy. He was a member of St. Joseph's Parish, Sydney and a charter member of St. Joseph's Lebanese and Syrian Benevolence Society. He was active in the Cedars Bowling League, the Whitney Pier Bowling and Dart League and was an avid tarabish player. Recently retired, George was very well known as a barber on Townsend Street for more than 73 years.
George was predeceased by his first wife, Sandra (Corey) Abbass and by his second wife, Agnes (MacMillan) Abbass.
He is survived by five sons, Ron, Melvin, both of Sydney, Leo, Fredericton and also by Dean (wife Crissy) and Anson, both of Sydney, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
He was also predeceased by his four brothers, Isaac, Jobe, Leo and Abbass and two sisters, Sheffica and Mariam.
Visitation will be Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral mass 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph's Church with Rev. D. MacDonald officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Expressions of sympathy may be donated to a charity of choice.
Thomas Kay
87, Sydney Mines
Mr. Thomas Kay, age 87, of the Harbourview Hospital Veterans Wing and formerly of Bras d'Or, died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1998, at the residence.
Born in Sydney Mines, he was the son of the late Isabel and Henry Kay. He was an elder of Carman United Church, Sydney Mines. A retired Devco coal miner and served overseas in the Second World War.
He is survived by two daughters, Noreen Barrie, Ontario and Wendy Clark, Bras d'Or; a son, Thomas, Ontario and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife, Winnifred Kay, four sisters, Etta Nearing, Mary Green, Annie Steele and Margaret Kay, three brothers, Edward Kay, Robert Kay and George Kay.
There will be no visitation by family request. Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. in the Fillmore and Whitman Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Karen Ralph officiating. Burial will follow in Lakeside Cemetery, North Sydney.
Memorial donations may be made to Carman United Church Memorial Fund or to the Residents Council of Harbourview Hospital.
Gilbert Sampson
82, L'Ardoise
Gilbert Sampson, 82, of L'Ardoise, died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1998, at the St. Martha's Regional Hospital, Antigonish.
Born in L'Ardoise, he was the son of the late William Flavian and Mary Alice (Martell) Sampson. After working in Halifax, during the Second World War, he returned to L'Ardoise where he operated a shoe repair store until his retirement.
He is survived by brothers, Lorenzo and his wife, Sadie, L'Ardoise and Wilfred, Whitinsville, Mass. and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by brothers, Herbie in infancy, Raymond, Napoleon and Alphonso and two sisters, Martha and Florence.
Visitation will be in the L'Ardoise Parish Funeral Parlor, Friday from 2-4, 7-9 p.m. Funeral will be held 10 a.m. Saturday in Holy Guardian Angel's Church, L'Ardoise with Rev. John MacIntyre officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery, L'Ardoise.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Alex A. Morrison Funeral Home, St. Peters.
Ray Slade
62, Colburg, Ont.
Ray Slade, 62, of Colburg, Ont., formerly of Bras d'Or, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 24, 1998, in Toronto.
He is survived by his wife, Beatrice (Jessome), two daughters, Diane and Carolyn, three grandchildren, four brothers, Lawrence, Elijah, Major and Sheldon, six sisters, Ethel Demarco, Bernice Devoe, Emmaline LeRoy, Florence Stevens, Marg Cameron and Carolyn Farrell.
He was predeceased by two sisters, Ruby MacDougall and Molly Arsenault and one brother, George.
Burial will take place in Colburg, Ont.
James Duncan (J.D.) Smith
88, Baddeck Bay
James Duncan (J.D.) Smith, 88, of Baddeck Bay, died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1998, in Victoria County Memorial Hospital.
Born in Baddeck, he was a son of the late Dan J. and Margaret A. (Maggie) (MacLeod) Smith. He was a member of Greenwood United Church. For his entire life he made his home at Crescent Grove, beginning his working life at Bethune's Garage. He studied plumbing and established his own business at which he excelled. Over the many years that he applied his trade, one of his major clients was the Alexander Graham Bell Estate which relied on his advice long into his retirement. He had a keen love of sacred and Gaelic music and was a valued member of Greenwood United Choir for many years. The Baddeck Male Quartet (circa 1960) was a major love of his musical life, in which he sang tenor.
He was predeceased by his wife, the former Anna D. MacDonald, son, Andrew (Andy).
Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday in MacAskill Funeral Home. Funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Greenwood United Church with the Rev. David Lutes officiating. Burial in Highland Cemetery.
Family flowers only by request. Donations to Alderwood Rest Home or Victoria County Memorial Hospital Charitable Foundation.
Randel Stuart Wittkamp
Vancouver, B.C.
Born June 25, 1970, was taken from us suddenly on Saturday, Nov. 21, 1998.
Predeceased by his grandparents, Jean and John Roberts, Glace Bay, N.S.
Beloved son, husband, father and brother, dearly missed by his parents Bill and Lois; his wife, Stephanie and young son, Cameron Stuart; his sister, Marikka (Randy); his brothers, John (Louise), Duane (Susanne) and Grant (Pat); and 10 nieces and nephews.
