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Bridgewater, NS January 8, 1953 - February 2, 2024 BECK, Heather Ann 71, Ray Point Road, Maitland. It is with great sadness that the family of Heather Beck announce her sudden passing on February 2, 2024 in South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater, after a very short battle with cancer. Born January 8, 1953, she is the oldest daughter of Wauneta (Wile) Zinck, Mahone Nursing Home, and the late Earl Zinck. Heathers family was her whole world and she loved everyone dearly. She will be truly missed. Surviving are her husband of 29 years, Wendell Oickle; children Neil Slauenwhite (Karen), Lapland, Natasha Slauenwhite (Greg), Lunenburg, David Beck (Nicole), Pine Grove; stepson Richard Oickle, Wild Cat Road; step-daughter Tara Vatcher, Dartmouth. Heather was blessed to have four beautiful grandchildren: McKenzie Slauenwhite, Ben Wentzell (Kaylee), Alex and Claire Beck; step-grandchildren Camryn Fancy, Sierra Warren Banfield. She was also blessed to become a great grandmother to Layla Wentzell. Also surviving are her brothers and her sister, Perry Zinck (Debbie), Peggy Jefferson (Donnie), Tommy Zinck (Vicki); many nieces, nephews and extended family. Cremation has taken place under the direction of the R.A. Corkum Funeral Home, Wileville. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian cancer society.

Milton, NS February 1, 2024 SMITH – Shirley A., 88, of Milton, Queens County, passed away peacefully in Hillside Pines, Bridgewater on Thursday, February 1, 2024. Born in Liverpool, Shirley was a daughter of the late James H. and Ella (Lowe) Wessell. Shirley was a very active member of the Milton United Baptist Church. She was involved in her community through Eastern Star, Queens General Hospital Auxiliary, Village of Milton Commission, Milton Community Association Auxiliary, 4-H and several more. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, and many forms of crafts. She completed beautiful projects for her home, family and friends. Shirley worked at the Royal Bank, the Bank of Montreal, Earl Illsley’s Service Station and the Milton Post Office. She and Lawrence made the most of their retirement by spending winters in Florida and enjoying cruises with friends. Shirley is survived by her husband Lawrence; her daughter Stephanie (Melvin) MacKenzie of Port Medway, her son David (Paulette) of Charleston. Her grandchildren Adam, Daniel and Alexander. Her sister Elizabeth (Donald) Burns of Liverpool. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon, February 4, 2024 from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. in Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool. An Order of Eastern Star service will be held Monday, February 5, 2024 at 10:45 a.m. followed by funeral service at 11:00 a.m. both in Milton Baptist Church, Milton, NS. Reception to follow in the church vestry. A private family burial will be held at a later date. No flowers by request, donations may be made to Milton Baptist Church, Queens General Hospital Foundation or to a charity of your choice.

