Category: Obituaries

July 16, 1975 – August 30, 2023

Outdoor and music enthusiast and devoted teacher and school administrator, Stéphane’s love of life didn’t come to an end with his death.  His healthy and active lifestyle and his few but honest and thoughtful words inspired many and will continue to impact positively the lives of those he knew.  On August 30, 2023, at the age of 48, Stéphane left us far too soon, however the influence he had on his community will be felt for years to come.  Son of the late Robert and the late Marie Claire Doucet, Stéphane made sure to share his true self with his closest friends and family, and we were all better because of it.

Stéphane’s love for children led him to complete a Sports and Recreation program at NSCC in Truro.  His love of sports and all physical activity steered him to become coordinator of Les Jeux de l’Acadie for a number of years where he made many good and cherished friends.  He then pursued his Bachelors of Education at l’Université Sainte-Anne and has since been inspiring his students and colleagues on a daily basis.  His focus as an educator was predominantly on the health and wellness of his many pupils, and his efforts were always cemented in kindness.

His quick wit and sarcasm were amongst his strongest character traits.  He was often the silent introverted type but when he spoke, his words spoke loudly and were always met with attention and laughter.  In the back of the crowd, we often heard him say “useless information” or “anyway, changeons le sujet”.  He wanted to live in the moment and not waste precious time on conversations that were not going to make this world a better place.  He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life.  He loved quiet evenings with his wife Brenda and his children Sophie and Thomas by his side; spending time with friends playing music; playing hockey; being outdoors as much as he could and spending as much time as possible instilling strong values in Sophie and Thomas with whom he spent all of his spare time. Their many walks and beach time at Shubie Park; bike rides around the block; morning walks à la cote à l’Étang; and spending as much time in his beloved Redman.  The most important for Stéphane was for his children to appreciate the little and beautiful moments in life and life itself. Stéphane also loved vacationing in his favourite place, his beloved Prince Edward Island where he always felt at peace.

Stéphane was a loving husband to Brenda and dedicated father to his two adored children, Sophie and Thomas, whom he cherished with all his existence.  They were the center of his world.  They will surely treasure all the memories he created with them forever.

At the core of Stéphane’s life and educational philosophy was “No regrets.” A simple phrase that was heard often by his colleagues and family, and that will echo in their hearts forever.

Brenda, Sophie and Thomas along with Stéphane’s siblings Marie-Josée, Sylvette (Pierre, Alexanne and Gabriel), Colette and Jérémie (Frédérique), his mother-in-law Germaine and his cousin Huguette invite you to a Memorial Service at l’Église Saint-Pierre in Chéticamp on Saturday, September 9^th at 11 am.  They will be at church starting at 9:30 am to accept condolences.

Donations may be made to Brenda [email protected] with the goal of offering a bursary awarded to a student of l’École secondaire Mosaïque in Stéphane’s honour.

Age 88 – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Edmond AuCoin of Cheticamp on August 11, 2023. Born in Cheticamp, Edmond was the son of the late Alexandre (Sandé à Lazarre) and the late Louise (AuCoin) AuCoin.

Edmond was a man of few words but of great integrity.  He dedicated his working life to the Coop Movement, spending 25 years as manager of the Cheticamp Credit Union. He was a founding member of Le Conseil Coopératif Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse and sat on multiple community boards and committees throughout his life. Edmond wrapped up his career with Citizenship and Immigration Canada in Sydney for a period of 12 years.

In 1996, he retired and they returned to their home in Cheticamp where he took up the sport of golf spending numerous mornings at Le Portage golf course with his golfing partners.  Later in life, his interests shifted from golf to morning coffee with the “guys” at the Seniors’ hall.

Edmond is survived by sons Adalbert (Claudia) and Omer (Angèle); grandchildren Janelle (Patrick) and Christien (Megan); and his sister Lorraine.

Besides his parents, Edmond was also predeceased by his wife Alberthe; brother Clifford and sister Edna.

Visitation for the late Edmond AuCoin will be held on Thursday, August 17 at 10:00 am at Église Saint-Pierre, Cheticamp, with a funeral mass to follow at 11:00 am with Father Silvichan officiating. Interment in the parish cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Edmond may be made to Foyer Père Fiset and/or to Paroisse St. Pierre.

A sincere thank you to friends, the staff of Le Foyer Père Fiset, the Sacred Heart Community Health Center, and Cheticamp Funeral Services.  Your kindness and thoughtfulness will never be forgotten.