The passing of this spirited, vibrant and loving young man will be deeply mourned by all whose lives he touched. Randel graduated in 1988 from Claremont High in Victoria, B.C. Then moved to Vancouver, B.C. and had a successful career with London Life. Randel's depth of heart was appreciated by his many friends. Randel lived life to its fullest, laughed hard and was taken too soon. We shall all miss him forever.
Visitation will take place Friday, Nov. 27 from 7-9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to noon. Memorial service 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, in the Chapel of the Delta Funeral Home, 5329 Ladner Trunk Road, Delta, B.C.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favourite charity in Randel's name.
Nelson E. Blakeburn
78, Sydney
Nelson Ernest Blakeburn, formerly of Sydney Forks and Ashby, died peacefully at The Cove Guest Home, Sydney, Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1998, with his loving wife of 57 years at his side.
Born in Sydney, Aug. 25, 1920, Nelson was the youngest son of the late John Thomas and Annie (Wilson) Blakeburn. He was a lifetime member of St. George's Anglican Church.
He will be missed by his wife, Angela (Pennell); daughters, Maureen (Norton) Campbell, Sylvia Blakeburn and Elaine (Howard) Nardocchio; grandchildren, Heather (Derek) McHale, Kelly Campbell, Blake Campbell, Paul Nardocchio, Cavelle Nardocchio and great-grandson, Colin McHale. He is survived by sisters, Greta Halloran, Grace MacKay, brother, Roy and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Ralph and Edward.
Nelson was employed as an accountant at Sydney Steel Corp. for 43 years. He enjoyed a wide variety of music and literature, and will be remembered as an avid skater until the age of 70.
Family and friends may visit at Sydney Memorial Chapel, Friday, Nov. 27 from 2-4, 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held at St. George's Church, 2 p.m. Saturday with Rev. Lori Ramsay officiating. Burial in Hardwood Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Cove Guest Home, St. George's Church Fund or charity of choice.
REST IN PEACE
Lillian M. Germon
78, Moncton
Mrs. Lillian M. Germon, 78, of Spencer Memorial Home and formerly of Salisbury Road, Moncton, passed away at her residence Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1998, after a lengthy illness.
Born in Sydney, N.S., she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Annie (Kelland) Coombs.
Lillian is survived by a daughter, Shirley Murray (Lee), Indian Mountain; sons, Gerald (Faye), Allison and Roy (Christina), Antigonish, N.S.; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Edna Burke, Ada Keller (Clarence), Louise Porter, Sydney, N.S. and Doris Camus (Donald), Montreal; brothers, Walter Coombs, Clifford Coombs (Sarah), John Coombs (Margaret), Sydney and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Ronald S. Germon (1977), a son, Joseph (1948), a sister, Mary and a brother, Herbert.
Resting at Ferguson Knowles Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Rd., Moncton (858-1995), with visiting hours Friday 2-4, 7-9 p.m. Service at Ferguson Knowles Funeral Home Chapel, Saturday, Nov. 28, 1998 1:30 p.m. Rev. Diane MacVicar officiating. Reception following the service. Interment in Boundry Creek Baptist Cemetery.
In Lillian's memory, donations to the N.B. Heart and Stroke Foundation or the N.B. Alzheimer Society would be appreciated by her family.
James A. (Jim) Gracie
71, Glace Bay
James A. (Jim) Gracie, 71, of 12 Costey St., Glace Bay, died Thursday, Nov. 26, 1998, peacefully at the residence of his brother and sister-in-law, Dannie and Agnes Gracie, 90 Centre Ave., Glace Bay.
Born in L'Ardoise, he was the son of the late Patrick R. and Margaret Rose (Briand) Gracie. He was employed for 39 years at Nos. 20 and 26 collieries, retiring in 1985.
Mr. Gracie is survived by his lifelong companion, Theresa McBride; sisters, Alice (Mrs. Dan Lewis), Brampton, Ont., Liz (Mrs. John Pemberton), Glace Bay; brothers, Alfred and his wife, Jean, Leo and his wife, Midge, Charles, Billie and his wife, Florence, Dannie and his wife, Agnes, all of Glace Bay and Fabian (Mary), Port Credit, Ont.
Mr. Gracie was a very active member of the Glace Bay Senior Citizens and Pensioners Club. He was a member of St. John's Baptist Church.
He was predeceased by a sister, Elizabeth in infancy. Visitation for the late Mr. Gracie will be held Saturday evening from 7-9 and Sunday 2-4, 7-9 p.m. in the Patten Funeral Home and Chapel, 71 Union St., Glace Bay. Funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Monday at St. John's Baptist Church, Glace Bay with Fr. Paul McGillivray officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery, Glace Bay.
Agnes Lyon
90, Halifax
Agnes Lyon, 90, Victoria Road, Halifax, died Monday, Nov. 23, 1998, in Armview Estates.
Born in Glace Bay, she was a daughter of the late Robert and Elizabeth (Cameron) Cudhea.
