Category: Obituaries

Age 79, of Cheticamp, formerly of Grand Etang passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Cheticamp. Eugene was the son of the late Marcellin and the late Luce (Doucet) Cormier.

Eugene worked for the Department of Highways for 30 years. When he wasn’t out in snowstorms for work, he was driving the boys to hockey. He was a great dad who brought us camping, for campfires, and trout fishing. Dad enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, who made him smile. He loved going for drives, just to see what was going on. His past times were talking on the phone, chewing gum, and watching T.V. (when he could stay awake). He enjoyed when people would visit and especially when they brought him treats. He enjoyed family get togethers and listening to the boys play guitars and sing.

Eugene is survived by sons, Marcellin Cormier (Brittany), Joey Cormier (Amy), and Luke Cormier (Zhen); daughter, Sylvia Cormier (Robert); sisters, Juliette Poirier, Evangeline Aucoin, and Margaret (Ivan) Chiasson; grandchildren, Dakota, Capri, Rowdy, and Kendrick; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Eugene was predeceased by his wife, Rita (Chiasson) Cormier; sisters, Marie Jeanne Cormier, Ethel Bourgeois, Emerise MacDonald, and Ella Cormier; brothers-in-law, Leo Poirier, Nectaire Bourgeois, Johnny MacDonald, and Leonard Pottie.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 20, 2024 in St. Joseph’s Church, St. Joseph du Moine with visitation from 9:30 AM until time of funeral at 10:30 AM with Father Pierre Antoine St. Cyr officiating. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Lung Association or a charity of your choice.

There will be a lunch following the funeral at the Mi-Carême Centre, Grand Etang.

Age 89, of Cheticamp –  It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother and friend, Marie Isabelle Deveau, on Monday, January 1, 2024 at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Cheticamp. Isabelle was a daughter of the late Tommie and the late Marie Ann (Chiasson) Chiasson.

Isabelle lived in Cheticamp all of her life. She took great pride in raising her five children and loved cooking, cleaning and rug hooking. She loved life and especially her grandchildren. Isabelle spent the last eight months at the Foyer Père Fiset. She adored the staff and the food, and had nothing but positive things to share about life at the Foyer.

Isabelle is survived by her daughters, Gloria (Leonard) LeFort, Marleen Aucoin, Linda (John) Beaton, and Shelley LeLievre (Bruno); grandchildren, Lynn, Sonja, Shandy, Joël, Timothy, and Ryan; great grandchildren, Landon, Peyton, Raina, and Adrien.

Besides her parents, Isabelle was predeceased by her son, Donnie Deveau; sons-in-law, Roland Aucoin and Alex John LeLievre; brothers, Lubie Chiasson and Wilfred Chiasson; and sister, Rita LeFort.

Family will accept condolences starting at 9:30 AM until time of funeral mass at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Église Saint Pierre, Cheticamp with Father Pierre Antoine St. Cyr officiating. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Foyer Père Fiset.

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Marie Donathilde Poirier, age 65, on Friday, December 29, 2023 at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Chéticamp. She was a daughter to the late Amédeé H. and the late Marie Cecile (Harris) Poirier.

Donathilde was a talented artist and illustrator, a lover of animals (especially cats), a connoisseur of movies of all genres, and like her father before her, a natural-born storyteller, with a mischievous sense of humour – “une vrai faiseuse de tours,” as everyone who knew her would say.

Donathilde loved the winter season and was never happier than when she was outside, walking, on a cold winter’s day – unless she was inside, phone clasped to her ear, gabbing up a storm.

Donathilde had no children of her own, although, all of her many nieces and nephews would lovingly call her “leur deuxième mère.” She was always ready to help and never more than a phone call away. Despite suffering from mental health issues most of her adult life, she never lost her caring spirit or the natural urge to help whoever was in need. Late in life, she co-founded, along with her sister Marjolaine, H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Equally) Mental Health Awareness Group in Chéticamp, and was a spirited advocate for those suffering in silence.

We will always remember her playful, wry smile, her stubborn determination, her fighting spirit, when it came to her health issues and her pursuits, her stories over toast and tea (and cigarettes), and the difference she made in our lives. At this moment, we can almost hear her say, “Shu bien, j’vous aime un gros pileau!”  We will miss her dearly.

