Cape Breton Deaths November 13, 2019 WEDNESDAY There were 12 obituaries published today HELEN H. (BOUTILIER) CLARKE - 99 YRS WILLIAM “GLEN” D’ORSAY - 71 YRS SHARON ANN (MACINTYRE) FRANCIS - ELIZABETH “BETSY” (ROBERTS) GRACIE - 69 YRS FLORANCE AVICE (HEFFORD) KEEL-BURTON - 89 YRS ELLEN BETH MACDONALD - DONALD “TIMMY” MACNEIL - 84 YRS JOHN LAWRENCE MACNEIL - 43 YRS ROSE MAKSYIW - 90 YRS DAVID L. MCNEIL - EMMA MARIE (FITZGERALD) RAMBEAU - 85 YRS JOSEPHA (LOCKE) SPENCER - 85 YRS HELEN H. (BOUTILIER) CLARKE - 99 YRS CLARKE, Helen H. (Boutilier) Little Pond It is with profound sadness, yet gratitude for a long life, that we announce our mother’s passing on Sunday, November 10, 2019. Mom was born in Little Pond on May 31, 1920. She was one of twelve children born to the late Howard and Nellie (Bonnar) Boutilier. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. After attending Provincial Normal College in Truro, NS, she taught the elementary grades at Little Pond, Alder Point, Florence, Mill Creek and Bras d’Or schools. She is survived by her sons, Ralph, Johnson Road, Wayne (Rejean Basque), Moncton, and Cameron, at home, and daughter, Elaine, Johnson Road. Also surviving is her sister-in-law, Josephine Clarke, Florence. Mom leaves behind several dedicated nieces and nephews, as well as, a host of wonderful friends and the caring neighbours of Little Pond. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, John Clarke; sisters, Florence (William) Campbell, Theresa (Nathan) MacNeil, Grace (Sam) Peck, Ann Irene (Frank) Uraski and Dorothy (Douglas) Fillier, and brothers, Everett, Ralph, Bernard, Edgar, Dean and John. Visitation for Helen Clarke will be held in J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, Sydney Mines, on Thursday, November 14, 2019, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The Funeral Mass celebrating her life will take place Friday at 2 p.m. in Holy Family Church, Sydney Mines, with Fr. Jim Oliver officiating. Flowers are welcome, or a donation in her memory may be made to a charity of your choice. A reception will be held in the Florence Legion, following the Mass. Words of comfort may be forwarded to her family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com <https://www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com/> WILLIAM “GLEN” D’ORSAY - 71 YRS D’ORSAY, William 'Glen' It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of William “Glen” D’Orsay on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019 at 71 years of age. Son of the late John & Beatrice (Evans) D’Orsay of Sydney Mines. Glen was known as a quiet “Teddy Bear” with a big heart and a love for his family. Glen is survived by his best friend and beloved partner, Margie Lou Caldwell; daughters, Shannon (Kevin) Pleshka and Rochelle (Clayton) Abraham; Magie Lou’s children, Joannah, Julie, Shaemus, Kristianne; grandchildren, Bhreagh, Sadie, Clara and Eli Glen as well as her mother, Joan Caldwell and extended family. Glen is also survived by his brothers, Jack (Linda) and Lorne (Louise); sisters, Cathy (Mike) Devine and Elizabeth (Ken) Ferguson along with numerous other relatives and friends. Besides his parents, Glen was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara Lynn. Visitation will take place at Fillmore & Whitman Funeral Home, Sydney Mines on Thursday, November 14 from 6-8:30 p.m. with a funeral service at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 15 also at Fillmore & Whitman Funeral Home with Rev. Corrie Stewart officiating. Memories and condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.fillmoreandwhitman.com <https://www.fillmoreandwhitman.com/> In lieu of flowers, donations in Glen’s memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. “How Lucky we are to have known and loved someone who is so hard to say goodbye to.” SHARON ANN (MACINTYRE) FRANCIS - FRANCIS, Sharon Ann On Monday, October 21, 2019, surrounded by the love of her family and caregivers, Sharon Ann Francis (nee MacIntyre) passed away peacefully at her residence in Toronto, ON after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Sharon brought light and laughter to the world. She was ever optimistic and a true force of energy. Known for her bright smile and warmth, she had tremendous empathy for others and a unique ability to personally connect with people she met. Sharon lived an adventurous and joyful life with her soulmate and husband of 53 years, Dr. Robert (Bob) Francis. Sharon was born and raised in Sydney, NS with her large, very close-knit family and met Bob at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, NS while she was training to be a nurse. Sharon had a passion for helping others which she had the opportunity to do through a lifetime in the medical profession, as a nurse and partner to Bob as they founded Medcan together in 1987. Medcan focuses on preventative and exceptional patient care, and today, employs over 500 people and is one of the largest medical clinics in North America. Sharon’s