Cooper, Mary Elizabeth Beth/Betty'
The Cape Breton Post, January 8, 2020 Wednesday
Mary Elizabeth Beth/Betty' Cooper, Kempt Road, Richmond County, and Sydney, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Monday, January 6, 2020. Beth was known for her belief in and support of youth, her warm hospitality, her love of country living, her beautiful handwriting and written correspondence, and her passion for dancing and live Celtic music. She was an avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan - a dedication that began when she was six years old, listening to Saturday night hockey games on the radio with her mother. She also enjoyed traveling to visit her children across Canada and internationally. Her two favourite places were her home of Cape Breton and her ancestral homeland of Newfoundland.

For many years, Beth was an active member of the Canadian Association for Community Living, The Riverdale Credit Union and the Port Hawkesbury Co-op. She was a long-time member of the parishes of St. Francis de Sales, St. Louis (CWL member and president), and St. Joseph, serving as a reader and Eucharistic minister and giving marriage courses. Educated in early life at Constantine School, Sydney Academy, and Holy Angels Convent, Sydney, St. Joseph's Convent, Mabou, and Normal College, Truro, Beth enjoyed playing school Basketball and baseball, tennis and skating. She sang in St. Teresa's Church choirs, Sydney, and trained and performed with the Imperial Order of Daughters of the Empire, for radio broadcast, hospitals, and outdoor venues.

Beth's early teaching years were in Millcreek, East Bay, and Blacketts Lake, substituting at West Mount, Sydney Forks, and Louisdale schools. Beth taught the first Special Education Class established in Richmond County, teaching for 17 years in Arichat, West Arichat, and Evanston. Beth loved teaching children with special needs and thrived on helping her students enjoy a rich array of life experiences. She formed strong and lasting relationships with her students, their families, and communities, and always held a very special place in her heart for 'her children', treasuring how much she learned from them.

Beth was born in Sydney to the late Bernard and Anastasia (Somers) Mason. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Carl Mills Cooper (married in 1949); her son, Michael; siblings, Rose, Willie, Margaret (Peter), Ella (Marshal) and Cecil (Marge), and sister-in-law, Marguerite (Frank Mason). She is survived by her daughters, Bethalee and Rachael (Danny Neil), and her sons, Mark (Debra), Jamie (Brenda), Carl (Catherine), Brian (Sharon), Donald, Leo (Dorothy) and Thomas; brothers, Frank (Lynne) and Fr. James Mason; by 13 grandchildren, Sam, Anna, Ben, Uriah, Oakley, Matthew, Daniel, Jessie, Clyde, Maria, Katrina, Jacob, and Emily, and by 13 great-grandchildren, Riley, Avery, Brodie, Neela, Chase, Coen, Izzie, Kane, Dylan, Emma, Kaiya, Elijah and Dominic, all of whom brought much joy to her life.

Visitation will be in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2020. Beth's funeral Mass will take place on Friday January 10, 2020 at 11 a.m. from St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church, Lower River Inhabitants, with burial in the Parish Cemetery, and reception following at Vincent McCarthy Hall, Lower River. Donations can be made to Covenant House, Toronto, or In-patient Palliative Care Unit, St. Martha's Hospital Foundation, Antigonish. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com

Laite, Bruce W., Sydney River 88Yrs
The Cape Breton Post, January 23, 2019 Thursday
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bruce W. Laite. Bruce was born on February 21, 1931 in Trinity Bay, Newfoundland. Bruce was the son of the late Willis and Sarah (Ivany) Laite. Bruce was a proud Newfie and later, a Cape Bretoner. He spent much time travelling back to Newfoundland in his retirement, to build a summer cottage and to spend time fishing. As a young man, Bruce moved from the small town of Trinity Bay, Nfld to Toronto, Ontario where he began his business career as a salesman with his brother, Gerald.

