Category: Obituaries

Angus Leo MacKinnon passed away peacefully at Inverary Manor, Inverness, on April 1, 2024, at the age of 86, surrounded by loving family. He was born on May 12, 1937, in Margaree Harbour, NS and was the son of the late John Lauchlin and Rebecca (Dunn) MacKinnon.

Angus L. is survived by his wife of 58 years Anne (Chiasson) and his pride and joy, five children, Darlene (Don MacDonald) of Dartmouth; Daniel (Charlene) of Margaree Harbour; Darren of Lawrencetown, Annapolis; Donna (Adam Cameron) of Lawrencetown, Halifax; and David (Melanie) of Lower Sackville; four grandchildren, Sarah Anne MacDonald, Garrett Myles MacKinnon, Rory Angus MacKinnon, and Norah Grace MacKinnon. Angus L. is also survived by his sister, Marie (Jim Guilford) of Dartmouth; brother-in-law, Roy Cameron of Antigonish, as well as an extended family of in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Angus L. is predeceased by his siblings, Myles (Marge Dee), Carmella (Michael LeBlanc), John (Mary Clarke), Chris (Roy Cameron) and Sally.

From the early age of 12 years, Angus L. enjoyed spending his time salmon fishing with his father and continued fishing lobster up to the age of 70.

He received his schooling at the Margaree Harbour School and later at Margaree Forks High School. From 1955-1957, he attended St. F.X. University. In 1957, he chose to go back to fishing for the next ten years. In the winter of 1966-67, Angus L. was hired by Department of Fisheries of Canada for snow crab explorations at three ports in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This research was foundational for the establishment of today’s crab industry.

In 1967, Angus L. returned to university, this time to Teacher’s College in Truro from which he obtained his teaching license. He began teaching at Margaree Forks District School in 1968 and spent the following 26 years teaching industrial arts, health sciences and social studies. He was known for his blunt, nonetheless funny comments and for his extreme patience. For safety and the sake of his sanity, there was no fooling around in Mr. MacKinnon’s shop. He was proud to lead the Reach for the Top team at MFDH. After retiring in 1994, he took great pride in meeting former students who shared how much they valued and benefited from lessons and skills learned in his industrial arts classes.

Angus L. served the community as a member of the Margaree Volunteer Fire Department for 24 years. He practiced his religion with deep faith and conviction dedicating time to support St. Michael’s Parish and various community groups. Angus L. kept active and busy playing cards, gardening, and taking early morning walks along the Shore Road. Affectionately known to his family as Angie or Gus, he enjoyed frequent visits from his children and grandchildren. He could often be found mowing lawns or maintaining the “old house” in preparation of summer visits from the family.

He created many memories with family travelling to California with Myles, family trips to PEI and Dundee with the Chiassons, and Disney World with Sally. Dad joined his adult children on various adventures including driving across Canada and road trips to various provinces and states. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed travelling to watch a live game: from baseball games in Boston, Chicago, New York, and Toronto to a chilly football game in Green Bay. Always a fisherman at heart, many a vacation included a stop at the local wharf to talk to fishers as Anne waited patiently in the car.

The family would like to thank Dr. Susie Egar for her counsel and care during the years of Dad’s illness, as well as the nursing staff of Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital. Much gratitude and many thanks to the dedicated staff at Harbour Lights Villa at Inverary Manor for their exemplary care. You went above and beyond to learn Dad’s preferences and treated him with dignity. Your support to our family and compassion will not be forgotten.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 4^th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 7:00pm to 9:00pm in St. Michael’s Hall, East Margaree. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 5^th at 11:00am in St. Michael’s Church, East Margaree, with Father Silvichan Dominic (Silvan) presiding. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Michael’s Parish, Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, or charity of choice.

Age 56, Cheticamp, passed away on Monday March 18, 2024 at home. Wayne was the son of Clarence and Cecile (Roach) Felix.

Wayne was known as a jack of all trades. He not only excelled as a welder, carpenter, plumber, electrician — you name it — he mastered it, leaving his mark all over our little village and beyond. He was always eager to show us pictures of his latest creative project.

