Eastern Passage, NS March 29th, 2024 Murray William Danells (Bill) 76 of Eastern Passage, passed away on March 29th at the Dartmouth General after a three-year battle with cancer and left on his own terms, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Saint John, New Brunswick to the late Martha and Edward Danells. Predeceased by his sisters; Ruby, Lou, Anne; and brothers Charles, Fred, and Paul. Survived by his siblings Dawn, Lynn, and Calvin. His loving wife of 53 years, Judy, his daughter Shelley (Kevin), son Scott (Allee). Grandchildren Erica, Cody (Micheala), and Sara. His first great-granddaughter is due in June. God daughter Jessica Hodgson and many nieces and nephews. He Proudly served in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Bos’n for 35 years, sailing on many ships on both the east and west coast. Notable ships were HMCS Bonaventure, Gatineau, and was proudly the Buffer on the Cormorant. Upon retirement from the military, he became a courtesy shuttle driver for the Steele Group where he worked doing his favourite thing, making people smile. He became the first and only employee to drive over a million kilometers. A big thanks to his brother Calvin for the weekly visits bringing coffee, and treats. Special thanks to Joe Fortune who routinely called from the west coast to see how he was doing and reminisce. We would like to thank the health care professionals who cared for him during his treatments. Appreciation to all his “Shipmates” who visited, called, and sent their well wishes. Special acknowledgement to Melda who was instrumental in making an important wish come true for Bill and his family. In lieu of flowers, donations to Christ Church, Cow Bay, or to the Legion Branch 164, Eastern Passage would be appreciated. Celebration of life will be held at the Legion in Eastern Passage May 19th at 13:00. You have stood your last watch; the brow is now open.

Dartmouth, NS November 14, 1932 - March 21, 2024 “All music should be to the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.”  JS Bach It is with deep gratitude for a life filled with love, laughter and music that we announce the peaceful passing of Christine Cole, Church Organist & Choir Director, Piano Teacher, Registered Nurse, Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Proud Newfoundlander at the ripe old age of 91. Jessie Christine Penney was born premature on Monday November 14, 1932 in Carbonear, Newfoundland to Master Mariner Stephen L. Penney and Cecilia (Butt) Penney. Christine spent the first weeks of her life in a bread pan with cotton batting and olive oil, incubating in the kitchen stove's warming oven, buoyed by the prayers of her mother and family. Rise up, she did...and she never really stopped for the next 91 years. As the youngest daughter of a "foreign going” schooner and steamer Captain, Christine's well-provisioned childhood was filled to the gunnels with tales of The Skipper's voyages to Brazil, Portugal, Jamaica, Spain and beyond. Being a Merchant Mariner during the turbulent 1930's and 1940's was not for the faint of heart. Often with his elder sons as crew, Captain Penney sailed the world, routinely defying the odds, always returning safely to port and family. Young Christine grew up largely protected from the challenges of The Great Depression and World War II, with a childhood full of happy shenanigans under the wings of her older sisters. Ever the individual of spirit, her very early interest in music gave Christine room in her large family to carve out a place for herself (and gleefully avoid some of the cooking, cleaning and other chores assigned to her elder siblings). Carbonear Methodist Church's pipe organ, with eight hundred and fifty-eight pipes, called to Christine and by age 7 she had her first Music Theory Certificate from Trinity College, London. Beethoven, Bach and Tchaikovsky would  become the soundtrack to a life in music. Christine excelled in school, classical piano and pipe organ before training at St. John's General Hospital, becoming a Registered Nurse in the Class of 1954. Christine quickly became Head Nurse on the Orthopedic ward and participated in her Class Reunions with “the General girls” for over 50 years. Christine loved to dance and met Nathaniel Cole of Victoria BC (the real BC, "Behind Carbonear") on a double date, though not with each other. Nat was also from a large churchgoing family, had attended Memorial University and was starting a career in Finance & Real Estate. He was not only good-lookin', he was also a childhood friend of Christine's brother Les.  