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Aber J. Joseph
81, North Sydney
Aber J. Joseph, 81, of 556 Seaview Dr., North Sydney, N.S., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Thursday, Dec. 3, 1998. Born in Sydney, he was the son of the late Habib Joseph and the late Sara (Libbus) Joseph. Aber was a graduate of Sydney Academy, who went on to study at the Canadian Institute of Science and Technology, Toronto and Oxford University, England. His pursuit of learning continued on into retirement with successful studies in business law at the University College of Cape Breton.
Aber was proud to have served his country on active duty with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War in England and Germany. In this capacity he was witness to the Allied Liberation of the Nazi Bergen Belsen Concentration Camp.
After the war, he enjoyed a long and satisfying career as resident engineer with the Nova Scotia Department of Highways and with the Municipal Construction Company of Sydney River. As a resident engineer, he helped design and construct the first Series 100 highways in Cape Breton. Following retirement from the Nova Scotia Department of Highways, he continued his career as sportsman and community activist with vigor, up to his death.
His early enthusiasm for hockey, baseball, rugby, track and other sports had matured into high level play, as a member of the RCAF WWII overseas hockey championship team, which featured Vezina Trophy winner, Toronto Maple Leaf goalie Turk Broda among other NHL professionals serving overseas.
In the post-war years Aber was a semi-pro catcher in the Valley Mainland League and later with the Petit de Gras Red Caps during his highway years. He took special pleasure in coaching local youth in hockey, track and baseball, characteristically donating his own trophies to the next generation of young athletes.
Aber was a keen member of the Cape Breton Seniors Ice Skating circle up into his 80th year as well as an active curler and golfer. For many years he served as member of the Cape Breton County Recreation Commission.
Aber also found deep gratification in his volunteer community work. His many contributions to community service include a host of leadership and community initiatives: founding president, Cape Breton Civil Servants Association; founding president of the Northside Community Guest Home Society and Board Chairperson; and Charter Grand Knight of Council 5109 Knights of Columbus, North Sydney and Faithful Navigator, Fr. William B. MacLeod fourth Degree Assembly, Knights of Columbus. A community builder as well as a road builder, Aber enjoyed his leadership role during construction of the final nine holes at Seaview Golf Club in North Sydney where he served as match captain and club president.
His full retirement years also included active membership in Kiwanis, Branch 19 Royal Canadian Legion, the Royal Canadian Air Force Association, and Canadian Executive Service Overseas (CESO), among his many other activities. As a CESO volunteer he was particularly pleased to have worked in the Aboriginal Service Program and assisted in the establishment of new indigenous people's businesses. Named a Commissioner of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia in 1958, he received the Volunteer Commemorative Medal for the 125th year of the Confederation of Canada.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Helen (Garabb) Joseph; son, Dr. Brian R. H. Joseph and wife Rita Moraga, Managua, Nicaragua; stepdaughter, Patricia Slabe and husband, Frank, Calgary, Alta.; grandchildren Rochelle Helene Joseph, Halifax, Alain Abraham Joseph, Sydney, Carlos Moraga Joseph, Managua, Joe and wife Gillian Slabe, Maria Slabe Shaw and husband Stephen, Terry Slabe and wife Erin, all of Calgary. Also surviving are sisters, Amelia and Henrietta and brothers, David, Joseph, and Samuel, of Sydney.
A generous and honourable man, his wise counsel was highly valued by the many persons who sought out his assistance and advice. Aber will be missed by his many work, community service, and sporting friends and by all 18 nieces and nephews. He will be fondly remembered as a good husband, father, friend and neighbour by all who knew him.
Visitation will be at W.J. Dooley's Funeral Home, North Sydney Friday, Dec. 4 from 2-4, 7-9 p.m. with funeral mass at St. Joseph's Church, North Sydney 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Society or the Cape Breton Society for Palliative Care.
Deanna Jean Corbin MacDonald
May 12, 1940-Nov. 20, 1998
Deanna MacDonald, third generation Californian and lifelong Valley resident, died at the age of 58 on the morning of Nov. 20, 1998, of complications following neurosurgery.
Deanna attended Sherman Oaks Elementary School and Van Nuys Junior and Senior high schools. She graduated from Occidental College in 1962 and attended graduate school at UCLA. She taught mathematics at both the junior and senior high school levels with Los Angeles Unified School District. She also served as an educational consultant for Walt Disney Educational Media Company during the 1970s. She retired from El Camino High School in June 1998, following a 35 year teaching career.