Wayne was proud of his 19 years of sobriety and made it his goal to guide and inspire those who were also fighting similar battles and coping with mental health issues. His strong faith helped him push through many trials and tribulations. “Lord Guide Me” was tattooed on his back as a reminder to let go of the things he could not control. He always put others’ needs before his own and never said no to anyone. We could count on him to check-in on us, no matter the distance or how busy he was. Always the last one to leave a party, as the designated driver, Wayne always made sure people made it home safely.

He enjoyed spending time with people and telling stories more than anything. He also loved playing hockey, golfing, snowmobiling, fishing, practicing guitar and listening to fiddle music. Wayne, being a big kid at heart, was often found playing on the floor with kids and pets, watching cartoons, rolling around and laughing from the heart. He had no shortage of Donald Duck impressions, jokes, ‘baby’ high fives, little tunes to hum and steps to dance.

He’ll always be remembered for his ingenuity with gadgets, contraptions and various inventions. Big or small, Wayne never strayed from a challenge –– he’d say there was “Nothin’ to it!” and find the most unconventional and resourceful “Newfie style” solution to the problem. Often working through the night and into the early hours of the day, we always knew Wayne had been around by the lingering of his signature cologne and the trail of half-empty RedBull cans. His absence will be felt by his family who loved him the most. He had a way of keeping his immediate family on their toes and doing so non maliciously -– it was just Wayne being his true self, and doing it his way! For his numerous friends and co-workers, he leaves a huge void. We are forever grateful to all his close friends who helped mold a desirable model of a caring, kind, humorous and lovely soul…a diamond in the rough with a heart of gold.

“C’est ça, pi c’est ça!”

Besides his parents, Wayne is survived by his son, Jaron Michael Felix; sister, Roseanne Marie Felix; and niece, Cynthia Lynn Fraser.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 25, 2024 from 7-9 pm at the Cheticamp Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 10:30 am in St. Peter’s Church, Cheticamp with Father Silvichan Dominic officiating. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Wayne’s memory to Mental Health or Addictions.

Age 97, Grand Etang –  It is with great sadness, but acceptance that we come to terms with the passing of our mother, the “matriach” of our family on February 21, 2024. Cazilda was a daughter of the late Patrick J.J. and the late Marie (Deveaux) Aucoin.

She amazed us all, with her “keen mind” that was as sharp as “broken glass” which she maintained until the very end of her long life. As a cook, she was second to none, as well as a gifted baker and known for her “infamous” cinnamon rolls and meat pies. She loved a good toe tapping tune and “dabbled” with a harmonica.

Cazilda is survived by her sons, Donald Delaney (Anita), Drummondville, P.Q., and Jacky Delaney (Edwina), Grand Etang; daughters, Paulette Delaney-Smith (Ken), East Margaree, N.S., and Vivian Delaney, Bedford, N.S.; grandchildren, Shandel, Donya, Kenzi, Timmy, Brennan, and Justyce-Jean-Paul; and 12 great grandchildren.

Besides her husband, Arthur Delaney, she was predeceased by her brother, Joseph Placide Aucoin; and sister, Elizabeth Poirier.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 1, 2024 in the Cheticamp Funeral Home, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 10:30 am in St. Joseph’s Church, St. Joseph du Moine with Father Pierre Antoine St. Cyr officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Age 99, from Foyer Père Fiset Guest Home, Cheticamp, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at the Guest Home. Marie Anne was a daughter of the late Amédée and the late Anne (Doucet) Aucoin.

Marie Anne is survived by her grandchildren, Lisa, Glen, and Steven; great-grandchildren, Janelle, Michael, Crosby, Caillin, and Hunter; great-great-grandchildren, Mason, Théo, Ivory, Opal, and Gohan.

Besides her husband, Johnny Maillet, Marie Anne was predeceased by her sons, Jean Roland, Gérald, and Raymond; daughter, Lucille; granddaughter, Lynn; brothers, Léo, Johnny, and Joseph; sisters, Louise, Yvonne, Maggie, and Adèle.

Visitation will be held at Cheticamp Funeral Home on Friday, February 23, 2024 with visiting hours from 7-9 PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 10:30 AM in St. Peter’s Church, Cheticamp with Father Pierre Antoine St. Cyr officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery at a later date.

Donations may be made in Marie Anne’s memory to the Foyer Père Fiset.