Christine & Nat (“JC Penney & Nat King Cole” to their pals) got along like a house on fire. Their courtship in St. John's and around the Bay included dances in Harbour Grace and boiling up on the Barrens with Les and his gal Marlene as well as Nat's sister Betty and her beau Sandy Carter, along with other future married couples and lifelong friends. Married at Carbonear United Church on August 25, 1955 in what was described in the August 31st edition of the St. John's Daily News as the prettiest wedding of the Carbonear Wedding Season, Christine & Nat went on to spend virtually all their time together for the next 46 years. They rarely exchanged a harsh word with each other (or anyone else) and raised three sons (Winston, David and Stephen).  Nat's career was blessed with fair winds which took them to Mount Pearl, Corner Brook, Halifax, Dartmouth, Oakville, New Glasgow and Dartmouth again, accumulating a bounty of lifelong friendships. Family vacations were of course always to see other family members in Carbonear, Victoria, St. John's, Oakville, Etobicoke and Boston. Christine and her family were Church-goers. For 55 years, from 1965 until 2020, Christine was an Organist & Choir Director at Steven's Road Baptist, Burlington Baptist, Trenton United, Sharon St. John United, West End Baptist, Birch Cove Baptist, Bedford Baptist, United Memorial and Church of The Holy Spirit. Christine was also an interim Organist, Guest Organist, Wedding and Funeral Organist at virtually every place of worship of every faith and at most every funeral home in the HRM and beyond. If a Church had a really good organ...she'd find a way to play it! Christine was a Member of the Royal Canadian College of Organists for decades and taught well over 1,000 people how to play the piano out of her home, including most of her six beloved grandchildren. If the Guinness Book had a record for most times Beethoven's Fur Elise were played in a home, Christine would own it. Christine had other interests, too. She loved a good game of 45's and was a candlepin bowler for many years. Favorite Movies: The Sound of Music and Gone With the Wind. Secret Crush: William Shatner as Captain James T Kirk. Christine & Nat were also avid Golfers (duffers really, but they had fun) and pretty good Bridge players; Graham & Marg Conrad were their most frequent opponents. After Nat's (too early) death in 2001,  Bridge with her many “Dartmouth Church Lady” friends at the Brightwood Golf & Country Club became a can't miss part of her busy social calendar, as was playing piano for Residents of Nursing Homes around town. Christine was all about Girl Power long before Barbie came along. It was never any secret that while Christine was watchful, protective and stout in raising her three sons to her stringent household standards..she had always wanted at least one daughter. ( Christine's daughters in law each have secrets and stories about her life she never told her sons.) Thankfully, her two Nieces Peggy & Cindy were always there to enable Christine's love of dress shopping and high tea habits...and each was bedside with Christine in her final days. They were more like Sisters than most sisters. (note to Mic Mac Mall; your sales numbers in Womens Wear, Shoes, Bags and Lancombe skin cream are about to drop. Sorry.) Christine's three Grandsons William, John & Nathan were the source of unending Grandma Bragging. (Parkland Staff called more than once to ask if the impossibly handsome, successful young men Christine was swooning about actually existed.) But... Christine's three Grand-Daughters Emma, Jillian and Jenette were special-est to her. Apples of her eye, each. Irish Dance, Ballet, Clarinet, Flute, Hand Bells...whatever her 3 Grand-Daughters were involved in, Christine was all-in with a big smile. Likewise, Newfoundland Nieces Brenda & Christine each had special bonds with their Aunt and were always cause for restaurant family dinners when in town for Conferences and Dog Shows. Christine Cole is survived by three sisters-in-law;  Betty (Cole) Carter, Oakville Ontario; Sue Cole, Hanover Ontario and Minnie Penney, St. John's Newfoundland. Her eldest son Winston (Eva) Cole, Bedford and his (fabulous) children Emma Christine Robillard Cole, Halifax and William Nathaniel (Nala ) Robillard Cole, Los Angeles. Christine is also survived by her twin grandchildren Nathan (Kyra) Cole & Jenette Cole of Brampton, their mother Michelle Cole as well as grandchildren Jillian (Josh Hermanson), Middle Sackville & John Cole, Montreal and their mother Elizabeth Cole. Christine will be holding Choir Practice in Heaven on Wednesdays at 7pm sharp with family who predeceased her. She hopes (but doubts) Nat has learned to sing in key since his passing in 2001, so he'll mouth the words. Joining in will be her dutiful Son David (d March 2023. w. Michelle; c. Nathan & Jenette) and darling Son Stephen (d November 2023. w. Elizabeth; c. Jillian & John). The chorale will also include late siblings William (Kitty) Penney, Malcolm (Glenis) Penney, Mona ( Max Johnson), Clyde (Edith) Penney, Norma (Jack) Penney, Les (Marlene) Penney, Rob (Beulah) Penney, Flora (Lloyd) Head, Dolf Penney (w. Minnie, c. Cindy, Lynda, Rob) along with all of Nat's departed siblings and their spouses.  ( there really are too many to name, but all know they are loved) Christine's Heavenly Pipe Organ will be powered by Nephew Douglas Penney's megawatt smile. A Special Thanks to Parkland at the Lakes for the kindness, exceptional care and the top- quality lifestyle.  As Christine's Dementia inevitably progressed and moved her from Assisted Living to Memory Care then to Enriched Care, she was able to maintain her treasured personal privacy and dignity every step of the way. Having seen closed wards and shared rooms in many facilities over the previous twenty years as a volunteer, friend and relative, Christine never wanted to be in what she called "old people's jail."  She knew many years in advance that if she couldn't stay at home, Parkland was her choice. Music plays a big role in Dementia therapy and held a fundamental place in Christine's life.  Only at Parkland was Christine able to have both her piano and the privacy to play. Maintaining the ability to play was core to Christine's comfort in her twilight years. Her piano was even moved right there next to her hospital bed in her final days. Christine was entertained just hours before her passing by one of our oldest Church Friends, Pianist & Baritone Mervyn George.  God Bless you, Mervyn. A Tip of the Hat to the Cole Harbour Detachment of the RCMP for the decades of respect shown and gentle reminders in lieu of Tickets  given to Christine, who drove much like The Captain..right down the middle of the street at whatever speed suited her...which also pretty much describes the way Christine Cole lived her life. In lieu of flowers for Christine, please take the time to bring flowers to someone living with Dementia in a care facility near you ...or simply visit an elderly person in care. Dementia is a heartbreakingly lonely disease and the one thing everyone in care yearns for is more visitors. Christine Cole's Celebration of Life will be held at Port Wallis United Church, 263 Waverley Road, Dartmouth Nova Scotia at 11AM on Saturday April 20, 2024. Pine Hill roomate of David's and "Official Minister to the Cole Family" ever since, Rev Ivan Gregan officiating.  A delicious UCW Luncheon will follow in the Church Hall. Christine will be reunited with Nat at the Pentecostal Cemetery in Victoria NL surrounded by local members of families Penney & Cole one glorious sunny day this summer, date TBD. Online Obituary and Condolences   www.dartmouthfuneralhome.ca www.christinecole.ca

Bible Hill, NS March 25, 2024 Early Monday morning, March 25, 2024, Reginald Vernon Galloway of Bible Hill passed away peacefully with his family at his side at East Cumberland Lodge, Pugwash. Reg will be missed by his wife, Barbara Galloway (Farrell); children, Lisa Galloway (Peter), Reg Galloway, and Barb’s children, Sandra and Michael; as well his sister, Maria Kinlough (Richard) and many nieces and nephews. Reg was predeceased by his father, Reginald Galloway of Darlington England and mother, Elsie Stannis (Fox) of Oakville, Ontario. Reg was born in Darlington, England and was raised until the age of 13 by his paternal grandparents. At 13, he was reunited with his mother and sister and immigrated to Montreal, Canada. He joined the Canadian Navy at an early age and sailed all over the world. He became a mechanic and continued in the trade most of his life. That is not to say that is all he did. He was a man of many talents and mastered most anything he put his mind to. He could fix or build anything. He loved woodworking and enjoyed making furniture for his family and friends. He also built a few houses in his time. Reg was always there to help family and friends with any renovation projects. He even took a turn at fixing or tuning up golf carts. He loved to fix them up, get them ready for the next season and even learned upholstery to fix and replace old seats. Reg had a few passions: cooking, golf and westerns. Reg loved cooking. He would create amazing meals for his friends and family and loved trying out new recipes. Golfing was his passion and like all things he did he excelled at it. He loved westerns from reading them to watching his favourite John Wayne movies. His best day would be golfing usually with his friend, Rollie or brother-in-law, John or watching a tournament on TV, spending time with Barb, trying a new recipe for supper and finishing up the evening with a John Wayne movie. Reg was lovingly cared for at the North Cumberland Memorial Hospital and then the East Cumberland Lodge in Pugwash. The family is grateful for the care he received by the Doctors, RNs, CCAs and all other staff. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Reg to East Cumberland Lodge Memorial Fund (https://www.thelodgeinpugwash.com/donations/.) are welcomed. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where a celebration of Reg’s life will be held 2-4 pm, Friday, April 12, 2024. Tributes, messages of condolence and memories of Reg may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com