Deanna formerly of Port Morien and Sydney River was marriage to Donald Roy MacDonald on Aug. 30, 1965. She is survived by her husband and their two children, daughter Marissa, born March 5, 1970 and son Andrew, born Nov. 2, 1971.
Deanna was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Sherman Oaks. In all her endeavors, she was dedicated to making the world a better place.
Donations may be made in her memory to the First Presbyterian Church Sherman Oaks or the USC/Kenneth Norris Cancer Hospital.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Nov. 25, at the Church of the Recessional, Forest Lawn, Glendale, Calif.
Margaret (Peggy) MacDonald
92, Maine Margaret MacDonald, 92, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1998, in Sanford, Me.
Born in St. Ann's, Victoria County, Cape Breton, she was the daughter of the late Roderick and Margaret (Bradbury) MacKillop.
She was predeceased by her husband, Raymond MacDonald and several brothers and sisters.
Surviving are her daughter, Rhoda Edmonds and family, Maine; her sister, May Sampson, 67 Oxford St., Sydney, N.S.; sister-in-law, Betty MacKillop, Ontario and several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place.
R. Edward (Eddie) Taylor Wright Blackett's Lake
R. Edward (Eddie) Taylor Wright, 91, of 32 Mackley Point, Blackett's Lake, Cape Breton County, formerly of 196 Kings Road, Sydney, passed away Thursday, Dec. 3, 1998, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, after a brief illness.
Born in Sydney, he was the son of the late Robert Willis and Grace Isabel (Kaye) Wright.
Mr. Wright was a graduate of Horton Academy Wolfville. He commenced his business career with the Bank of Commerce, Glace Bay and later was employed throughout the province by Maritime Finance Company in automobile financing before joining the family business Wright's Ltd., Charlotte St., Sydney.
He was for many years co-owner and managing director of Wright's Ltd., until his retirement in the mid-1970s.
Among his hobbies and interests, were sailing his yacht the "Lorraine", hunting, fishing, gardening and golf. He was a former member of the Lingan and Golf and Country Club.
He was the last member of his immediate family.
He is survived by three nieces, Grace Anne Cochrane, Kentville and her husband, John and their children, Brian, Carolyn and Leann, Robert W. Wright, Coldbrook, Judy Kaye Wright, Toronto and Barbara Grantmyre, Guelph, Ont. and her husband Ennis and their children, Kevin and Jill. He is also survived by his wife's nephew, John Case, Berkshire, England, her niece, Gillian Williams, Yorkshire, England and her sister, Bronwyn Evans, also of the United Kingdom.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Chloris "Mickey" M. (Evans), and two brothers, Ralph William Wright and John K. (Jack) Wright.
There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held in Sydney Memorial Chapel, 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, 1998 with Rev. Thomas Whent officiating. Committal service will be held in Hardwood Hill Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.
Reuben H. Chislett
83, North Sydney
Reuben H. Chislett, 83, of 178 Seaview Dr., North Sydney, passed away peacefully at the Harbourview Veterans Home in Sydney Mines, Friday, Dec. 4, 1998, after a lengthy illness. Born in North Sydney, the son of the late Reuben and Bertha (Forsey) Chislett and was raised by his late uncle and aunt, George and Mary (Jackson) Chislett with his first cousin Amy Ernst, following the early death of his parents.
Ardent fisherman and hunter, he was also a member of the Northern Yacht Club, Seaview Golf and Curling Club, Kinsmen, Royal Albert Lodge No. 19, and the Royal Canadian Legion Armstrong Memorial Branch No. 19.
Reub was proud to have served his country during the Second World War, joining the army in 1939 as a member of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals (RCCS), attaining the rank of S/Sgt. After being wounded, he transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy in 1944 where he served until being honorably discharged in 1945 at the rank of chief petty officer.
Reub was a recipient of the Silver Medal, Ribbon, and Certificate, commemorating the silver anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen. Reub was previously honoured with the Confederation Medal. These medals were presented to citizens in recognition of exemplary service to the nation.
Reub worked as an architect with John C. MacMillan Ltd., North Sydney, and the Department of Public Works in Sydney until his retirement in December 1978. Reub was also renowned as a skilled carpenter.