Sarah Catherine MacKinnon, known affectionately as Sally, passed away peacefully at Inverary Manor, Inverness on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at the age of 83, surrounded by loving family. She was born on January 17, 1941, in Margaree Harbour, NS. She is predeceased by her parents, John Lauchlin and Rebecca (Dunn) MacKinnon; along with her siblings, Myles, (Marge Dee), John (Mary Clark), Carmella (Michael Leblanc), and Christena (Roy Cameron).

Sally is survived by her brother, Angus (Anne Chiasson); brother-in-law, Roy Cameron; twin sister, Marie (Jim Guilford); and a vast extended family of 28 nieces and nephews; over 50 great-nieces and nephews; and remarkably, a few great-great-nieces and nephews, who were all dear to her heart. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her warm smile and compassionate nature brought comfort and joy to all who crossed her path. Sally cherished her childhood on the family farm in Margaree Harbour, where she and Marie divided and conquered the homestead chores. Sally happily avoided the dishpan and housework to join “Daddy” in the barn where she nurtured her love for animals and developed a strong work ethic mirroring that of her parents, brothers, and sisters. She learned the value of grit and determination from her parents and older siblings, who tirelessly worked to provide for their family and maintain their livelihood. Sally’s upbringing on the family farm laid the foundation for the hard work and unwavering resolve that would define her later years. Her childhood experiences instilled in her a deep sense of gratitude for her Cape Breton Scottish roots and a deep love for her family and community. For Sally, there truly was no place like home.

Sally was a woman of profound faith, finding solace and strength in her devotion to God and the Blessed Virgin Mary. She embarked on pilgrimages to Fatima, Medjugorje and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré throughout her life, seeking to deepen her spiritual connection.  With a heart overflowing with love and generosity, Sally extended a helping hand to those less fortunate, providing support and assistance to children and families in need. Through sponsorship programs, she ensured that children around the world had access to education, healthcare, and basic necessities, hoping to help for a brighter future.

Sally’s professional calling was as a laboratory technician, a vocation she embraced with pride, expertise, and dedication. She trained at Saint Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish during the formative years of the field in Nova Scotia. Having watched her aunt, Sister Mary Carmel and her sister Chris become nurses at Saint Martha’s, Sally humbly forged her own path in the lab tech program at the same institution. In the early years of her career, Sally played a pivotal role in establishing laboratory services at hospitals in Inverness and Cheticamp, allowing her to remain close to her beloved parents, community, and the farm. Her adventurous spirit led her to work at the hospital lab in Trail, British Columbia, before eventually returning home to Nova Scotia, where she found her permanent home at the IWK Children’s Hospital in Halifax. Following her retirement as lab manager from the IWK, Sally spent the spring to fall months in Margaree at the homestead and loved the freedom of having nothing pressing to drag her off the beach on summer days. The youngest in the clan knew that Sally always had a freezie waiting for them when they came by, which naturally included a beverage of choice for the parents. Whether her feet were planted in the sand on MacKinnon’s Beach or warming up on the door of the wood stove in the kitchen, gathering with family was all Sally needed.

Sally will be remembered fondly for her humble and selfless spirit, unwavering faith, and profound love for her family and community. Her legacy of acts of service, generous nature and compassion for the downtrodden will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Sally’s family would like to thank the hard working staff at The Birches in Musquodoboit Harbour and at the Inverary Manor, Inverness for caring for Sally. A funeral mass to celebrate Sally’s life will be held at St Michael’s Church, East Margaree on Saturday, February 17, 2024. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until time of funeral mass at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or Canadian Cancer Society.

Rest in peace, dear Sally. You will be deeply missed and forever cherished in our hearts…And the cares of tomorrow can wait ’til this day is done.

 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Marie Catherine Deveaux, on Friday, February 9, 2024 at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Cheticamp at the age of 82. She was a daughter of the late Patrick (Paddy) and the late Jane (Arsenault) LeBlanc.

Marie Catherine was always busy doing something. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, quilting, and rug hooking. She also loved to cook, bake, garden, and can her own vegetables. She rarely missed an opportunity to play cards with her sisters and close friends. She loved bingo just as much.

Marie Catherine was well-liked by all who knew her. She always put her children first and often told us that she loved us and that she “really loved” her grandchildren and her two recent great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all of us.