At age 69, Grand Étang resident Sylvia Boudreau passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Sylvia was a daughter of the late Emile and the late Bernadette (LeLievre) Doucet.

Sylvia moved to Massachusetts,USA with her parents at 6 years old. When her dad died in 1980, Sylvia came back home to help her mom. Sylvia worked at T.R. Deveaux, Canada Post, and NSLC before retiring.

She is survived by her husband, Yvon Boudreau; son, Jeffrey Boudreau; daughter, Stephanie Boudreau; sisters, Lina (James), Emilie (Al) Toy; nieces, Debra, Brenda, Rene and Angela; nephew, James.

Beside her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Arthur.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Age 84 – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alphonse Chiasson of Chéticamp on July 6^th, 2023.  Born in Chéticamp, Alphonse was the son of the late Joseph Chiasson and the late Marie (Chiasson) Chiasson.

Alphonse was a man of few words; his witty personality, sense of humour, and love for his family are how we choose to remember him. He and Madeleine spent over sixty beautiful years together in Chéticamp, where they raised their family. He never missed any of his children’s activities and always volunteered his time and van, whether driving around the Cabot Trail for a walk-a-thon or following every sport. He spent years working as a coalminer at Evan’s Coal Mine in St. Rose, where he was proud of his hard work. Although such years were cherished, retirement granted him more time to pursue other hobbies, whether, on his four-wheeler, trout fishing with his fishing buddies, and being outside in the woods brought him true joy.  He could often be found at the arena, where he spent many hours watching all levels of hockey, but specifically bursting with pride when watching Scott play, never missing a game or practice, no matter the distance needed to travel.

Alphonse had a sweet tooth, and was never too full, always ready for dessert “Madeleine, un beau morceau tarte au butterscotch s’rait pas mauvais ah”.

Alphonse is survived by his wife Madeleine (Bourgeois) Chiasson, his two sons Maurice (Denise), Réjean (Angela); daughter, Dina; grandchildren, Scott, Kelsey; step-grandchildren, Stacey, Melanie, Daniel; step-great-grandson, Nico;  brothers, Arthur, Paul (Yvette); sisters, Isabelle, Sara, Therese, Germaine, Bernadette (Claude).

Along with his parents, Alphonse was also predeceased by his brothers Lubie, Claudie, Levis, Wilfred, Gérard and Daniel; sister, Amelia.

A funeral mass will take place on Tuesday, July, 11, 2023 at 10:30am at Église Saint-Pierre, Chéticamp presided by Fr. Daniel Tshimbalanga Musakay. Burial to follow in parish cemetery. Family will greet friends and famiy starting at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Alphonse’s memory to the Cape Breton Cancer Patient Care Fund.

 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tyler Douglas McKay of Margaree Forks, N.S. on June 5, 2023.  Tyler was born in Edmonton, Alberta on a beautiful summer day in mid-July to Kenneth Michael McKay and Debora Lee (Bushor/McKay) Arsenault.  He was their second child and younger brother to Teryl Ann McKay.

At the young age of 33 he left this world the same way that he lived every day of his young life – on his own terms and in his own very unique way. He was a quiet young man who mostly kept to himself but if you met him, you would have instantly liked him because of his soft, kind ways and charming smile.

His energy and vigour meant that he was an active child, he kept everyone’s lives busy and full, yet he was also sensitive and deeply thoughtful.  From the beginning he took great joy in exploring the world about him with gusto and abandon.  He passionately loved the outdoors and every living creature it contained.  He and his friend Brian did their best to capture some of those creatures in any container or bottle available much to the fright of their parents at times.

As a child Tyler was outgoing and made friends wherever he went, although sometimes he was so busy having fun with his new friend that he didn’t always bother to ask them their name –but he still considered them as his friend!  He had a wonderful, quirky, and hilarious sense of humour and when he found something funny there was no doubt about it because you would hear his loud laughter peeling throughout the house.  That laugh exploded from the core of his being and you couldn’t help but laugh yourself at the sound of such pure joy.

He never knew a moment of boredom in his life much to the consternation of his parents when they attempted to discipline him for some misdemeanor by sending him to his room.  Tyler would be found later completely engrossed in some quiet activity and oblivious to the fact that he was supposed to be contemplating his errant ways instead of having fun.

