Cordeau, Mary "Cecilia"

Port Hawkesbury, NS

March 27, 1939 - April 25, 2025

Beloved mother and grandmother, Mary “Cecilia” Cordeau passed away on April 25th at the Strait Richmond Hospital.

Cecilia was born in Poirierville, on March 27, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Leo and Eugenie (Ranson) Cordeau.

In her teens, Cecilia moved to Halifax to work in various hospitals and daycares. She returned to Martinique, on Isle Madame where Cecilia adopted her only daughter Linda. This bond of choice and love was remarkable for its depth and devotion which was gifted to her grandchildren Shannon and Timmy. Nanny “C” was a positive, constant presence for her grandchildren.

Cecilia lived with Type 1 diabetes much of her life and to manage her condition she walked everywhere, with purpose. Whether on her own errands or picking up items for her neighbours in Sunset Manor, even a broken hip did not slow her down. A faithful Catholic, Cecilia was a dedicated and quiet supporter and fundraiser for countless charities. Since moving to Port Hawkesbury in 2001, she participated in every single Terry Fox run.

Cecilia is survived by her only daughter, Linda (John) Ouellette; grandchildren, Shannon Ouellette, Timothy Ouellette; brothers, Alphonse (late Alice) Cordeau, Raymond, (Linda) Cordeau, James Cordeau, John A. Cordeau; sisters, Anna (late Harold) Lerette, Mary (late Carl) Peters, Magdalene (Cyprian) Landry and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by siblings, Arthur Cordeau, William Cordeau, Joseph Ranson and Margaret Jones.

Funeral Mass will take place at St. Joseph’s Parish, Port Hawkesbury on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 10am, with Rev. Joby Augustin officiating. Interment to follow in the Parish Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Diabetes Canada, or the Terry Fox Foundation.