Sydney Mines, NS May 2, 1960 - March 27, 2024 It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Monina “Nennie” Matthews – loving daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many - at the age of 63 on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Born in North Sydney on May 2, 1960, she was the daughter of Marion (Leroy) and the late Robert Hancock. Nennie enjoyed simple pleasures in life. She loved to sit outside and listen to the birds and take in the comings and goings of the neighborhood. She enjoyed trips to the beach in the summertime and loved long talks with her good friends, Tevis Ongo and Chrissy MacDonald. Her greatest joy in life was her family, most especially spending time with her grandchildren. Nennie is survived by her mother, Marion (Ed) Clarke; her children – Bridgett (Paul) Barrie, Amanda Matthews (Jonathan), Stephen Squires (Evelyn), and Gloria Boutilier; her grandchildren – Paula Barrie, Emily Barrie, Hannah Barrie, Justin Matthews, and Jordan Matthews; siblings – Suzie Publicover, Sandra Jessome, Cathy Clarke, Tammy Boutilier, John Hancock, Gordie Hancock, and Robbie Hancock, along with many nieces and nephews. Besides her father, Nennie was predeceased by her husband, Frank, as well as her brother, Billy, who died in infancy. A visitation for Nennie will be held from 1-3pm on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, with a funeral service beginning at 3pm of the same day in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home Chapel at 107 pleasant St. in North Sydney with Rev. Debbie Fice officiating.

North Sydney, NS April 28, 1957 - March 27, 2024 It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Georgina Cox at the age of 66 on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. Born on Segona Island in Newfoundland on April 28, 1957, she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Clara (Price) Snook. Georgina was a proud homemaker. She took great care of her home, whether it was through her constant cleaning and scrubbing or putting new coats of paint on the walls, she was meticulous about how she kept her abode. When she wasn’t cleaning, she seemed to be baking, filling the home with the aroma of freshly baked bread. She enjoyed going to darts and bingo but she was most content in her home surrounded by her greatest joys – her family and friends. She was a generous and selfless person who went out of her way to provide what she had to others that may have been in greater need. Anyone and everyone were welcome in Georgina’s home, and they were always met with love and something to eat. Georgina is survived by her children Derek Snook (Guyline), Jacqueline Cox (Vinnie), Judy Cox (Johnny), Johnna Cox and Justin (Lisa) Cox; grandchildren - Parker, Georgia, Kayce, Noah, Jordan, Dorothy; sisters - Frances Nichol, Martha Hunt, Eileen Organ, Sharon Stone, Evelyn Bishop; brothers - Angus, and Theodore, along with countless nieces and nephews, including special grand-nephews, Cameron McGean and Owen Hannem. Georgina had many friends who will miss her always; Velma Spencer, Brenda Cavanaugh, Connie Caragan, Elaine Wheeler, Linda Fudge, Jerry Ashford and Marion Ferrell.  Besides her parents Georgina was predeceased by her son Joshua; her brothers, Stewart, John, and Phil, and by her great friend, Donnie Caragan. There will be a Celebration of Life for Georgina from 2 – 5 pm, Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the North Sydney Firehall, Pierce Street, North Sydney.  Memorial donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences can be left for the family by leaving a message on the tribute wall of the obituary page at www.wjdooley.com

