Category: Obituaries

At the age of 104, Eleonore Chiasson passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the Foyer Père Fiset Guest Home, Cheticamp. Born in St. Joseph du Moine on December 13, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Amédee and the late Eugenie (LeLievre) Chiasson.
Mom was married to Dad, Willie à Dan, for 67 years and raised six children. She is survived by her children, Annette (Theodore), Lucille (Sandy/William, deceased), Alfred, Yvette (Armand, deceased), and Monique (Michel); 14 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and recently, 1 great-great grandchild.
Beside her husband, Willie, she was predeceased by her son, Ferdinand; her siblings, Marie Zabine, Hélène, Simion, Yvonne, Joseph, and Theobert.
Mom will be remembered for her love of quilting, knitting socks, playing cards and bingo, her time spent in the kitchen…baking bread, apple/blueberry pies, jam-jam cookies, pancakes, and much more.
She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and many cherished memories with her family and close friends. And last….for her strength and determination to live 104 years to the fullest with her great sense of humor.
Using Mom’s famous words, “MERCI BEAUCOUP” to the doctors, staff, volunteers, and visitors at the Foyer Père Fiset, for the “heart-touching” care she received.
At Mom’s request, a private graveside service will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to the Foyer Père Fiset.

March 23, 1948 – February 19, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Charlie Dan Roach on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the age of 77, at the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre in Chéticamp.
Born in Chéticamp, he was the son of the late Frédéric “Freddie” Roach and the late Hélène (Bourgeois) Roach.
Charlie Dan graduated from NDA School in 1964 at the young age of 16. He then pursued his studies at St. Francis Xavier University, in mathematics and physics before beginning a teaching career that spanned 31 years, serving the students of his native village. In retirement, he devoted his energy and passion to the history and genealogy of families in the Acadian region of Chéticamp.
A volunteer at the Père-Charles-Aucoin Genealogy Centre for more than 40 years, Charlie Dan played a pivotal role in the promotion, preservation, and transmission of our collective heritage. Always available, welcoming, and generous with his time, he guided and assisted visitors with patience, diligence, and kindness, sharing a wealth of rich and valuable knowledge.
A dedicated author, he published Nos Aucoin de Chéticamp in 2004, as well as a booklet in 1993 on the history of Saint-Pierre Church, prepared on the church’s 100th anniversary.
Charlie Dan also held a deep attachment to our Acadian traditions, particularly Mi-Carême, which he cherished and enthusiastically supported year after year. For many years, he served with devotion as choir director at Paroisse Saint-Pierre in Chéticamp. Through his musical leadership and his ability to bring voices together, he enriched liturgical celebrations and touched the hearts of many parishioners.
He was also highly involved with the community radio station CKJM, where he hosted programs, helped organize special events, and contributed to the smooth operation of Radio Bingos. In 2025, he received the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of his exceptional commitment to his community.
Charlie Dan leaves to mourn his sister, Annie Mae Camus; his niece, Denise (Robin) Street; his nephew, Steve (Sandra), Paul (Tara), and Peter Dan (Shawna); as well as several other nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Joseph Luc, and his brother-in-law, Eddie Joe Camus.
The family sincerely thanks Dr. Michel Chiasson, as well as the nurses and all staff at the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, for their attentive care. Special thanks also to the volunteers of the Meals on Wheels program and to the staff of the Home Care program for their valuable support.
Visitation will take place beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Église Saint-Pierre in Chéticamp. The celebration will be presided over by Father Jaison Cheriya, assisted by Deacon Gerald LeBlanc. Burial will take place at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to La Société Saint-Pierre (for the benefit of the Genealogy Centre) or to Paroisse Saint-Pierre.