To know Tyler was to know someone who was passionate about the things that moved him. He loved the world of cinema and movie making and was the go-to guy if you were looking for a great movie to watch. With his inquisitive mind Tyler had life-long quest of learning new things, although it was painfully clear to his teachers that he disliked constructive education. He loved to watch documentaries and to discover his world in less conventional ways.  Tyler was also passionate about music and one of his greatest joys was to introduce you to a wonderful new song or artist that he had discovered.  Tyler enjoyed many genres of music ranging, surprisingly, from Edith Piaf to Stevie Wonder. From a young age he had an artistic flair.  It all started with simple caricatures but evolved into more intricate art and then into carving various types of rock and wood.  You might not think so by his slim physique but Tyler was also passionate about food. It didn’t matter where he was when he caught the delicious smells wafting through the house he had to make his way to the kitchen to see what was cooking and possibly have a taste.  You might think he would sit and scarf down his food but that was not our Tyler, instead he would eat slowly, savouring each and every bite of deliciousness.  He derived much pleasure from nature and spent many hours hiking out in the woods looking for a new waterfall or place to take a refreshing dip. Tyler also had an affinity for all living creatures and treasured every sighting of an animal in its own natural splendour.

Most people meeting Tyler would not realize the true depth of his soul and character.  You would probably not have any idea that he had an amazing ability to see all things in life with a unique clarity and depth.  With his distinctive way of seeing things it was very interesting to talk to him about life and the world around us.  Undoubtedly after a conversation with Tyler your eyes would be opened to a distinctive insight that you might not have considered before.

Tyler was the type of person who thought outside of the box and had the most interesting insights.  One day we were talking about whether he preferred cats or dogs and he said to me that he preferred cats.  When I asked him why he told me that dogs just love everyone but cats are discriminating so if a cat likes you that means so much more than if a dog likes you – because they naturally like everyone!  So I ask you, “How can you argue with that kind of logic?”

Before the age of 8 his world was rocked by a terrible tragedy.  On a day that was supposed to have been a fun family canoeing adventure, while navigating a strong current, their canoe was flipped and his Dad was taken from his life.  This catastrophic event shaped this introspective and soft-hearted young boy that was Tyler forever. He always loved deeply, treasured family and his roots and Tyler spent the remainder of his years searching for answers to life and its purpose.

He endured his traditional schooling and after graduating from high school went off to Toronto Film School to learn the art of filmmaking. His passion for film was being realized and he was thrilled to work on music videos and several small films.  He didn’t complete his training but tried to make a life in film for a short while.  After this Tyler worked in Toronto and Vancouver doing concrete re-construction until he was offered the opportunity to work at a ground-breaking medicinal marijuana facility.  He moved to Cape Breton to be close to family and worked at Larch Wood before working as a labourer at various construction jobs.

As an adult Tyler lived quietly and preferred spending time peacefully doing the things that he enjoyed, in his own solitary way, such as hiking, swimming at the beach, listening to his much loved music and re-watching his favourite movies. He had a depth of character that only those who knew him best would understand. He saw and appreciated beauty in the simplest of things and that’s one of the attributes that made him so special.  If he were here today he would tell us to pick ourselves up and use this to deepen the meaning of our life and to keep on!  In his quiet way he left his mark on all those who knew him and he has left a hole in our hearts that can never be filled.

Tyler was pre-deceased by father, Kenneth McKay, maternal grandparents, Marie (LeBlanc) Bushor and Joseph Bushor; paternal grandparents, Lillian (Hadley) McKay and Martin McKay; aunts, Monique Bushor, Darlene (Bushor) Arsenault, Lenora (McKay) Scott; uncle, Douglas McKay.

He will be lovingly missed by his mother, Debora (Bushor-McKay) Arsenault; step-father, Louis Arsenault; sister Teryl McKay; uncles and aunts as well as numerous cousins

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Belle Cote Community Centre from 3 to 7pm starting with a memorial service at 3pm with Father Peter LeBlanc officiating. Anyone wanting to share a story or thought should plan to join the family for 3pm. Private burial at a later date. Donations in Tyler’s memory can be made to a charity of your choice.

We will miss you bud until we meet again!

Age 84 – Cheticamp passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Foyer Père Fiset Guest Home, Cheticamp. Patricia was a daughter of the late Ernest and the late Lucy (Chiasson) Cormier.

Patricia left her home in New Waterford at a young age and moved to Toronto. She married John Joe Poirier and had 3 children in Aurora, Ontario. In 1985, Patricia married Raymond Bourgeois and in 1992 they returned to her home in Petit Etang, where she lived out her golden years. She spent her last years at the Foyer Père Fiset in the special care of a group of Angels, including her niece, Gayle Bourgeois. She was loved by all and was known as “Aunt Pat”. She will be sadly missed but never forgotten. She will live on in our hearts forever.