Later, after marrying his wife and lifelong best friend, Inez, they moved to Halifax, NS where he continued his career in sales, managing several companies, and later settling in Sydney River, NS where Bruce owned and operated the Heather Mobile Home Park and B.W. Laite Developments until his retirement. He was a proud member of the community and the United Protestant Church, participating in many local charities. Bruce was always happy to lend a hand to a friend, play a few tunes on his accordion, with The Skippers, or spend time with his family. Inez often found Bruce in his workshop building furniture for one of their children or grandchildren. He was a beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather and will be greatly missed.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Inez; his sister, Marjorie; his 4 children, David (Katherine), Donna (Leo), Barbara, and Bonnie (Darryl); his grandchildren, Justin, Adam, Brennan, Laura, Bruce, Alana, Tyler and Jack; and great-grandchildren, Camden and Lillian Inez. Bruce was predeceased by his parents Willis and Sarah Laite and his brothers, Hugh, Desmond, Gerald, and Willis. It was a long goodbye, as Bruce had been sick for some time, but he never complained. Bruce maintained his strength and wonderful sense of humour throughout his last months. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Harbourstone for their warm hearts, many laughs, and well wishes.

Funeral services followed by a reception will be held at The United Protestant Church of Sydney River at 11am on Saturday January 25. with Rev. Dana Feltmate presiding. To leave online condolences for the family please visit www.twcurry.com
Although he has gone, we will always be together, and his spirit will live on, in our hearts forever.

Lumsden, Bernice, Sydney - 93yrs
The Cape Breton Post, January 31, 2019 Friday
It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Bernice Lumsden, on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. She was a resident of the Cove Guest Home since 2017. Born in Margaree, Newfoundland on November 12, 1926, Bernice was the daughter of the late John and Cedella (Warren) Wells. She grew up in Whitney Pier. Bernice is survived by her children, Raylene (Don) Langley, Breton (Nancy) Lumsden and Michael (Louise) Lumsden; brother, Randolph (Joyce) Wells; sister, Sheila King; grandchildren Adam Langley, Breton Lumsden Jr. and Michelle Lumsden; as well as several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Bernice was predeceased by her husband, Raymond; son, Robert; sisters, Beulah Patterson, Thelma Higgins, Sarah Hollohan and brother, Earl Wells.

For many years Bernice was an active member of St. Aidan's Anglican Church, Westmount. In her later years, she was a member of the Church of Christ the King in Sydney. Home, family and faith were most important to her. Bernice was happiest at home, knitting, cooking and baking for her family and others.

Visitation and memorial service to celebrate the life of Bernice Lumsden will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street), Whitney Pier on Saturday, February 1, 2020. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 2-3 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 3 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Rev. Jackie Warren officiating. Light refreshments will take place in the funeral home reception area, following the service. Interment will take place in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens, Sydney at a later date. Donations in memory of Bernice may be made to the Loaves and Fishes. 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

MacLeod (Parsons), Gladys - 94 YRS
The Cape Breton Post, January 11, 2020 Saturday
The family of Gladys MacLeod regret to announce her passing on January 8, 2020 at Glace Bay Hospital, at the age of 95 years. Gladys was a long-time resident of Glace Bay and was the daughter of Orestes and Elsie Parsons. Mom was raised by her grandparents, Walter and Sophie Noseworthy , of Dragatis Street, Glace Bay and formerly of Newfoundland. Mom was a keen student and lifelong learner and passed on the values of hard work and getting a good educator to her children. She was well read and kept up on current events and always liked to discuss the latest news. Mom was never reticent in sharing her opinions and very rarely admitted to being on the wrong side in any argument.

Mom was a dedicated Miner's wife and spent most of her married life as a homemaker who was big on cleanliness and eating good nutritious food. She was known as a great home cook and baker and many of her recipes were sought after by friends and family. A great passion of hers was spending time with our family at the cottage in Mira which Dad built with help from his brothers and in-laws. After Dad's retirement, a major pastime of theirs was going to The Bungalow. Mom was equally adept at clearing brush, trimming trees and painting whatever she thought needed painting, as she was in cooking a meal of cabbage rolls while out on the Mira. Mom enjoyed skating in her younger years, and this was where she met our Dad, her Johnnie. She was an excellent bowler and was part of a Ladies Bowling League in Glace Bay for 34 years. She enjoyed her hobbies of reading, knitting and crocheting until the last few years when vision problems ended this for her. She loved music especially when it was played for her by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mom is survived by her children, Lorna MacLeod, Beverley MacLeod, Robert (Margaret) MacLeod, Wilma Brock (Ian Foote) and Karen MacLeod; grandchildren, Shauna (John) Archibald, Grant (Kim) MacLeod, Chris Cash and Jaren Brock (Katy Jensen); great-grandchildren, Cameron and Miles Archibald and Madeline, Nathan and Ainsley MacLeod; sisters, Eunice (Clifford) Ward, Yvonne (Clarence) Harrington, Melvina Reed; brothers, Joe Parsons and Frank (Mary) Parsons; and sisters-in-law, Ruth Reid and Lois MacLeod. Mom was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, John G. MacLeod; son-in-law, Andrew Brock; sisters, Thelma, Pearl, Audrey, Elsie, Agnes, Sophie; brother, William; brothers-in-law, David, Neil, Robert, Alex, Donald and sisters-in-law, Annie, Wibbie, Helen, Isabel and Jean.