Survived by loving wife, Gertrude (MacMillan) Chislett; sons, Ken, Halifax, David, St. John's, Nfld.; daughter, Mary Chislett, St. John's, Nfld.; grandchildren, Matthew, Laura, and Heather, St. John's, Nfld. and Ryan, Halifax.
Predeceased by son, George and sister, Mary (Molly) Chislett.
He will be fondly missed remembered as a good husband, father, friend, and neighbour by all who knew him.
Visitation will be 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Saturday in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. Funeral service will take place Sunday at 2 p.m. at St. Matthew Wesley United Church, North Sydney, with the Rev. David Hann officiating. Burial to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the N.S. Heart and Stroke Foundation or any favourite charity.
Lloyd George Fraser
76, Sydney
Lloyd George Fraser, 76, of 54 Windermere Dr., Westmount, Sydney, died Wednesday, December 2, 1998, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born in Edwardsville, he was the son of George and Laura (Lewis) Fraser. Lloyd was a lifelong member of St. Georges Anglican Church in Sydney. Lloyd was employed with C.N. Railroad for 46 years. He was a veteran of World War II where he served with the RCASC. Lloyd's love of antique cars brought many hours of pleasure and many great friends.
Lloyd is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary Fraser; one daughter, Lorna Jane Fraser, Toronto; one son, Bill Fraser, Calgary, and one sister, Mary Lewis, Sydney.
He was predeceased by two sisters, Hazel MacPherson, and Myrtle MacPherson and two brothers Gordon and Emery.
There will be no visitation. Arrangements are under the direction of Sydney Memorial Chapel. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, December 8, at 2 p.m. at St. Georges Church, Napean St., Sydney, with the Rev. Lori Ramsey officiating.
Memorials would be appreciated by family and may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, N.S., Heart and Stroke foundation or St. Georges memorial fund.
Elizabeth Gardiner
82, New Waterford
Elizabeth Gardiner, 82, of 557 Thompson St., New Waterford and formerly of Gardiner Mines, passed away, Friday, Dec. 4, 1998, at New Waterford Hospital.
Born in Aspy Bay, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Catherine (Cameron) Cameron. Elizabeth was a member of St. James Church and a former member of St. James Altar Society, Gardiner Mines.
She is survived by three daughters, Mary (Mrs. Wayne O'Connell), New Waterford, Margie (Mrs. Michael Goulais), Toronto, Theresa Burns, Glace Bay; one son, Cameron MacLean, Gardiner Mines; one brother, Archie Cameron, New Brunswick; four sisters, Gladys Lake, Halifax, Jessie Sprague, Aspy Bay, Harriett MacIntyre, St. Catharines, Ont., Pauline Muller, Vancouver, B.C.; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Twice marriage, she was predeceased by Charlie MacLean and Frank Gardiner, one brother, Ernie Cameron, five sisters, Syble Whiteway, Mary MacDonald, Mildred Skinner and Florence and Margaret Cameron.
Visitation will take place Sunday, Dec. 6, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay. Funeral mass will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at St. James Church, Gardiner Mines, with Rev. Jim Oliver officiating. Burial in the parish Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Carolyn L. Hutchings
91, Virginia, U.S.A.
Carolyn L. (Chambers) Hutchings, 91, a resident of Sterling, Va. and formerly of North Sydney, died Sunday, Nov. 29, 1998, in the Heritage Hall Nursing Home, Virginia.
Born in North Sydney, she was a daughter of the late Archibald and Ella (Stacey) Chambers. She was employed as a legal stenographer with C.F. Noyes Company of New York City for many years. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
She is survived by one nephew, W.S. Youden, Virginia.
She was predeceased by her husband, Urban; two brothers, Neil A. Chambers, John Chambers; and one sister, Florence S. Youden.
A graveside committal service took place Thursday in Lakeside Cemetery with Rev. Jack Wainwright officiating. Arrangements entrusted to the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, North Sydney.
Ethel May Lovett
82, Leitches Creek
Ethel May Lovett, 82, a resident of Leitches Creek, died Thursday, Dec. 3, 1998, at home. Born in Rose Blanche, Nfld., she was a daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Ann (Anderson) Burt. Ethel was a member of St. Columba United Church, Leitches Creek, where she served as an elder, was active in the UCW and a member of the choir. She was a devoted member of the Order of Eastern Star Munroe Chapter where she served as Past Grand Matron of N.S. and P.E.I. and was a committee member of the General Grand Chapter for unfinished business, an appointment for which she travelled throughout Canada and the United States.