Dartmouth, NS October 5, 1943 - March 23, 2024 Our world will be a lot less vibrant with the passing on March 23, 2024, of our vibrant 80-year-old friend, Reynelda Ann MacDonald. She was born in New Waterford, Cape Breton on October 5, 1943. From very difficult circumstances as a young child, she blossomed into this beautiful compassionate and kindhearted free spirit! Reynelda was one of those most unusual people who became more adventurous and open-minded as she grew older and that's a wondrous thing!  She always had time for friends and family. She gave of herself with such generosity to so many people which was evident by the number of people who reached out to her in these last difficult days. With her keen sense of style, her wit and her mischievous nature, Reynelda made the simplest activity a special moment to remember. She was a bright light that you couldn’t help being drawn toward. She made you feel valued and cherished and was quick to show her gratitude for any kindness shown to her. Her creative thoughtfulness added a touch of class to whatever she focused upon. Reynelda had so many dear friends and was always up for anything…. parties, concerts, theatre, yoga. She was adamant about keeping healthy in mind, body and spirit. Gluten-free and organic all the way!! She was an avid reader who also enjoyed movies, fashion, decorating, weekends away with friends, going out for a coffee or just a simple picnic while on a hike. In our small group of friends, we regularly enjoyed celebrating birthdays, our annual corn boil at Conrad’s beach, games nights, bonfires in the back yard and of course the wine! We loved enjoying a sip or two while discussing life’s wonders. Thursday nights were reserved for Scrabble with Barbie where she showed no mercy!! Each summer she anxiously awaited the arrival from Connecticut of Marnie and Mark to share in lots of fun and laughter. Reynelda worked for the Federal Government for many years. She was also a yoga instructor, she worked in several clothing shops and was an excellent editor for her friend Sue’s nature poems and prose. The complete details of her family’s names are uncertain. She was predeceased by her parents and 5 siblings, Stanley MacDonald, Hector MacDonald, Miles MacDonald, Caroline McMullen, and Shirley Merlin. She is also survived by several nephews, nieces and their families. Sincere thanks go out to the staff on the 7th floor neurology department at the Halifax infirmary for their care and compassion for Reynelda. There will be a celebration of life organized in mid-summer for our extraordinary friend who will be deeply missed by everyone who she considered dear.

Mill Cove, NS March 25, 2024 Barbara Anne Christie, wife of the late Stanley Christie, and formerly of Harvey, York County, NB passed away at her home in Mill Cove, NB on March 25, 2024. She was the foster daughter of Clayton and Madeline Foster. Barbara is survived by her sister-in-law, Norma Cole; nieces and nephews, Charlene Cormier, Donna Hoyt and Nelson Cole, and Jeff Williams. In addition to her parents and husband she was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Gerald Cole, parents-in-law, Earl and Mabel Christie, niece Sheryl Williams and nephew Jeffrey Louis Cormier. There will be no visitation or funeral service at this time. A graveside service will be held later at Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Arrangements by Flewelling Funeral Home, Nackawic, NB www.flewellingswan.com

New Glasgow, NS March 25, 2024 It is with great sadness that the family of Winnifred Gail MacDougall announces her passing on Monday, March 25, 2024 at QEII Health Sciences Centre, Palliative Care, after a courageous battle. Born in 1946 and raised in New Glasgow, she was a daughter of Hugh and Dorothy MacDougall. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by sister, Cheryl Kyle and brother, Barry; and is survived by sister, Debbie Austin, brother, Scott (Gaile), sister-in-law, Darlene MacDougall and brother-in-law, Greg Kyle and nieces and nephews Tony, Ian, Melanie, Michael, Brian, Michelle, Kristofer, Ashley, Justin, Charlotte. During her working career she was employed at The Chronicle Herald and Atlantic Container Line (ACL). Gail loved living an active life in Halifax.  She loved yoga, shopping, especially at thrift stores, visiting the library and her walks, especially her walks at Shubie Park with her friend Eileen McMullen. She had a great interest in organic foods and naturopathic medicines. Gail had a special bond and thought the world of her nephew, Brian, who was always there for her. The family would like to acknowledge with special thanks Elaine Landry and Eileen McMullin who were her dearest friends and who were with her when she passed. Elaine was Gail’s guardian angel who was with her throughout her last days and brought Gail much comfort. The family would also like to thank everyone in the Palliative Care Unit at the QEII for their special care. The nurse said it was one of the most peaceful passing’s that she had witnessed. Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place and as per Gail’s wishes there will be no visitation and there will be a private graveside service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the QEII 7A Palliative Care Unit at the VG or a charity of choice.