Age 69, of Pleasant Bay
With heavy hearts, we are deeply saddened to announce the sudden but peaceful passing of Doris Genevieve (Fitzgerald) Fraser on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney, surrounded by her immediate family.
Doris was the daughter of the late Emery & the late Mary (Barron) Fitzgerald, born on May 2, 1956 in Neil’s Harbour. She spent her early years growing up in Dingwall, where she went to school and made many friends. She graduated from Cabot high school and then started her family in Dingwall, before later moving to Pleasant Bay with her husband and children in 1986.
Her love for, and commitment to, her community started in her younger years in Dingwall, where she did a variety of volunteering which included teaching Catechism classes to many. Her extraordinary community involvement came with her to Pleasant Bay, where she worked tirelessly over the years on so many committees. She was always there both behind the scenes- planning events & chairing meetings, as well as working first hand- participating in fundraising concerts, community clean ups & dressing up as our clown on Canada Day. She was a constant & dependable volunteer, as she gave her time whenever & wherever she could and usually included a family member or two with her. Her most passionate contribution to the community was her unwavering commitment to the Whale Interpretive Centre and the Friends of Whale Watch Cape Breton’s board. Her dedication and contributions will not be forgotten.
Doris was always there to give a helping hand, to anyone who needed it. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but most importantly by her family, who she loved unconditionally. Her greatest joy was having the title of Grandma and loved spending as much time as she could with her grandchildren. She enjoyed going on vacations to warm destinations and making many great memories. The only part she didn’t like was having to leave her animals home when she left, even though they always had their very own sitter. Her love for animals was unlike anyone else’s. There was always a family pet in her home, normally more than just one and she has passed this love of animals on to her family as well. Doris was truly one of a kind.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 48 years, Walt; son, Justin (Stephanie); daughter, Sarah (Sheldon); grandchildren, Ethan, Miranda, Aaron & Mason; siblings & family, Timmy (Adam, Matthew, Breanna, Colton, Brooklyn), Hughie (Yvette), Darryl (Morgan), Joyce (Scott, Chet); In-laws & family: Ricky (Paulette, Craig, Jenna), Juanita (Wayne, Travis, Mandy, Brent); Her special friend & niece: Amarlis (Shane, Byron). Also left to grieve are many more nieces, nephews, cousins & friends, who were like family.
Besides her parents, Emery & Mary Fitzgerald, she was predeceased by her in-laws, Lester & Sandra Fraser; and her half-siblings, John, Angus, Marie, Liza, Joan & Peggy.

In Lieu of flowers, and to honour her legacy of helping & giving, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

Cremation has already taken place.
Visitation will be on Friday, February 20, 2026 in St. Andrew’s United Church, Pleasant Bay from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11 am in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dingwall with Father Johas officiating.
Burial will be at a later date in Pleasant Bay Cemetery, Pleasant Bay.

Following the service, there will be a light luncheon at the lower level of the Whale Interpretive Centre, Pleasant Bay.

Aged 98, of Chéticamp, passed away on Friday, February 6th, 2026. Evelyne was the oldest daughter of Francis Deveau and Catherine Arsenault. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Willie LeBlanc (1993), sister Zabeth, (2023) and brother Bernie (1981).
She is survived by her sister, Thérèse Aucoin (Chéticamp); and her brother, Father Daniel Deveau (Moncton). Also left in mourning are her five children, Gisèle, Guillaume, Ginette (Louis-Paul), Géraldine and Gilles (Colleen); her eight grandchildren, Christine (Robert), Stéphane (Anna), Danielle (Darrell), Ken (Melissa), Frances (Bryan), Claude (Riea), Robert (Josée) and Natalie (Shannon); as well as several great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews who all had a very special place in her heart.
Evelyne was very involved in her community and was always ready to defend her Acadian heritage. She served on the Boards of several local organizations and was a long-time member of “l’Association des Acadiennes de la Nouvelle-Écosse.” She was a volunteer radio host at CKJM Radio for 22 years and was honoured with the grade of “Chevalier de l’Ordre de la Pléiade” for her efforts at promoting and preserving the Acadian language and culture.
Evelyne’s family wish to sincerely thank the doctors and staff at “Sacred Heart Community Health Centre” for their excellent care, especially during the last year. Thanks also to the staff of Continuing Care, Evelyne Doyle for help in coordinating, as well as the home care team, Lisa, Tammy and Dana who came to help with her bath. A big thank you also goes out to the staff and volunteers of Meals on Wheels. Finally, a huge thank you to her personal carer, Darlene Poirier, who has become like a fourth daughter. Your help and support during these last months are very, very much appreciated.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 16th, starting with visitation at 10am at St. Peter’s Church, Cheticamp, followed by mass at 11 am. A celebration of life, including a light meal, will follow at the “Salle des retraités.”
In lieu of flowers, we welcome donations to Sacred Heart Community Centre Auxiliary or to a charity of your choice.