She was a member of the United Church of Canada and was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Surviving are son, John, Napa, Calif.; daughters, Shirley (Mrs. Ignatius McCormick), Glace Bay, Anne Pauley, Halifax, Joy (Mrs. Thomas Doane), Great Barrington Mass.; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Harold P. Lyon, sisters, Leone Stafford, Katie Bates, Margaret Ann in infancy, brothers, Cecil, James.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home, Halifax. Graveside service at a later date in Greenwood Cemetery, Glace Bay.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or Dalhousie Research Centre.
Winnifred Josephine MacDonald
83, Sydney
Winnifred Josephine MacDonald, 83, of Dundee Drive, Sydney, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1998, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born in Sydney, she was the daughter of the late William Doolan and Mary (White) MacDonald.
She was a life long resident of Grand Lake Road and a member of St. Augustine's Parish. Winnifred is survived by two daughters, Mary MacDonald, Sydney and Shirley (Jack Lappin), Sydney; two sons, Vincent, Sydney and John, Ontario; a sister, Sadie Gillis, Sydney; five grandchildren, Jacqueline, Pamela, Amanda, Kenny and Kevin and three great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, John in 1975, five sisters, Mary, Julia, Katie, Nell and Maggie and eight brothers, Bill, Gus, Jack, Tom, Edward, Dan, Michael and Francis Joseph.
There will be no visitation. Funeral mass will be held at St. Augustine's Church 10:30 a.m. Monday with Fr. James Attwood officiating. Interment will be in St. Theresa's Cemetery.
Funeral is under the direction of Sydney Memorial Chapel.
Sadie Prendergast
88, New Waterford
Sadie Prendergast, 88, 747 King St., New Waterford, died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1998, in the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital.
Born in Dominion, she was the daughter of the late Archie and Elizabeth (MacDonald) MacLean.
She was a member of Mount Carmel Parish. Prior to her marriage, she was employed by Canada Post. She was one of the first residents of the Seniors Apartment Complex on Kings Street. Surviving are daughter, Shannon Campbell, son-in-law, Colin, New Waterford; grandson, Drew Campbell, Halifax; nieces and nephews; a cousin, Chris (Mrs. Mike Dezagiacomo), Glace Bay; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Ethel MacLean, New Waterford and Mrs. Libby MacLean, Whitney Pier.
She was predeceased by her husband, Brady Prendergast, sisters, Catherine Kearney, Mary Petrie and Gertrude Luedey, brothers, Malcolm MacLean and Dan MacLean.
Visitation is in the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Homes, 380 Smith St., New Waterford, Friday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Saturday 11 a.m. Mount Carmel Church with Fr. Bob Neville officiating.
Burial in the parish Cemetery.
Ambrose (Fabe) Fabian Shea
74, Glace Bay
Ambrose (Fabe) Fabian Shea, 74, of 2A Marion St., Glace Bay, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1998, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born in Glace Bay, he was the son of the late Ambrose and Margaret (McPhee) Shea.
He attended Warden United Church, Glace Bay. Mr. Shea was self-employed with Dominion Coal Co. and also did janitorial work with Cape Breton District School Board. Fabe was an avid bowler, he was a member of Knox Monday Night Men's League, the Colliery Bowling League and he entered "Hall of Fame 400" in his first year bowling. He was also a faithful member of Glace Bay Pensioners' Club.
He is survived by his wife, Catherine (Roach) Shea, son, Clarence (Geraldine), daughter, Debbie (Kevin) McIsaac, stepdaughter, Laurie Lynn Ettinger (Jackie), all of Glace Bay; brothers, James, Joseph, Eric, all of Glace Bay and George, Vancouver; sisters, Mrs. Theresa Campbell, Lingan, Mrs. Drucilla Hardwick, Eileen (Mrs. Frank Stepaniak), both of Scarborough, Ont., Iris (Mrs. Robert Meredith), Halliburton, Ont. and Colleen (Mrs. Leonard Bailey), Mira. Also surviving are grandchildren, Jason, Kelly, Allison, Molly, Jonathan and Tamalah.
Besides his parents, Mr. Shea was predeceased by brothers, Thomas, Gerard and sister, Marjorie.
There will be no visitation for the late Mr. Shea. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay. A memorial service will be held at Warden United Church, Glace Bay, Saturday, Nov. 28, 1998 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Ralph Johnston and the Rev. Duncan Roach officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Shea's memory may be made to the Cancer Society, Warden United Church Memorial Fund or a charity of choice. A reception will follow in the church hall following the service.
John Henry Sorhaitz
97, Sydney
John Henry Sorhaitz, 97, of Carefield Manor, formerly of Herbert Street, Sydney, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1998, at the Carefield Manor.
Born in St. Pierre, he was the son of the late Peter and Lilly (Pedlar) Sorhaitz. He retired in 1970 from David's Market and was a member of St. Theresa's Parish.
He is survived by a daughter, Anne (Russ) Doyle, Sydney; three sons, Hubert (Helen), St. John's, Nfld., John (Theresa), Sydney River, Melvin (Regina), Ontario; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife, the former Alfreda Huett and one sister, Josephine.
Visitation will be at Sydney Memorial Chapel, Friday, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be held at St. Theresa's Church, Saturday at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Angus MacDougall officiating.
Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery.