As per Mom's request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A family interment service will be held at a later date. On-line condolences may be made to the family at pattenfuneral.com Donations in Gladys' memory to either Glace Bay Hospital Foundation or to a charity of one's choice would be greatly appreciated. The family would like to thank the staff of third east at Glace Bay Hospital for their care and attention to Mom during her short stay there. Also sincere thanks go to Mom's longtime GP, Dr. David Ley for his concern and care over the years. Also, our appreciation goes to the staff at Harbourstone, Fisherman's Cove Unit, where she resided the past six months for their excellent and kind care of our mother.

Sparkes, Noah
The Cape Breton Post, January 7, 2020
North Sydney/Bedford
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the passing of our dad Noah Sparkes on January 3, 2020 in his 95th year. Born June 23, 1925 in Bull Cove Newfoundland. Noah was the son of the late John and Elizabeth (Rose) Sparkes. Our hearts grieve for our loss but rejoice in his going home and reunion with the love of his life Violet. We are confident that he was greeted by his Savior with the words well done good and faithful servant . Noah is the cherished father to Harold (Viola), John (Brenda) Arnold (Brenda) and Bonnie (Allan) and only surviving brother Allan Sparkes, NL. Noah is predeceased by his beloved wife of 75 years, Violet (Gushue 2018); brothers, Charles, James, Bill; only sister, Olive, and three infant daughters. The pride and joy of our dad s life were his 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.

Noah was a member of North Side Baptist Church where he served faithfully for many years in many capacities. He was best known as the driver of Noah's Ark where he picked up children for Sunday school and church. He was lovingly known as Grampy and he called them his kids. Noah worked for CN Marine for 33 years retiring in 1985 as Supervisor of Supplies. Noah spent many years on the sea, sailing from NL to the Caribbean in his early years on sailing schooners and throughout NL and Labrador and Nova Scotia in his later years on CN ships. As a family we wish to express our gratitude for the loving care our dad received from the staff at Northwoodcare Bedford (Ivany Place) and in particular the staff at Fiddlers Cove. Your care for our Dad was exceptional.

Visitation for Dad will be held on Wednesday, January 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. at W.J. Dooley Funeral Home 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. A celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 9th, at Northside Baptist Church, Main Street, Sydney Mines. A reception will follow in the church hall. Private interment will take place at a later date in Lakeside Cemetery, North Sydney. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to be made to Northside Baptist church or charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at wjdooley.com

Yates, Albert Scott, Sydney Mines- 76 YRS
The Cape Breton Post, January 6, 2020 Monday
We regret to announce the passing of Albert Yates, age 76, on Friday, January 3, 2020 at the Northside General Hospital. Born in Howley, Newfoundland on February 24, 1943, he was the son of the late Scott and Myrtle Yates (nee Woolridge). He was a member of St. Matthew Wesley United Church and worked as an engineer for Marine Atlantic for 36 years. He is survived by his partner, Mary Andrea; his children, Kerry (Laurie), Nicki (Phil Adam), Sheri (Mark Aikens), Shelly (Geoff Ashford), AJ (Amanda), and their mother, Caryl; his two sisters, Phyllis Stratton and Kitty (Edgar Stratton), and his grandchildren, Kieran, Abbey, Josh, Cole, Sydney, Evie, Jeremy and Elliott. He is fondly remembered by Mary's children, Eddie, Debbie, Tricia and Darlene. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his infant brother, Kerry. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at 11 a.m. in J. M. Jobes Funeral Home, Sydney Mines with Rev. Stephen Mills officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. Special thanks to Dr. Alex Wawer and the 5th floor nursing staff at the Northside General Hospital. Words of comfort may be forwarded to his family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com