Donathilde is survived by her sister, Marie Marjolaine (Claude P.) Poirier.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Joseph Melvin (late Mina Deveau) Poirier, Joseph Roger Poirier, and Henry Edward (Donalda Camus) Poirier; sisters, Marie Marguerite (Lionel) Poirier, Marie Eveline (late Henry Charles) Roach, Marie Beatrice (late Joseph Arthur) Deveau, and Marie Jessie Poirier.

A funeral service will be held at a later date.

Age 82, of Cheticamp, formerly Grand Etang passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at the Foyer Père Fiset Guest Home, Cheticamp. Marcel was a son to the late Arthur and the late Eleonore (Cormier) LeBlanc.

Marcel was a school teacher for many years. He also worked in Montreal for about 15 years.

Marcel is survived by his sister, Hilda (Gussie) Chiasson, Grand Etang.

Besides his parents, Marcel was predeceased by a brother, Ulric LeBlanc; and a sister, Veronique LeBlanc.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 10:30am in St. Joseph’s Parish Cemetery, St. Joseph du Moine with Father Pierre Antoine St. Cyr officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the Foyer Père Fiset.

We sadly regret to announce the passing of our dear Mother, Rita Marriott AuCoin (Née Arsenault) formerly of Margaree, at the age of 90 on December 18, 2023. She was the daughter of the late Peter Edward Ned and the late Angelique Julique Arsenault, Arsenault Hill.

Rita (also called the Queen) was passionate about working in her garden. She enjoyed seeing her flowers grow and watching the birds. She was an avid knitter. She loved fishing, dancing and playing cards, especially a good game of crib or 63. She had a huge interest in genealogy and was continuously researching and gathering information on our family tree which she enjoyed sharing with all her family.

She is predeceased by her husbands, Clarence Joseph Marriott and George G. AuCoin; sisters, Catherine (Joe Patrick) LeBlanc, Jane (Paddy à Mose) LeBlanc, Mary (Patrick) Poirier, Josephine (Johnnie) Muise; and brothers, Simon (Zabine Doucet), and Peter (Margaret à Leo LeBlanc).

Rita is survived by her four children, Daniel Marriott (Conchita), Debbie Ouellette (Richard), Donna Marriott, and Diana Hawley (Jerry); her stepchildren, Diane Aucoin, Donna Aucoin, Joseph Aucoin, Paulette Cadman (Larry), Rhonda Aucoin, and Cindy Aucoin. Rita loved her 8 great-grandchildren and 13 great great-grand children. She is also survived by her two sisters, Theresa Leblanc and Sophie Gracie. Mom will be sadly missed by her children and her grandchildren, her many nieces and nephews from near and far but also the many friends she met throughout her life.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff and her doctors at the Inverary Manor Nursing Home in Inverness who cared for our wonderful Mother for the last several years. We would also like to thank Dr. Ritter and his assistants for caring for her this past year.

Cremation has taken place. A Funeral mass with an hour visitation will be held at a later date in St. Michael’s Church, East Margaree followed by burial in the parish cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Rita can be made to the Inverary Manor, or the Canadian Cancer Society.

At age 81, Grand Étang resident Joyce Evelyn Doucet-Chiasson passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023 at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Cheticamp, NS. Joyce was the daughter of the late Jacob Andrew Mann of Grayson, Sask, and the late Ethel Eva (Osicki) Mann of Melville, Sask.

Joyce will be remembered for her involvement with the 4H Club, her entrepreneurship of the Acadian Butterfly Flea Market & Cheticamp Ceramics. Joyce was an active member with the Cheticamp Figure Skating Club throughout many years where she became a Figure Skating Judge. Joyce was a very creative lady who had a love for painting, ceramics and quilting.

Joyce was predeceased by her husbands, Wayne Clifford Mounsey of Toronto ON, Joseph Leonard Doucet of Grand Etang, NS and Bertrand Joseph Chiasson of Margaree Harbour, NS; and son John Doucet.

She is survived by her sons, Peter and Matthew Doucet, Cheticamp, NS; daughters Heidi Langlois, Barrie ON, Leona Doucet, Rocky Mountain House, AB; Jennie Doucet, Pepperell, MA and Emilie Tompkins, Calgary, AB. Joyce is also survived by her grandchildren, Julian Langlois, Catherine and Josee Lacousiere of Barrie ON, Emmett and Reid Tompkins of Calgary, AB. Joyce is survived by her brother, Elmer Mann of Toronto, ON.

The family would like to send many thanks to the staff of the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Continuing Care Cheticamp and Lemoine Volunteer Fire Department for the care provided to Joyce at the hospital and her time spent at home.