family was always at the heart of her universe. She was a loving daughter and sister, devoted mother of her two children, and adoring and proud grandmother to her six grandchildren. Coming together for frequent large family gatherings with her siblings, Sharon always brought fun and dance. Sharon is lovingly remembered and survived by her husband, Dr. Robert Francis; her children and their spouses, Shaun (Stacy) and Ashli Paige (David Flueck), and grandchildren, R.J., William, Christopher, Elle, Brooke and John. She will be dearly missed by her siblings, Marcella MacPhail (Walter), Mary Cheryl Berry (Roderick), Angus MacIntyre (Mary Evelyn); her large extended family of in-laws; nieces and nephews, and her ever-loyal canine companion, MacDuff. Sharon is predeceased by her parents, John and Chris MacIntyre, and her infant sister, Maureen Dolores. A private service to honor Sharon was held in Toronto, ON last week. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held in the near future. Sharon suffered from Alzheimer’s disease; in 2017 Bob founded the Sharon Francis Institute for Regenerative Medicine (SFIRM), a charity that funds innovative research studies in regenerative medicine. Advances in science funded through SFIRM will be an enduring piece of Sharon’s legacy. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sharon’s memory can be made at www.sfirm.ca <https://www.sfirm.ca/> ELIZABETH “BETSY” (ROBERTS) GRACIE - 69 YRS GRACIE, Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Glace Bay Elizabeth 'Betsy' Harriet Aurora Gracie passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Nov 10, 2019, aged 69. She was the daughter, of late the James A. and Caroline Roberts. Sister, of the late Russell Roberts. She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Terrence B. Gracie; and her loving sons, Blaine (Angela) and Joseph (Courtney); grandchildren, Mathew and Kayla; sisters, Patricia (Albert) McKenzie, Faith (Alex) Balisch; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, going for coffee, bingo, dancing, driving and walking around the Cabot Trail. Mom enjoyed being surrounded by nature, enjoying the beauty and peacefulness, which she embodied. She took so much enjoyment in helping others, ensuring everyone around her was looked after. In a world that can be very hard, she always was a pillar of strength and a kind understanding, thoughtful listener and provider. She was full of so much love and kindness that she was the guiding light in any storms. She will be tremendously missed by her family and friends. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held Friday, November 15, 2019 from 1-3 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Dorothy Miller officiating, all taking place at T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, NS (902-849-4199). Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com <https://www.tjtracey.com/> FLORANCE AVICE (HEFFORD) KEEL-BURTON - 89 YRS KEEL-BURTON, Florence Avice Whitney Pier It is with great sadness that our beloved mother, Florence was promoted to her glory, Sunday, November 10, 2019 at the age of 89. She passed peacefully surrounded by family at Harbourstone Enhanced Care in Sydney. Born on December 1, 1929 in Whitney Pier, Mom was the ninth of twelve siblings born to the late Margaret (Ritchie) and Eldred Hefford. Florence was warm and kind-hearted and was loved by all who knew her. She gladly welcomed anyone into her home. She enjoyed cooking and baking for family or anyone who would happen to pay a visit. Florence was always on the go. She loved to keep busy. She was an avid reader, bowler, crafter and a valued member of the Pier Historical Society as well as Club 55. At home, she enjoyed tending to her garden and was always up for a good game of Scat with family and friends. Over the years, she kept busy with several jobs including El Rancho Steakhouse, Dairy Queen and Needs Convenience. She worked at Zellers in the Sydney Shopping Centre for 10 years as a valued waitress where she formed many lasting friendships. Florence was a lifelong member of The Salvation Army church where she tended to Christmas Cheer Kettles, taught Sunday school, and was a very active member of the women’s Home League. She enjoyed many summers attending The Salvation Army Scotian Glen camps. Florence always enjoyed some good music, especially when listening to her family gathered together singing and playing. Over the years, she enjoyed many family vacations to various parts of Newfoundland, visiting with family and friends. Mom was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Besides her parents, Florence was predeceased by her first husband, Chester Keel; second husband, Rev. Ted Burton; a child in infancy, David; and siblings, James, Gordan, Gladys, Lonie, Annie, Eldred, Johnny, Selby, Jean, Joy and George. Florence is survived by four sons, Larry (Bev), Ronnie (Betty), Bobby (Doddy) and Howard (Shelley); 8 grandchildren, Amanda (Evan), Robert (Melissa), Chris (Amy