She is survived by her husband, Frank R. Lovett; six daughters, Carol (Mrs. Donald Maxwell), Mille Isle, Que., Barbara MacGregor, Truro, Audrey (Mrs. Robert Hood), Bras d'Or, Linda Lewis, Ottawa, Ont., Nina Lovett, Leitches Creek, Gail (Mrs. Blair Baxter), Calgary; three sons, Herbert (Marilyn) Lovett, London, Ont., Roger (Rose) Lovett, Brantford, Ont., David (Linda) Lovett, Leitches Creek; one sister, Myrtle Pyke, St. Davis, Ont.; one brother, Charles Burt, North Sydney; 21 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by one son, Paul, three sisters, Rose Martell, Leona Burt and Marion Scott, two brothers, Burtrum and Thomas.
Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. Funeral service will take place Monday at 2 p.m. from St. Columba United Church with the Rev. Bernice Spracklin officiating. Burial to follow in Calvin United Church Cemetery, Upper Leitches Creek. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Columba United Church Building Fund or a charity of choice. Members of the Eastern Star are to gather at the funeral home Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
Mary Jessie MacKenzie
90, Glace Bay
Jessie MacKenzie died peacefully Thursday, Dec. 3, 1998, at Seaview Manor, where she resided the last five years.
Born in Glace Bay, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Christina (MacMullin) Campbell. Jessie was a devoted member of Holy Family Parish, MacKay's Corner and was an active member of that parish's Lady's Aid Society.
She will be dearly missed by her children, sons, Milton, Aubrey (Shirley), James, John (Rita), all of Glace Bay and Alfred (Patricia) London, Ont.; daughters, Carmel (Mrs. Leonard Doucette) Georgetown, Ont., Arlene (Mrs. John McVarish), Glace Bay; 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Besides her parents, Jessie was predeceased by her husband John, sons, Joseph and Garfield and a daughter, Faye, daughter-in-law, Bernadette, grandson, Victor, brothers, Peter, James, John, Archie and Neil, sisters, Mamie, Clara, Mary and Maggie.
Visitation will be at Curry's Funeral Home, 775 Main St., Glace Bay, Sunday at 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Church with the Rev. Ray Huntley officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery, Glace Bay.
Roddie MacKenzie
Pompano Beach, Fla.
Roddie MacKenzie of Pompano Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1998. Born in Glace Bay, he was the son of the late Frank and Catherine MacKenzie. He graduated from Glace Bay High School, joined the RCAF and was a warrant officer during the Second World War. He later settled in Pompano Beach, Fla. He was very active in sports and loved to work with wood, giving many gifts of the same to family members. He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Hauser); daughter, Cinda and her husband, Eric Kraft and grandchildren, Lauren and Lee; three sisters, Christine Crompton, Anne Clyburn, Catherine (Kaye) MacDonald.
He was predeceased by a sister, Marion.
Cremation has taken place.
Donations in his memory may be made to St. Paul's Church Building Fund or to a charity of your choice.
"May he rest in Peace."
Anita Muriel Pettis
67, Halifax
Anita Muriel Pettis, 67, of Halifax passed away Thursday, Dec. 3, 1998, in the QE II Hospital, VG Site, Halifax.
Born in Birch Grove, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Alice (MacPherson) Willetts. She attended Normal College, Truro and taught for two years in Dutch Brook and later in the Halifax school system. She was an active member of Calvin Presbyterian Church, the ladies guild of the church and the AMS. She was an avid square dancer and was a member of the Scotia Dancers, Bedford and the Ocean Waves dance clubs. Anita was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and a devoted friend.
She is survived by her husband, Weston; sons, Greg and wife Debby, Bedford, Brian and wife Kim, Halifax; daughters, Brenda and husband Rick Munro, Bedford, Heather and husband Bill McDonald, Waverley; grandchildren, Chris, Corinne, Joffre, Lauren, Brendan, Melissa, Kari, Rachel and Hannah; sister, Evelyn Shears, Glace Bay; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by a brother, Earl Willetts, a sister, Pearl Willetts.
Cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held today at 2 p.m. in Calvin Presbyterian Church, Ashburn Avenue with Rev. Sidney MacDonald officiating. Reception to follow.
Memorial donations may be made to the VG Site, QE II Palliative Care Unit or Calvin Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund.