Donations in Joyce’s memory may be made to the LeMoine Volunteer Fire Department or to the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre.

Age 73, Cheticamp, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Cheticamp. Edmond was a son to the late James (Jimmie) and the late Lucie (Roach) Roach.

Edmond was a man loved by his family and friends. He was a quiet man who didn’t like to make a big fuss. However, you could find him sitting on his deck in the summer months and he would welcome anyone who would come by for a visit.

In his early days, Edmond loved his sports. He was a great athlete, excelling in any sport he played in. He also had a love for his cars.

Edmond spent over 30 years working for NS Power, working days and nights at times, ensuring the community kept its power.

In his later years, he enjoyed fishing, spending time on his four-wheeler, watching baseball and hockey, especially his beloved Montreal Canadiens, and spending time with family and friends.

Edmond is survived by his sons, Darren Roach and Jason Roach; brothers, Alphonse (late Albertine) Roach, Daniel (Lise) Roach, and Emile (Florence) Roach; sisters, Marie Cecile (late Gerald) Aucoin, Patricia (Paul Antoine) Deveaux, Estelle Roach, Laurette (René) Larade, and Sylvia (Marcel) Larade.

Besides his parents, Edmond was predeceased by his daughter, Paula Roach.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 1:00 PM in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Cheticamp with Deacon Gerald LeBlanc officiating.

Memorial donations may be made in Edmond’s memory to the North Inverness Palliative Care Society, P.O.Box 129, Cheticamp, N.S., B0E1H0 or e-transfer [email protected]

With deep sorrow, we, the loved ones and family of Martin “Babe” Edward Cameron, age 87, announce his passing on November 25, 2023, after a very sudden decline in his health.

He was born on June 17, 1936 to Martin and Esther (Coady) Cameron and raised in Margaree Forks, Nova Scotia. He had a tough upbringing and would later often share his stories of struggle and perseverance with family and close friends – which served as a reminder to him of just how far he had come in his life. Indeed, those early years shaped him in a deep way. Survival required grit, strength, and determination.

He moved forward from his youth with exactly those qualities and overcame various adversities. At a young age, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), becoming an aircraft mechanic. However, his heart was always close to home. He would send the bulk of his income to his family in Margaree in an effort to help support them. While stationed in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, he met Darlene (Turner). They married and built a family as he moved from post to post across Canada, from Saskatoon to Trenton, Ontario and finally Greenwood, Nova Scotia.

After a successful career in the RCAF, Martin returned to Cape Breton, moving to Baddeck. It was there where he and Darlene began pursuing multiple business ventures. Eventually, they resettled to his family’s homestead in Margaree Forks, where they continued to build an enterprise that included forestry, fishing and farming operations, among other business activities. Martin took immense pride in all that he and Darlene were able to accomplish. They were constantly in motion; backed by a ferocious work ethic. He was never happier than when he was working the land that he loved or tinkering on one of his bulldozers, which was desperately in need of restoration.  This was a constant source of ribbing from his family. Through the years, one could often find him riding along in a truck or tractor with one of his loyal German Shepherds by his side.

After heartbreakingly losing his beloved Darlene to cancer in 2008, Martin carried on and was blessed to have Jean Chiasson come into his life. They married and, together, continued to fish, farm, and take care of the land that he loved.

In addition to his parents and Darlene, Martin was predeceased by his two brothers, John and Thomas, and his daughter Lynne. In addition to his wife Jean, he is survived by his daughters: Laurie Cameron, Halifax; Leslie Pottier (John), Ottawa; Leanne Cameron, Berwick; and son, David Cameron (Maureen), Detroit. He also leaves behind adored grandchildren: Emily and Seamus Corkum; Amanda (Robert) Beauregard and great-grandson Gavin; Catherine and Mathew Pottier; Kieran MacGillivray; Joshua (Erica), Lara and Merrin Fraser; Liam and Isabel Little, and Dominique Cameron.

Based upon Martin’s wishes, a grave site service will be held on December 9, 2023, at 1:00pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, South West Margaree with Father Silvichan Dominic officiating, followed by a reception in the Memorial Parish Centre.  Donations in Martin’s name may be made to the St. Joseph’s Cemetery Fund or the Canadian Lung Association.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Jean Paul, at the age of 77, on November 15, 2023, at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Chéticamp after a courageous 15-month battle with ocular melanoma. He was born on February 1^st, 1946 to the late Joseph and the late Marie Jeanette (Roche) Gaudet.