Frenchvale, NS September 26, 1936 - January 31, 2024 It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Theresa Musgrave, age 87, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at the Northside General Hospital. Born in Big Beach on September 26, 1936, Theresa was the daughter of the late John and Flora Ann (MacKinnon) MacLean. Theresa was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Frenchvale.  She taught school for many years throughout Cape Breton, retiring in North Sydney at Seton School. She would constantly run into former students while out and about in town and of course, a chat would ensue. She was a very wise and knowing woman who always knew if you were masking the truth. She loved playing the piano and singing Gaelic songs. She loved a good cup of tea, and offering home cooked meals to all and anyone who would enter the house. Most of all, she loved her extensive family, especially her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children - Earl (Marie), Frank (Marilyn), Lynn (Gerard) MacKenzie, Danny, Lorne, Judy (Art) Vaters, Richard (Annette), and her baby, Julie Musgrave (Jamie); son-in-law Patrick McNeil; her 18 grandchildren – Gerard, Ryan, Simon, Davis, Shannon, Chelsea, Brandon, Haley, Dustin, Tyler, Tosha, Victoria, Stephanie, David, Laura, Morgan, Kali (Ryan) and Noah; 16 great-grandchildren – Shelby, Kinsley, Belle, Thomas, Lucy, Bodhi, Evie, Letti, Scotlyn, Mason, Deacon, Ezra, Alonna, Elias, Josiah, and Violet; her sister Ann MacNeil, brother John Andrew “Buddy” MacLean, her special niece Florence, as well as other nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Theresa was also predeceased by her husband, Daniel C. Musgrave; her daughter, Tracy McNeil; son-in-law Jesse MacAulay; daughter-in-law Faye Boudreau, her sisters Katherine and Marilyn MacLean, sister -in-law Cassie MacLean, brother-in-law John Hugh MacNeil. The family would like to extend special thanks to her Homecare workers Agnes Sweeney (who was like a best friend to her), along with Gerry Jessome and Melissa Donovan. Special thanks as well to her palliative care nurse, Julia Penny, as well as doctors Dr. Peter Poulos and Dr. Eugene Ignacio. Visitation for Theresa will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2024 in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney.  Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at St. Mary’s Church in Frenchvale. Burial in the church cemetery will take place at a later date.

Dartmouth, NS April 21, 1955 - January 22, 2024 on of Leland and Doris (Wheaton) Bird, Curtis was born on April 21, 1955, in Amherst. He passed away sudden and unexpectedly on January 22, 2024, of heart issues related to his diabetes, in his own bedroom at his son's house, in Dartmouth, at the age of 68. Curtis is survived by a large family who loved him; Including his siblings: Darlene Zelazo; Tom (Cindy) Bird; Sherman Bird. His children: Leland (Heidi) Bird; Robin (Fred) Bird; Waverly (Thomas) Muessle. As well as 6 grandchildren: Evan, William, Emily, Abigail, Brooklyn, Miles. Beyond his family, Curtis was loved and admired by a great many people, and you'd be very hard-pressed to find anyone who could say a single bad thing about him. He loved horses, studying the bible, hockey (the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Halifax Mooseheads), and playing video games. Those who knew him would be pleased to know that his last meal before his death was Tim Hortons. He loved his family more than anything, and didn't care so much about material things, shrugging it off, saying, “You can't take it with you.” There will be two celebration of life events, in the summer. One just for family, and one open to family and friends. Details of dates and times will become available later.

Meadowvale, NS February 15, 1927 - January 31, 2024 It is with deep regret and heavy hearts that we advise the death of our mother and friend after a short-term illness. Our mom died peacefully Wednesday, January 31, 2024, in Valley Regional Hospital with family by her side. Marie was born in West Torbrook to the late Melborne and Abby (Wessel) Parker. After marriage to her husband, Lawrence in 1949, they moved to their permanent home on Ward Road, Meadowvale. Lawrence died in 1985. She has lived on the same property ever since. Marie lived a simple life. In earlier years, she did housekeeping chores for many residents around Kingston/Meadowvale. She had a passion for berry and corn picking. In the berry field, she was well known for her competitive nature. There was always a friendly competition between mom and her sister, Ella, for the highest number of strawberry boxes picked. She was regularly known as “the last one standing” in the field. In later years, she was well known in the area for her quilting skills. She has pieced together and quilted hundreds of quilts. Many of which are in homes across Canada and the US. It was during the 1960s & 1970s that she convinced Russell & then Ron to be her square dance partner with Heart of Valley Twirlers in Nictaux. She was able to maintain a lifetime goal to live in her home until her death. Marie was predeceased by her husband Lawrence; sisters, Ella Hubley and Mabel Morris; brothers, Edward, and Aubrey; foster brother, Wayne Hoffman. She is survived by her brother, Phillip Parker, Saint John, NB; daughter, Pauline (Allan) Frail, Murphy Lake; sons, Russell (Mary), Eastern Passage, Ronald (Kathy), Kingston, Allan (Gigi), Middleton; 9 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren. We would also like to recognize two of her long-time friends, Marion Rigby and Mary Milner, both of Kingston, for the friendship they have shown through the many years of her life. We are grateful for the support of Dr. Ajay, for his dedicated attention, all the medical staff at Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, the VON care staff and the various staff at Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Middleton. A graveside service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, February 4, 2024, in Tremont Cemetery with Rev. Jeff Milne officiating.

