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Catherine Gemma Bourgeois

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October 23, 1933 – August 16, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, age 92 at Foyer Pere Fiset, Cheticamp, surrounded by her loving family.

Gemma was a daughter of the late John W. and the late Elizabeth (Bourgeois) Roach.

Mom loved to bake and she was in charge of providing all the desserts for every family holiday gathering. Despite making double batches of numerous desserts, in true Cape Breton fashion, she always fretted that there might not be enough for everyone. Of course there was always plenty. We will certainly miss her butterscotch pie, apple pie, mèmères squares and cherry cheesecake!

She very much enjoyed going to the casino with her son-in-law, Ron and was always so excited to share her winnings. She was also an avid reader and we are so grateful that she was able to enjoy her books even in her final days.

Mom’s greatest joy was spending time with her family and she was especially proud of her grandchildren, Chantal and Charlie, whom she loved dearly. They are fortunate to have many wonderful memories of their sweet mèmère.

She was a faithful and loving servant to God and she would say to anyone and everyone she met “I will pray for you my dear”. She lived her life in gratitude and her positive attitude and deep faith in God helped sustain her during the difficult times.

She will be greatly missed by her daughter, Gizelle Chafe (Ron); grandchildren, Chantal Chafe (Will) and Charlie Chafe (Andrea); and brother, Lionel Roach (Janet); as well as her sisters and brothers-in-law and nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her close friends Leona and Peggy with whom she spent much time with while living in Sydney.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Charles Bourgeois; her son, Eric Bourgeois; brothers, Gerard Roach and André Roach; and her sister, Marie Thérèse LeBlanc.

We are so very thankful for the kind and compassionate care that mom received from Dr. Stephanie Ellerker while living in Sydney and Dr. Amelie Maillet during the final months of her life. A huge thank you as well to all the wonderful staff at Foyer Père Fiset and Sacred Heart Community Health Centre. As mom used to say, “You are all Angels on earth”.

Rest easy Mom. We love you always.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 9:30 am in St. Peter’s Church, Cheticamp with Father Daniel Gustave and Deacon Gerald LeBlanc officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Cheticamp.

Condolences

  1. Donald MacMullen

    Gizzelle, Ron and family, our deepest condolences on the passing of your mother and mother in-law Gemma. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Don and Jill

  2. Charlie MacKinnon

    Hi Gizelle, Ron and family, please accept our sincerest condolences. Gemma was a wonderful person. I enjoyed meeting with her at our little prayer group. I’d drive her home every week and she would remind me when I tried to walk her to the door, especially during those cold, slippery winter days: “I’m good dear, the walkway is cleared…no need to walk with me, stay here and here’s $5.00 for the gas.” I’d sneak out of the car and hide behind a tree watching, just to make certain she got in, a.o.k. – and now she knows, …her driver was keeping an eye on her, more than she thought.

    Sincerely, Charlie and Colleen MacKinnon, Sydney, N.S.

  3. Joe Power

    Gizelle and Ron, our deepest sympathies on the loss of your dear Mother. We will keep her in our prayers. God Bless.
    Your neighbours on the Island.
    Joe & Esther

  4. Bessie and Chester LeLievre

    Sincere condolences to Gisele and family on the passing of your Mom… such a friendly lady

  5. Phillip Cormier

    Gizelle and family: Deepest sympathies for the loss of your precious Mother; remembering the good times at Bagotville; There will be a special place in Heaven (besides your Father and Eric) for this special generous lady; God Bless; Phillip & Winnie.

  6. Francine Bourgeois

    Our deepest sympathies to all the family.
    We have mostly known Lionel, Marie Thérèse, Alberte, Alfred and witnessed how much she was appreciated by all of them.
    Her positive energy is now part of each of you.
    Francine & Pauline Bourgeois
    🙏🏻🕊️💕

  7. Doris Poirier

    Condolences sent to all the family. So glad she was able to come visit us in rcf a little over a week ago. R.I.P. Gemma.

  8. Betty Moon-Rae

    So sorry to hear of the loss of your dear mom, Gizelle. Moms are hard to lose and I know you were especially close. Heartfelt condolences to you are your family.

  9. Judy and Bertie Leblanc

    Awwww 😢🙏Gizelle ,Ron ,Chantal ,Charlie Our deepest sympathies to you all . Bertie and I have such fond Memories of Your Mom Such a special Lady 💗 May She rest in Peace with your Dad and Eric 😢🙏

  10. Krista Dixon

    so very sorry for your families loss ~ she was a wonderful lady and we have fond memories of her from our time living in Cape Breton. Love to you all … she lives on in your love.

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