Dartmouth, NS March 22, 2024 The children of Gerald R. Martin; Kathy, Frank and John and his grandson Daniel are sad to announce the passing of their father and grandfather on March 22, 2024 at 88 years of age. Gerald ‘Gerry’ was born and grew up in Dartmouth, NS, a proud member of the large Martin Clan. He was predeceased by his parents Frank J. Martin and Mary Catherine ‘Minnie’ (Pugh). He is survived by his children, grandchild and loving sisters, Frances Giovannetti, Marie Jones and Evelyn Fay as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Gerry truly loved spending time with his family. Gerry attended Dartmouth High School and St Mary’s University before settling into a long and cherished 34 yr career at the Dartmouth Imperial Oil Refinery. In his heart, Gerry always itched for the country life. He achieved this dream in the 1990’s retiring to Collingwood Corner, NS as a ‘gentleman farmer’: embracing the challenges and joys of farm life. Here in the Oxford area, he made some great and lasting friendships. Those who knew him will remember how he loved to solve a problem and ‘jerry rig’ solutions. Whether they worked (usually) or not (why ruin a good story), all were carried out with his ‘can do’ attitude. Gerry’s memory will stay alive, in our stories, for his love and skill in telling a ‘good’ one. The family would like to thank, from the bottom of our hearts, the caring support of the whole Oceanview team. The family would like to appeal the NS Government to cease the undignified and ongoing practice of double occupancy per room in our Long Term Care facilities. A ‘Celebration of Life’ for Gerry Martin will be held Monday April 1,2024 at the Mic Mac AAC Ballroom 2-4pm.

Dartmouth, NS August 24, 1930 - March 22, 2024 Claire Margaret Reynolds died peacefully, her family by her side, at her residence on March 22, 2024. BornAugust 24, 1930 in Corner Brook, NL, she was the daughter of Rachael and Abner Oates. She is survivedby daughters Linda (Dave) Fougere, and Valeria Rhymes, son Mark ( Janice) Reynolds as well as.grandchildren Dawn, Tammy (Duane), Michael, Darryl (Ela), and Heather (Matthew), great-grandchildren Ryan, Evan, Erica, Michael Henry, Gregory Frederick, and Madison and her niece Pam(Harry), nephews Kenny (Paulina) and Jamie (Colleen) and many more nieces and nephews, along withher dear friends June and Dorothy. She is pre deceased by her mother and father, sisters Joyce and Lillian, husband Robert and son-in- law Fred. During the 2 nd WW, as a young teen, Claire travelled to Halifax for medical reasons, to be with family and finish school. She later married in 1949 and began her future as a military wife. By 1954, after living in Quebec, she had her 3 children and the family returned to Nova Scotia. In 1964 she pursued a long working career outside the home; her most memorable employment was at the Grace Maternity Hospital in Halifax. However the most challenging part of her life at that time was to care for her 3 teenage children and her husband who was injured in a severe car accident. Life took them to Ontario and later, in1980, to Cape Breton to be closer to her daughter and family. Here Claire enjoyed crafting and perfecting the art of floral design. She was a member of the Crafters of Cape Breton and participated in many craft shows over the years. She also shared her creative talent with co-workers June and Joyce in operating a small business in restoring treasures and collectibles for sale at a local market. They delighted in their finds, the travel and the many friends they made through their adventures. There was always time for family gatherings and when relatives would visit; especially when she and her sisters got together, it was a special time. Tradition was important and she loved to celebrate all occasions. She loved to travel and with family she went to Europe, Memphis, and even at 85to New York City. She loved music, was a huge country and western fan, and of course, all things Elvis. Claire loved beautiful things and her home reflected her unique ability to decorate. In her later years Claire faced