Halloran, Marie Eustine

Sydney, NS

August 7, 1942 - November 14, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marie Eustine Halloran on November 14, 2025, in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.

Born in Sydney on August 7, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Wasyl and Mary (Yurchesyn) Furdas.

Marie is survived by her loving husband, Karl; son, Barry (Sheila), Sydney; daughter, Monica (Jim) Gallivan, Sydney; sisters, Ruby Antle, Barrie, ON and Natalie (Vince) MacLean, Sydney; brothers, Mike (Sharon), Kitchener, ON, Walter (Lauren), Coxheath and John, Sydney; grandchildren, Taras Halloran, Talon Halloran, Roman Gallivan, Ben Gallivan, Creighton (Ashley) Gallivan and Channing (Jordan) Gallivan; great-grandchildren, Ryleigh and Rori; and many nieces and nephews who dearly loved Baba Marie.

Marie was predeceased by her parents, Wasyl and Mary (Yurchesyn) Furdas; sisters, Kay (Max) Dilney, Annie Veniotte and Nellie (Cliff) Penney; brothers, Joe (Marcie) and Gordon; and in-laws, William and Henrietta Halloran. Marie’s Pomeranian, Chase, also shared a special place in her heart.

After graduation, Marie worked for the Dep’t of National Defense in Ottawa. She returned to Cape Breton to work as a secretary at Sydney Academy in the early days of her career. In addition to her secretarial work, she taught typing at Sydney Academy night school. In 2000, she retired from the Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board’s central office.

She was known to be a hard worker and could organize her way out of the deepest chaos. She was often called on by others who valued her strong work ethic and organizational expertise. When asked for her help, she worked diligently to make sure a job was completed to the highest standard possible.

Marie was friendly and outgoing. She loved meeting new people and sharing a laugh with the people around her. She and Karl greatly enjoyed spending time with their many friends and family members. Her love of children was well-known and she greatly enjoyed being called upon to look after the little ones. Any nieces, nephews, grandchildren or others, who were cared for by Marie have very fond memories of those times.

Marie was known for her fabulous cooking skills and loved feeding people. It was difficult, if not impossible, to say no once she decided she was feeding you. Whether it was Ukrainian fare or a summer strawberry trifle, it was guaranteed to be delicious and raved about afterward.

Marie was a generous soul and would amaze people with her gift-giving genius. Her observant nature and incredible memory combined to enable her to choose gifts that were somehow perfect, exactly what one wanted. Every gift made the recipient feel loved.

While she will be greatly missed, her memory will be carried forth in the hearts of so many people that her spirit will be forever present in the lives of those who loved her.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Sydney Memorial Chapel. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Society.

Halloran, Marie Eustine