Marie Catherine is survived by her son, David Deveaux (Kim), Cheticamp; daughters, Irvinna Deveaux (Tony), Alberta, Wanda Chiasson (Gerry), Antigonish, and Celina Deveaux-Thomas (Jason), Alberta; brothers, Eugene (late Viola), Gerald (Lydia), Georgie (Elaine), Blair (Diane), and Clarence; sisters, Jeanette (late Patsy), Rose Ann (late Simon Pierre), and Veronica (Gilles); grandchildren, Darren, Jennina, Dillon, Scott, Lauren, Daniel, Jaden; great grandchildren, Coen, and Ophelia.

Besides her parents, Marie Catherine was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Irvin Deveaux; brother, Mose LeBlanc; and sister, Patricia LeBlanc.

Visitation will be held at Cheticamp Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 from 6:30 – 9:00 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 10:30 am in St. Peter’s Church, Cheticamp with Father Pierre Antoine St. Cyr officiating. Burial in the parish cemetery at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre for their compassion and care.

Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Diabetes Canada, or to Sacred Heart Community Health Centre.

Antje Gudrun Cormier (nee: Trumann) passed away peacefully, with family by her side (81 days after the love of her life, Wayne) on Saturday, February 3^rd, 2024.

Beloved wife of the late Wayne Charles Cormier; Loving mother of Stephen Cormier and his wife Lori; and Michaela Reinhardt and her husband Jurgen; Loving sister of Gunda Garske; Dear Oma of Hudson Cormier and his wife Abby; Parker Cormier and his fiancée Madi Looby; Grandmother to Timo Reinhardt, and Michael Reinhardt; Sister-in-law to Elaine (Mike) Arsenault, Claudette (the late Joe) LeBlanc, Harold (Theresa) Cormier, Alphonse (Germaine) Cormier and Ella (Donald) Doucet. Remembered by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends, here and in Germany.

Gathering around the table for a game of cards, coffee & cake or entertaining family & friends is where you could find Antje in her glory. Co-pilot extraordinaire, lover of geography, and/or learning the language of love in her final days, Antje never missed a moment to keep her brilliant mind shining bright. She was the master mind behind the scenes and Wayne’s best partner in business and in pleasure! She wore many hats but becoming an Oma was by far her favourite!

Cremation to take place.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, February 8^th, 2024, from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. at the St. Joseph’s Church, St. Joseph du Moine. Celebration of Antjes life at 10:30 A.M.

Interment of ashes at the Saint Joseph du Moine Cemetery at a later date.

As expression of sympathy, donations may be made to: Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, 15102 Cabot Trail, Chéticamp, NS B0E 1H0; Cape Breton Cancer Patient Care Fund, 45 Weatherbee Road, Suite 209, Sydney, NS B1M 0A1 – [email protected]; and/or Parkinson Canada – [email protected].

It is with much love and sadness that we announce the passing of Yvette Marie Aucoin, age 89, on Monday, January 15, 2024 at the Foyer Père Fiset in Cheticamp. She was a daughter of the late Elizabeth (Burns) LeFort and the late Joseph (à Baptiste) Lefort.

Yvette is survived by her brother, John (Ruth) LeFort; brothers-in-law , Eugene (late Simone) Chiasson, Clifford (late Anne) Aucoin; sister-in-law, Muriel (Philip) Bell; nieces, Sharlene Chiasson-Bessey (Bruce), Sandra LeFort and Paula LeFort (Scott); as well as her great-nieces, Lauren and Karlie Bessey.

Besides her parents, Yvette was predeceased by her loving husband of 28 years, James Aucoin; sister, Simone Chiasson and her in-laws.

Yvette was known to be a very dainty and classy lady.  She was always well dressed, wearing the perfect pair of heels to match her outfit.  She began working at a very young age at Roach’s Clothing Store in Cheticamp (Willie à Charles) and eventually made her way to Toronto, Halifax, and Montreal to work for the Robert Simpson Company.  In 1976, she and her husband James finally made the move back home and because of her passion for the retail business, she decided to open her own ladies’ clothing store – AuCoin des Dames. For 33 years, she took pride in serving many customers who often became friends. Yvette also enjoyed traveling and seeing other parts of the world.  She was quiet but loved to entertain, clean, and spend time with her family, especially her sister Simone who was also her best friend. Although Yvette did not have any children of her own, she had a special bond with her niece Sharlene.  Yvette will be greatly missed.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to Dr. Amélie Maillet and Dr. Kassy Sonier as well the staff at the Foyer Père Fiset for their care of Yvette during the past 5 years.