Along with his parents, he was pre-deceased by his brother, René. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Claudette (Muise) Gaudet; children Mona (Albert) Poirier, and Guy (Stuart Gray) Gaudet; and his most beloved grandson, Jocelyn Poirier; sisters, Adrienne Deveaux, Géraldine (Wilfred) Bourgeois, Bibianna Gaudet; and brother, Yvon (Pauline) Gaudet. He is also survived by many brothers and sisters in-law; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews; godchildren; Keith Muise and Shelda Campbell.

He began his life as a businessman in 1969, by taking the helm with his brother of Gaudet Building Contractors. He was the co-founder of Chéticamp Boatbuilders and Acadian Communications.

Jean Paul’s kindness and gentle spirit touched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him. A man of few words, he spoke volumes through his actions and influence on others, leaving an indelible mark on those he encountered.

A creative genius in various realms, he wore many hats as an entrepreneur, community builder/volunteer, contractor, painter, woodworker, and “musician”.  His passion for life was evident in his continuous pursuit of new projects and self-improvement, a trait that inspired everyone around him.

Above all, he cherished his role as a dedicated family man, finding his greatest joy in being a loving father and grandfather. A paragon of virtue, he served as an exceptional role model for all who crossed his path, seeing the good in everyone. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, creativity, and unwavering love. In the hearts of his wife, two children, and one special grandchild, his spirit will forever live.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 20th, 2023, from 7-9 pm, at Chéticamp Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 21^st , 2023 at 10:30 am at l’Église Saint-Pierre, Chéticamp. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, la Paroisse Saint-Pierre, or a charity of your choice.

Age 78 of Cheticamp passed away suddenly on November 14, 2023. Wayne was the son of the late Charles Henri Cormier and the late Delina (Lena) Sampson. Born in New Waterford, he was the eldest son and second of the six siblings.

Wayne loved all sports, especially baseball and hockey. As a youngster, he helped with hay making for various local farmers and would do any job he could to make money. As a young man, he was active in the Air Cadets and loved to hang out with his many friends who remained life-long close friends.

Wayne chose a career as an insurance adjuster and he met the love of his life, Antje Trumann while working in the insurance field. He had a life long and respected career in insurance adjusting. He earned many awards for his role in the field and enjoyed it immensely.

Wayne was a good fisherman and loved to cook fish with his buddies and relatives. He loved hunting and had many great hunts with his son, grandsons, brothers, and friends. He was also a Big Brother, member of the Kinsmen Club and also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Wayne and Antje decided to relocate to his original second home in Cheticamp. He was a behind the scenes politician and tried his hardest to bring much needed changes to his beloved community. Wayne loved music and loved playing at l’AMAC on Tuesday nights, singing the songs he loved while playing his guitar and harmonica. His latest venture was helping with Meals on Wheels.

Wayne had a very strong faith in God and practiced his faith religiously. He was a caregiver to Antje in his later years and tried to help as much as he could.

Wayne simply ‘went home’ to be with his Heavenly family. To those who mourn his passing, remember he lived ‘to serve’ and he did so his entire life. As we say on Remembrance Day, ‘We will remember’, please do so for Wayne and his family.

Wayne is survived by his wife Antje Trumann who he married on June 17, 1967; son, Stephen (Lori) Cormier; daughter, Michaela-Michelle (Jurgen) Reinhardt; brothers, Harold (Theresa) Cormier, Alphonse (Germaine) Cormier; sisters, Elaine (Mike) Arsenault, Claudette (the late Joe) LeBlanc, Ella (Donald) Doucet; sister-in-law, Gunda Garske; grandchildren, Hudson (Abby), Parker (Madi) who lovingly called him Pépère; step-grandsons, Timo, Michael Reinhardt.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023 from 1:00 to 4:00pm at Cheticamp Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 1:00pm at Saint Joseph du Moine Church, Saint Joseph du Moine with Father Silvichan Dominic CFIC officiating. Burial at Saint Joseph du Moine Cemetery.

As expression of sympathy, donations may be made to: Community Meals on Wheels c/o Chester Muise, P.O. Box 972, Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, B0E 1H0 or by e-transfer at [email protected] or HOPE Pregnancy Support Centre, 72 Church Street, Unit 4, Parry Sound, Ontario, P2A 1V9 or by e-transfer to [email protected]