many challenges with her health including fighting cancer and multiplesurgeries. In 2019 she left the home she loved and moved to Halifax to reside with Linda and Dave andto be closer to family. Here she enjoyed the times spent with her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, and especially with Tammy and her family. For the last three years Claire resided at theAdmiral LTC, where she received the care she needed, along with the continued love and support offamily. Visits from family, the rapport she had with the staff, and sharing stories was constant in her dailyroutine. Special thanks to the support she received through the past nine years from the VON, Northwood Home Care, CB Regional and Dartmouth General, her doctors Leighton and Addie, and the staff at the Admiral. Her arrangements are under the direction of the Dartmouth Funeral Home, where her funeral service will be held in late spring, the date TBA, followed by an interment at Hardwood Hill in Sydney. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VON or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Riverton, NS January 5, 1939 - March 21, 2024 Ronald Anthony Patton O'Neill, of Riverton, formerly of Acadia St., New Glasgow, passed away peacefully in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, on March 21, 2024. Born January 5, 1939, he was a son of the late Elmer and Sadie O’Neill of New Glasgow. Patton was an "oil man" his entire working life. He started at the age of 14 years with his father at Imperial Oil and retired at the age of 70 working with his son, D’Arcy, at Fuel Time. Patton loved to hunt and fish in his earlier years and coached hockey when his boys were young. He played rugby and baseball and was a member of the Pictou County Sports Heritage Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife, Veronica (Martin); daughter, Sharon, Pictou; son, Steve, New Glasgow; grandchildren: Adam, his son Damon; Lacey Webb (Jeremy), their daughter Madelynn; Sam (Jenna), their daughter Averi; and Kory; daughters-in-law: Charlene O’Neill and Suzanne Monette-George; sisters and brothers: Peggy Scott (Brian), Bedford; Len (Joan), Guysborough; Sally MacCallum (Ray), Kentville; Emily Molina, Ontario; Bridget, Quebec; Kilmer, Alberta; and Imelda Barkhouse (Fred), Granton; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sons, Paddy and D’Arcy; brothers, Sammy and Elmer; mother and father-in-law, Tilly and Les Martin; son-in-law, Mike Lidsel. There will be no visitation. A private service will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of N.S. Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow.

Antigonish, NS March 19, 2024 MacDonald, Joseph William, age 81, of Antigonish passed away at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital on March 19, 2024. Born in Glencoe, Guysborough County, he was the son of the late Mathias and Annie (Kelly-MacDonald) Watson. Joe was a hardworking man spending time as a pulp cutter as well as laborer at many construction sites.  He kept active in retirement enjoying his trips into town to meet and talk to people. As an antique car enthusiast, he enjoyed accompanying his son Anthony to car shows. Above all, he was a very devoted and loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He will be greatly missed by his son Anthony (Natascha); grandchildren: Makenna, Ashlyn and Grace; great granddaughter, Brooke. Also survived by sisters, Noreen Mary, Ont. and Barbara, Antigonish; brothers: Matt (Linda) MacDonald, Ont.; Mike (Darlene) Worth, Cole Harbour; Harvey (Elaine) Watson, Havre Boucher and Jerome (Sheila) Watson, Antigonish. Predeceased by sisters: Rose Worth, Catherine Delorey and Theresa Mahoney; brother, Thomas. Visitation will be in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish on Friday, March 22nd from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Thomas Church, Salmon River on Saturday, March 23rd at 11:00 am with Father Godwin presiding.  Burial in the parish cemetery. Donations in memory may be made to a charity of choice.  Online condolences: www.clcurry.com