Cremation has taken place and a funeral mass will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Foyer Père Fiset.

Age 75, Cheticamp:  The family of Joseph Henry Bourgeois is sad to announce his passing on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Cheticamp with his family by his side.

Born to the late Pierre C. and the late Marianne (LeFort) Bourgeois on June 18, 1948, Henry was the 6^th of a family of 13. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. Henry eagerly began his trucking career at the early age of seventeen and grew up to be a very skilled and well-respected trucker, hauling various goods throughout the Atlantic provinces as well as a few trips to Ontario and the United States. While off from work, Henry was happy sitting in his recliner watching his favorite T.V. shows, such as Matlock and Bonanza, while simultaneously taking a nap. He also loved his frequent visits to his brother’s, and later nephew’s garage next door or exercising his vocal chords while sometimes strumming his guitar.

Henry fought hard through a slow acting disease for the past six years, but you rarely heard him complain. He knew that the best remedy was to keep working and spending time laughing with family and friends, not to mention, maintaining his healthy appetite.

Henry leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Yvette (Chiasson); son, Glen and daughter, Cindy; brothers, Pierre Levi (Shirley), Vincent, and Roger (Laurette); sisters, Louise Anna, Zabeth (George), Stella (Wilbert), Marguerite (Michel), and Monique (Cam); sister-in-law, Velma; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Henry was predeceased by his infant son, Joseph; brothers, Emile, Ephrem, Alphonse, and infant brother, Robert; brothers-in-law, Victor, Sandy, and Edgar; and sister-in-law, Stella.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 7-9 PM at Cheticamp Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 10:30 AM in St. Peter’s Church, Cheticamp with Father Pierre Antoine St. Cyr officiating. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre Auxiliary or to a charity of your choice.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Marie Lucille Poirier, on January 11, 2024, at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Cheticamp, at the age of 75. She was a daughter of the late Peter and the late Antoinette (Hâché) Larade.

Mom is survived by her loving husband, Joseph Claude Poirier, who loved her whole heartedly, always took care of her, and advocated for her when she was unable to; her oldest son, Daren Poirier, Halifax, middle child Paul Poirier (Debbra Walsh-Poirier), Halifax, and youngest, daughter Joleen McClennan (Lorne McClennan), Dartmouth; her pride and joy, grandchildren, Samantha Jones, Rene Poirier, Simon Poirier, Lorna McClennan, Ashlynn Walsh-Poirier and Haylee McClennan; as well as her great grandchildren, Ayden, Aria, Aubree and Olivia; brothers, Bernie Larade, Hubert Larade, Jean-Albert Larade, Michel Larade, and Lubie Larade; sisters, Ethel Merry, Linda Larade, Anita AuCoin, and Stella Burns.

Besides her parents, Mom was predeceased by her first husband, Simon Pierre Poirier, and her sister, Lorraine LeBlanc.

In her earlier years Mom worked several different jobs. She was a waitress, and worked at  Aucoin’s Bakery, but she settled on babysitting her sister Anita’s, three children, Jennifer, Carol and Matthew. That’s when she lovingly began being called, Tante Cille.

After losing her first husband, Simon Pierre, she was left alone to raise three young children until she found her second and forever love, Joseph Claude. Together, they built a life in Cheticamp.

Mom was a loving wife and mother who was always there for us. She loved hard and unconditionally, and that love went on to foster deep connections and love with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. No matter what she was going through, seeing her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids would bring a smile to her face and fill her heart with pure love. Mom was a strong and courageous woman who battled and won her fight against cancer, not once, but twice, and never complained no matter how scared she was.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 10:30 am at Église Saint-Pierre Church, Cheticamp with Father Pierre Antoine St. Cyr officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Parish Cemetery, St. Joseph du Moine.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

We would like to send our sincere appreciation to the staff at the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre for the loving care you gave mom. A special thank you to all her homecare nurses, but especially Stacey and Michelle. Mom truly trusted you and enjoyed your visits. You made her feel loved and special, and for that, we will always be grateful.