Age 70, of Cheticamp, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Gelase was a son of the late Lubin “Lubie” and the late Louise Anne (Roach) Chiasson.
Gelase was a man whose life was defined by quiet strength, a generous heart, and a sharp sense of humor. He met the world with empathy, always ready to listen, to understand, and to offer comfort without judgment. People felt at ease around him because he genuinely cared—and because he could always make them smile.

He carried a deep positivity with him, even through life’s hardest moments. Gelase believed in finding the good, in encouraging others, and in facing challenges head-on with resilience and hope. His toughness was not loud or showy—it was steady, dependable, and rooted in perseverance.

Gelase loved to joke around and pick on the people he cared about most, never with malice but always with affection. He had a quick wit and a playful grin, and he could give it just as well as he could take it. Laughter was one of the ways he connected with others, and it was often his way of showing love.

Generosity came naturally to Gelase. He gave freely of his time, his energy, and his compassion, always putting others before himself. Whether through small acts of kindness or steadfast support, he made a lasting difference in the lives of many.

Above all, Gelase was a devoted father whose love was constant and unconditional. His values, strength, humor, and warmth will continue to live on through the people he touched. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and humanity that will not be forgotten.

Gelase will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Gelase is survived by his son, Bruno Chiasson; daughter, Caroline Chiasson; brothers, James (Diane) Chiasson, and Louis Paul (Ginette) Chiasson; sister, Hilda (Yvon Bourgeois) Chiasson; grandchildren, Noah Chiasson, Meredith Chiasson, Wyatt Chiasson, and Brielle Chiasson.
A graveside service will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Autism Nova Scotia.