Patricia is survived by her son, Wayne Poirier; daughters, Wendy Graham and Wonda Roach; brother, Tommy Cormier; grandchildren, Shane Roach, Jennifer Roach, Holly Graham, Curtis Graham, and Olivia LeBlanc; great grandchildren, Jeremiah Soryal, Jaxson Roach, Kaitlyn LeBlanc, Connor LeBlanc, and Jacob LeBlanc.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, John Joe Poirier and her second husband, Raymond Bourgeois; brothers, Henry Cormier and Leonard Cormier; sister Dorothy Doucet; granddaughter, Melissa Graham; and great granddaughter, Jayde Roach.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at a later date.

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Evelyn Ruth Marie (McMaster) Boudreau on May 26, 2023, surrounded by her loving family at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, after a brief battle with cancer. Born in Sydney, NS, Evelyn grew up in New Waterford, NS. She completed her education in nursing at the Cape Breton Regional Vocational school and moved to Cheticamp, where she fulfilled 43 years as a devoted nurse, caring for the people of the community at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre.

Evelyn’s level of care was beyond measure. She showed her heartfelt compassion to everyone she met, inside and outside of the hospital. She loved her family more than anything and was happiest when with them.

Evelyn’s eyes sparkled when she was with her family and always at the heart of bringing people together. She was forever teaching, always so present and enjoying each moment – from baking, gardening, reading, singing, and enjoying her love of the outdoors. She loved her trips to Ottawa to see her girls and would travel all over Cape Breton cheering on her family members playing hockey. She was often the loudest one in the stands. Evelyn retired in 2017, which allowed her to spend more time with her family and 3 grandchildren, whom she adored.

Evelyn was always up for anything and loved a good adventure. She loved consignment shopping, garage sales, tending to her gardens and many plants, picking blueberries and nature walks with her hubby, beach days, hanging clothes, scrapbooking with her girlfriends, playing cards and suppers out with her crew, hiking in the national park and even year-round swimming in the ocean in her wetsuit. She was an avid reader and always had a book in hand wherever she went. Evelyn loved life and lived to cherish every moment, she never took anything for granted and constantly reminded those around her of the important things in life – family, love and kindness to all. She always saw the positive in every situation.

Evelyn will be forever remembered by her loving husband, Cyril Boudreau, Cheticamp, NS and her children who adored her, Jason Boudreau (Tara), Port Hood, NS, Crystal Doherty (Joe), Ottawa, ON, Grant Boudreau (Michelle), Edmonton, AB and Paige Boudreau, Ottawa, ON. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ethan, Port Hood and Noah, Grayson and Jordyn, Ottawa. She will be sadly missed by her sisters, Marilyn MacNeil, Stayner, ON, Rhona Lockhart, Kentville, NS, her brothers, Doug McMaster, Truro, NS and Adrian McMaster, Truro, NS,  her sister-in-law, Priscille Boudreau (Bob Hyland), Bedford, NS, and brothers-in-law Jean-Claude Boudreau (EJ), Bedford, NS and Earl McLellan, Sydney, NS as well as her mother-in-law, Yvette Boudreau, Bedford, NS and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her loving mother Helena “Grace” McMaster, her father Russel McMaster, her stepfather William Oliver, her brother Richard (Rick) McMaster, her sister-in-law, Jeannine McLellan and father-in-law, Wilfred Boudreau as well as her two brothers-in-law Leo MacNeil and Chris Lockhart.

A special heartfelt thank you to Dr. Amelie Maillet and the entire hospital team, who went above and beyond throughout every step of mom’s stay with them. The doctors, nurses and all the staff showed mom a level of care that will never be forgotten. As an expression of sympathy, donations can be made in Evelyn’s name to the Sacred Heart Hospital Foundation.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date to honor the beautiful and full life that Evelyn lived.

 

Age 64, of Margaree Forks, NS, passed away unexpectedly at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax on Thursday, April 27th, 2023 due to complications following heart surgery.

Blair was the third of six children, born on June 11, 1958 in Cheticamp, to Austin and Joan (Andrews) McDaniel. He was passionate about fishing, hunting, and farming. He would often be found down at ‘the point’ or at Tanner’s Run with his rod catching fish, or maybe even picking berries to bring home to his grandchildren. His earliest jobs were working in the woods and with the Department of Highways. He spent many years working as a bricklayer, so drives around Cape Breton would have him pointing out all of the chimneys that he had built. Every day would include a trip to ‘the Goat’ for his coffee, where the staff would always have his order ready to go. The last years of his life were spent working as a bus driver, and the happiness and safety of the children on his bus was of great importance to him.