Lee), Brandon (Cheryl), Joshua, Nicholas (Dominique), Erica (Jeremy) and Matthew; 6 great-grandchildren, Molly, Ellie, Hadley Taylor, Matthew and Zelda; as well as several nieces and nephews. Florence will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor. She always enjoyed a good laugh. She was the best wife, mother and Nanny anyone could have. She loved her family deeply and, in her eyes, her boys could do no wrong. Although we are glad she is now at peace, she will be forever missed. Visitation for the late Florence Keel-Burton will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2019 from 6-9 p.m. at the Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street), Whitney Pier. Funeral service to celebrate her life will be on Friday, November 15, 2019 in the Pier Community Funeral Home, All Faith Chapel at 11 a.m. with Major Corey Vincent officiating. Following the service, a luncheon will be held in the funeral home reception area. Interment will take place in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens, Sydney. Appreciation is extended to the staff at My Cape Breton Home, North Sydney and Harbourstone Enhanced Care, Sydney for their support and care for Mom in her time of need. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Florence, can be made to The Salvation Army, Alzheimer Society or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home. Online condolences may be forwarded to the family at www.pierfuneralhome.com <https://www.pierfuneralhome.com/> ELLEN BETH MACDONALD - MACDONALD, Ellen Beth A funeral service for the late Ellen Beth Macdonald, who passed away, Thursday, November 7, 2019, will be held at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Friday, November 15 at 11 a.m., with Rev. Brenda Drake officiating. Interment in Hardwood Hill Cemetery. Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca <https://www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca/> or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel(a)ns.sympatico.ca <https://sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca/> DONALD “TIMMY” MACNEIL - 84 YRS MacNEIL, Donald (Bryson) Gibsons, BC We regret to announce the passing of Donald ‘Timmy’ MacNeil at Sechelt Hospital, BC on November 7, 2019. Donald was born in Sydney on June 7, 1935, the son of Daniel and Dorthy (Bryson) MacNeil. As a young man Donnie served in the RCAF. He was actively involved with the RCL BR 109 Gibsons. Donnie was past President and a recipient of the Legion’s Meritorious Service Medal. Donald was employed in the Pulp and Paper industry as an Instrument Technician until his retirement. He was keenly interested in sports, especially football and baseball. He is survived by his brother, Charles; sister-in-law, Mary MacNeil, Sydney, and many nephews and nieces in Sydney and New Brunswick. Besides his parents, Donnie was predeceased by his sister, Louise (Jim) Doucet; brothers, Jerry (Beverly), Arthur and Lloyd (JoJo). We wish to express our great thanks to Donnie’s best friend, Frank LeGros, for being there for him and his immense help during this trying time. Cremation has taken place, there will be no visitation or service by request. A Celebration of Life will take place in Gibsons. JOHN LAWRENCE MACNEIL - 43 YRS MacNEIL, John Lawrence North Sydney It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of our beloved brother Johnny, age 43, on Tuesday, October 29, 2019. He was the son of the late John and Doreen (Mitchell) MacNeil. For the last number of years he resided in Fort McMurray where he worked as a labourer. He belonged to Union Local 92. Johnny will be deeply missed by his siblings, Lee Ann (Terry), Shirley (Patrick), Beverley (James), Greg (Tara), Stephen, Corey, and by numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Johnny was predeceased brother, Darryl and sister, Mary Lou. Cremation has taken place. His family will receive visitors on Thursday, November 14, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. in J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Words of comfort may be forwarded to his family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com <https://www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com/> ROSE MAKSYIW - 90 YRS MAKSYMIW, Rose Whitney Pier It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Rose Maksymiw at the Northside Community Guest Home, North Sydney on Sunday, November 10, 2019 at the age of 90. Born on May 19, 1929 in Whitney Pier, Rose was the daughter of the late Metro and Theodosia Maksymiw. Rose was a quiet and kind person who had a special spot in her heart for animals. She was noted for feeding all the birds in the neighbourhood including the ducks and pheasants. She would have a special plate for baby and Joe the pig. Rose is the last surviving member of her immediate family. She is now with her family. Metro, Theodosia and her brothers, Steve and Bill. I would like the thank the staff at the Northside Community Guest Home for their care and attention to Rose in her time of need. As per Rose’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral. Donations in memory of Rose may be made to the SPCA in Sydney. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.pierfuneralhome.com <https://www.pierfuneralhome.com/> Rose thought the world of me. DAVID L. MCNEIL - McNEIL, David L It is with heartfelt sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of David McNeil on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at home with his wife at his side. Born in Glace Bay he was the son of the late Peter Hector and Hilda Pearl (Campbell) McNeil. David was employed by DEVCO for 35 years. He was a member of Miner’s Bowling League and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 3 Dart League. David is survived by wife, Judy McNeil; daughter, Lisa McNeil; son, Christopher McNeil; nine grandchildren and three step children; sisters, Diane Reynolds McNeil, Hilda Young McNeil and Betty McNeil. Besides his parents he was predeceased by brother, Peter McNeil, Jimmy McNeil; sisters, Mary McNeil, Jeanette Timmons; two brothers at infancy and sister as an infant, Ruth Marion McNeil. In following David’s wishes cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Patten Funeral Home, there will be no services, internment will take place at a later date. Donations can be made in David’s memory to the Kidney Foundation, Renal Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. God saw you getting tired when a cure was not to be so he put his arms around you and whispered “Come to Me”. He knew how much you’d been through and he gave you Peace and Rest. God’s garden must be beautiful cause he only takes the best. EMMA MARIE (FITZGERALD) RAMBEAU - 85 YRS RAMBEAU, Emma Marie (Fitzgerald) Sydney Mines / Englishtown We, the family of Emma Marie (Fitzgerald) Rambeau, age 85, regret to announce her passing on Sunday, November 10, 2019, at the Miner’s Memorial Manor in Sydney Mines. Emma lived in Englishtown with her sister Regis and her husband Alex Christie for seven years prior to moving to the Miner’s Memorial Manor. Emma was the daughter of the late William P. and Gladys (Dixon) Fitzgerald. She was predeceased by her husband, Cecil in 2010; her son, Meech (Lori) North Sydney; great-granddaughter, Angela Lance, Que., and a son, Francis in infancy. She is survived by grandchildren, Chris (Melissa) Rambeau, and Tiffany (Steve) Lance, their children Alyssa and Brendon, Que.; daughter-in-law, Terri, Sydney; four sisters and four brothers. Special thanks to Dr. Doug Kohlsmith and the nurses and staff at the Miner’s Manor for making Emma’s stay with them as easy as possible. At her request, cremation has taken place. The burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Miner’s Manor. Words of comfort may be forwarded to her family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com <https://www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com/> “A loving heart has left us, But memories remain.” JOSEPHA (LOCKE) SPENCER - 85 YRS SPENCER, Josepha Main-A-Dieu We regret to announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Josepha Spencer on Monday, November 11, 2019 at the Cove Guest Home in Sydney, surrounded by her loving family. Josepha was born on March 29, 1934 to the late George and Jenny (Boutilier) Locke. She spent her younger years helping to raise her ten brothers and one sister. She met the love of her life, William ‘Bill’ Spencer and married him at the age of 16 and they started their own family of seven children. She spent her whole life dedicated to raising her family and spent many sleepless nights worrying about them. Left to mourn Josepha’s passing are children, Williamina (the late Jim Bates), Barry (Diane), Edgar (Debbie), Ann (Joey), Sandy (Gloria), Timmy (Marge) and Georgina; grandchildren, James, Kelly, Scott, Shawn, Wanda, Michael, Rodney, Shannon, Daniel, David, Kevin, Cathy Leigh, Carly, Michael, Jenny and Justin; 28 great-grandchildren; brothers, Doug, Pius (June), George, Tom, Leslie (Ginny), Flynn (Linda), Charlie (Judy) and Angus (Linda); sister, Regina (Herbie); sister-in-law, Geneva; many nieces and nephews; her lifelong friend, Theresa Spencer; as well as her good friend, Robert Ranson. Besides her parents, Josepha was predeceased by her husband, Bill; brothers, Cecil and Bill; sisters-in-law, Lucy and Mary; husband’s parents, Abigail and Edgar Spencer; as well as sisters-in-law, Bertha, Maggie and Mary. Visitation and Funeral Mass for the late Josepha Theresa Spencer to take place at Immaculate Conception Parish Church, Main-a-Dieu on Thursday, November 14, 2019. A gathering of family and friends will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the Mass to be celebrated at 2 p.m. with Fr. Evo Di Pierro officiating. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Josepha may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home. Online condolences may be forwarded to the family at www.pierfuneralhome.com <https://www.pierfuneralhome.com/>