Age 86, of Cheticamp, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 25, 2026 in the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Cheticamp. He was a son of the late Peter and the late Eulalie (Deveaux) Chiasson.
At the age of 13, Daniel left school to take care of his siblings and to do household chores, because his mother was sick. At the age of 14, he started fishing with his father. He fished most of his life and he excelled at it. He also worked in the woods and did some carpentry. He was a “closet” musician. He sang, played the mandolin and harmonica, could stepdance, and he could play a few tunes on the organ and the piano. He loved music and he loved to dance. He was at his best, surrounded by nature. He was fondly attached to his fur buddy, “Bebe”.
Daniel is survived by his son, Gilles Chiasson (Denise Bourgeois); daughter, Hilda Chiasson; his partner and good friend, Margaret Deveau; sisters, Yvette (late Henri) Bourgeois, and Emilda (Joseph Charles) Roach; and granddaughter, Cara (Griffin) Bartlett.
Besides his parents, Daniel was predeceased by his brothers, Alfred, Leópold, and Albert; and sisters, Marie Cecile, and Alberte.
As he wished, there will be no funeral services. A private family celebration will take place at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Age 87, of Foyer Père Fiset, Cheticamp passed away peacefully, with family by her side, on Saturday, January 10, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Joseph Charles and the late Sarah (Poirier) Richard.
Elaine was born in Milltown, N.B., but at the age of 2, her family moved to Shediac River. At the age of 12, they moved to Montréal, but Elaine moved back and forth between Montréal and New Brunswick in her teen years as she worked in a Lobster Factory in New Brunswick. At the age of 20, she moved to Waltham, Mass.
Elaine also left school after obtaining grade 8 to care for her mother, who was ill, and helped in caring for her two younger sisters. They lost their mother at an early age.
In 1961, she married Arthur LeBlanc, and they had 3 girls. In 1977, they moved their family to St. Joseph du Moine. Mom was very smart, despite not going to grade 12, but it always seemed to be on her mind so at the age of 56, she proudly completed her GED in Port Hawkesbury.
Mom worked at Paul Pic’s Café in Margaree Harbour, Out to Lunch in Belle Cote, and lastly Le Gabriel as a baker. She was known for her coconut cream pies and her delicious date squares.
Despite being one of the most sickly asthma patients in the Lahey Clinic in Boston, and having multiple serious allergies, her main focus was her health, avoiding things that triggered asthma attacks, and lived well beyond expectation.
We were so proud of our mother in everything she did…cooking, knitting, hooking, and mostly for being the beautiful, friendly, loving, and caring person that she was. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was always ready to set another spot at the table for whoever would stop in.
We certainly hope that she is playing cards and dice with those she loved in Heaven. She will be dearly missed.
Elaine is survived by her daughters, Lisa LeBlanc, Ontario, Eileen LeBlanc, Ontario, and Annette LeBlanc, St. Joseph du Moine; sisters, Jeanne LeBlanc, and Cécile Leger; grandchildren, Zachary Timmons, Jennifer Lynn Hagen, Alaura Timmons, and Angel Becker; and great grandchildren, D.J. Gaugh, Chase Hagen, and Hazel Hagen.
Besides her parents, Elaine was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Arthur LeBlanc; brothers, Francis Richard, Henri Richard, and Gerard Richard.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on July 7, 2026 in St. Joseph’s Church, St. Joseph du Moine with time announced at a later date.

With deep love and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of our beloved mother Lucie Marguerite MacKinnon, at the age of 95, who died peacefully at the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre in Chéticamp on January 16, 2026.

Lucie was born on July 6th,1930 to Willie Maillet and Louise LeBlanc in Chéticamp, N.S.

Lucie lived a life rooted in family, faith and service. A devoted teacher for 31 years she touched countless lives with her kindness, patience and humility. She volunteered with the Sacred Heart Hospital Ladies Auxiliary and Meals on Wheels. She was a member of the church choir and a reader at Église St. Pierre.

Lucie enjoyed a good game of 200, dancing, attending Talent Night at the Doryman, music at L’AMAC and spending time with her family. She had a deep love of music and filled her home with song. She was known for lovingly preparing cherished meals for her family. Her traditional recipes will be passed along for generations. Faith guided Lucie’s life, giving her strength, comfort and purpose. She lived her beliefs quietly and sincerely, offering compassion, prayer and love to all who knew her.

Lucie leaves behind a family who adored her. She will be deeply missed by her four children; Ross (Anne Marie), Annette (Ernie), Patricia, Bonnie Jean (Jason); grandchildren, Meghan, Kyle, Christina, Jason, Katherine, Rodney, Cortney, Connor, Blair, Matthew; great grandchildren, Avalon, Brogan, Alexa, Chloe, Ava, Dustin, Chase, Carter, Emma.

Lucie was predeceased by her husband, Alexander James MacKinnon; beloved siblings, Napolean, Placide, Sr. Marie Mathilde, Jeannette, Therese; also predeceased by sons-in-law Rodrick Fiset (Patricia), William Roberts (Annette).

Our family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Amélie Maillet, the nursing staff at the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, the Palliative Care team, Dr. Ritter, and Moira Chiasson for the exceptional care shown to our mother.

Visitation will be held Monday, January 26th from 11:30am to 1:30 pm at the Chéticamp Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Mass at 2 pm at Église St. Pierre, Chéticamp with Father Douglas MacDonald presiding.