He was incredibly proud of his three sons – the seventh generation to live on ‘the hill’. He was always quick to share their accomplishments and the latest news about their families. Above all, his grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy in life. Teaching them to fish and hunt, taking them for tractor rides, making them some ‘Poppy toast’, and having them ask for gum from the front left pocket of his plaid shirt are just some special ways that memories were made. He was also always very proud to attend events that supported his grandchildren like Antigonish Bulldogs hockey games and events supporting Autism Nova Scotia.

Poppy served his community as a Life Member of the Margaree Kinsmen, and volunteered for the likes of the St. Patrick’s Hall Committee, and the Western Cape Breton Cursillo and Challenge Movements. He also took great pride in serving his community by plowing driveways after heavy snowfalls, delivering fresh-caught fish to senior citizens, and caring for neighboring summer properties. He was able to hold a conversation with pretty much anyone, as storytelling was one of his many gifts.

Blair is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Stella (Doucet), his three sons Matthew (Amber), St. Andrews, Jason (Sarah), Margaree Forks, Christopher (Mariah), Bible Hill, and his five beautiful grandchildren: Myles, Ty, Ainsley, Layla and Wyatt. Blair is also survived by his brother George (Danette), Lower Sackville, brother-in-law Bernie (Rose Anne) MacIsaac, and sister-in-law Donna. He is further survived by his brothers-in-law Isidore (Delina), Dennis (Bertha), and Daniel (Marcella) Doucet, sisters-in-law Rosella (Stephen) Chiasson, Dora Aucoin and Marie-Stella Doucet, as well as his aunts Shirley (Claude) and Debbie, uncle David (Diane), two Godchildren, Adrian and Rebecca, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Blair was predeceased by his parents, Austin and Joan, his brothers Billy, Herbie and Frankie, his sister Sherri-Lee, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arthur and Margaret Doucet. He was likewise predeceased by his brothers-in-law Freddie LeBlanc, Raymond Doucet and Edgar Aucoin, and his sister-in-law Marie LeBlanc.

Visitation will take place on Monday May 1st, 2023 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at St. Patrick’s Hall, NE Margaree. A funeral Service will take place on Tuesday May 2nd, 2023 at St. Patrick’s Church, NE Margaree at 11 am, presided by Fr. Silvichan Dominic with interment to follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Blair’s memory to the Margaree Salmon Association to contribute to restoration efforts along parts of the Margaree River, which he greatly loved and where he spent much of his time.

Johanne had an enormous zest for life and an affection for all things fine. A truly unique woman, one of exquisite and show-stopping taste and style and of a profound appreciation of the stunning beauty of the Highlands of Cape Breton to which her fiancé Roger had introduced her ten years ago. It evoked the affection she felt in her childhood for the equally stunning Laurentians in the nestled Quebec township of her native Ste-Julienne, just north of the metropolis that she also loved and in which she made her career in Client Services at Sears. A city girl through and through, you could not take Montreal out of this beautiful combination of French Canadian and Italian descent, as it was still a challenge to live the day-by-day in such a small and remote village like this one. Her tiny voice exuded an unusual calm despite the many challenges she faced. With the right measure of love with which she cared for her future husband and with the love and care she received in turn, Johanne had resolved to face the challenges, determined to build the life of the later years together.

“Butterflies cannot see their wings; therefore, they do not know their own beauty.”

Donations in her memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia.

 

 

Age 57, of Sydney, passed away on April 2, 2023. John was born on June 4, 1965 in Cheticamp to Dauphine (Hunt) and the late Hector Deveau. He graduated high school in 1983 and went on to work in many different areas in Cheticamp and Sydney. Most people knew John for his love of music and VW bugs. Many of us remember hearing John come down the road long before seeing him. His love of technology and music will always be remembered. He went to work at the Fortress of Louisbourg and finally at Citizenship and Immigration where he made lifelong friends. He will also be remembered for being a huge Boston Bruins fan and was hoping to see a Stanley Cup come back to Boston. John is survived by his wife, Darleen; mother, Dauphine, and her husband, Real; sister, Johnelle, and her husband Derek; and nieces, Makayla and Megan, who he loved with all his heart. He was predeceased by his father, Hector Deveau. Donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia.

Funeral service will be held for family and invited guests only.

The many phone calls and messages have meant the world to us during this difficult time. Please hold your loved ones near, you never know when it will be the last time.