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

Age 95, of Cheticamp, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at Foyer Père Fiset Guest Home, Cheticamp. She was a daughter of the late Luc and the late Olive (Roach) Chiasson.

Our beloved Maman, Mémère, and Grand-Mémère, Agnès, took pride in her family and their accomplishments. A life well lived, Agnès was an active member of Le Club des Retraités de Cheticamp for several years. She participated in the Foyer Père Fiset weekly programs until Covid came upon us, always looking forward to the various activities and socializing. Agnès enjoyed rug hooking and many of her pieces were displayed and sold in town. Knitting was one of Agnès’ favorite hobbies, and for over a decade she crafted a large variety of knitted items in support of The Green Door Adult Center Gift Shop. Agnès took great pleasure in cooking and baking for her family. She will fondly be remembered for taking on the dessert task for family Christmas dinners… her delicious apple pies were always the highlight of the meal.

A good card game was on Agnès’ list of loves, never refused to partner up for a game of “la dame de pique” or “200” which were her favorites. Agnès resided at the Senior Citizen’s apartments in town for 17 years before rehoming at the Foyer Père Fiset in 2023. She adjusted well and often expressed to us how much she felt at home and “safe”. We were well aware that the staff provided her with exceptional care and support. That being said, we would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to each and every staff member of the Foyer Père Fiset for their caring ways and loving our precious Maman.

Merci, Dr. Kassy Sonier and Dr. Amélie Maillet for always keeping a watchful eye, especially so in the past few weeks… much appreciated.

Agnès is survived by her sons, Vincent (Debbie), Joseph Luc (Jean) and Gilles; daughter, Catherine Aucoin (Jimmy); grandchildren, Brenda Aucoin, Monica LeBlanc (Danny), and Colleen Cormier (Kyle); and great grandchildren, Luke, Liam, Nolan, and Rylan.

Besides her parents, Agnes was predeceased by her husband, Adelard Cormier; friend, Hilaire Chiasson; son, Ronnie; brothers, Hyacinthe, Marcellin, Henri, Vic, Louis, Paul, Joseph, Albert and Robert; sisters, Thérèse and Marie.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until time of funeral mass at 10:30 am on Friday, January 16, 2026 in the chapel at St. Peter’s Church, Cheticamp with Father Daniel Gustave officiating.

Burial will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Foyer Père Fiset Recreation Department.

January 10, 1936 — January 6, 2026

It is with great sadness the family announces the sudden but peaceful passing of Louis Lévis Boudreau, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the age of 89 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney.

Born in Chéticamp, January 10, 1936 to the late Lazare and the late Esther (Aucoin) Boudreau, he married Réjeanne, December 27, 1962. His passing occurred just a few days shy of his 90th birthday.

Louis Lévis taught most of his life to finally retire in 1992. Louis Lévis and Réjeanne spent several winters in Florida where they enjoyed playing golf with family and friends. They would then return to his beloved Chéticamp to spend wonderful summers with family and friends, playing golf and taking walks in his wonderful neighborhood of Plateau.

Louis Lévis is survived by his wife, Réjeanne (Maillet) Boudreau; son, Guy (Priscille); daughter, Nadine (Michel); sisters, Marie Lorraine and Marie Hélène; sister-in-law, Lucille; grandson, Roch (Shania); and great-grandchildren, Gunnar and Niya, as well as many dear nieces, nephews, family and friends from all over.

The family would like to thank the First Responders from the Cheticamp Volunteer Fire Department, Dr. Michel Chiasson and all the nurses and staff at the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre in Chéticamp and all the nurses and staff of the Intensive Care Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney for their care and compassion in the last few days of Louis Lévis’ life.

At the family and Louis Lévis’ request, there will be no funeral. A private celebration of his life will take place at a later date.

Louis Lévis’ body has been donated to Dalhousie University for research.

We are missing you and will always love you Papappe.