Dartmouth, NS July 25, 1947 - January 25, 2024 Gerald Edward Wilson, a beloved father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend, passed away on January 25th, 2024, at the age of 76. Gerald was born on July 25th, 1947, in Montreal, Quebec, and is survived by his former wife, Wendy Wilson, daughters Kristin Wilson (Greg Hunt) and Vanessa Wilson, as well as his grandson Hayden Hunt. He was predeceased by his father, Victor Edward Wilson, and mother, Eileen Catherine Wilson. Gerald grew up alongside his siblings Mike Wilson, Pat Wilson, and Kim Wilson. Gerald had a long and successful career in sales, where he was known for his personable and outgoing nature. He had a warm smile and a kind heart, making him a friend to many. His ability to strike up a conversation with anyone he met was a testament to his friendly and approachable nature. Gerald took great pleasure in watching his grandson Hayden grow, he was one of Gerald’s greatest joys in life, along with his motorcycle, which brought him a sense of freedom and adventure. He also enjoyed fishing and woodworking; in his younger years he was an avid squash player and soccer coach. Many of the girls that he coached remember him fondly, “Go Sharks”, along with the smell of his pipe wafting across the field as he cheered them on and yelled out plays. Only he could make smoking a pipe look cool. Gerald Edward Wilson will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His warm smile, and kind heart will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace, knowing that he will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the Cancer Society. While there is no specific fund set up, any contribution made in Gerald's memory would be greatly appreciated. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation or service. A celebration of life will be at a later date.

Antigonish, NS January 28, 2024 It is with deep sorrow and love that we mourn the passing of Karen Jean Ross (nee Tozer) of Antigonish on January 28, 2024, at the age of 64. Karen was strong willed and determined to meet her life goals.  She loved her family and had a special place in her heart for all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Karen will be remembered by her partner, Willie Ash; daughter, Jennifer Marshall (Larry); sons, Gordon Ross (Stephanie McCully) and Koady Ross (Mia Hingley); thirteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren; parents, Joseph and Myrna Tozer; sisters, Brenda Tozer and Shirey Martin (David).  She will also be missed by her aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Ross, and brother, James . At Karen’s request, no service will be held. The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at St. Martha’s Hospital for their care and compassion. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of C.L Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish.

Antigonish, NS January 30, 2024 Gillis, Carmella Irene "Cammy", age 83, of Antigonish and formerly of North Sydney, passed away on January 30, 2024, at home. Born in Glace Bay in 1940, she was a daughter of the late Murdoch and Ida (Ward) Matheson. Cammy was the 6th of 17 children and the proud daughter of a Cape Breton coal miner. She witnessed both parents work hard their whole lives; this work ethic was imprinted on her and passed on to her family. Upon relocating to North Sydney, she met Barry and married in 1967. They went on to build a family and were very involved in church and community life. Coming from a large family herself, Cammy easily and happily embraced the ‘North Sydney Gillises’ and became one of their own. Her in-laws became her dear friends, and she steadfastly maintained those connections to her last day. Barry’s siblings, spouses, and their families held a special place in her heart, especially John and Rosaire Young. Along with Barry, she was a long-time Cub and Scout leader, and she made positive contributions to many of the youth in North Sydney. As her children grew, there were countless hockey, baseball, basketball, and soccer games, sailing regattas, piano and highland dance competitions, and pipe band contests. She was able to travel to Scotland with the Gaelic College Pipe Band when they won the World Championships in 1994, and her fundraising efforts paved part of the way to get them there. Cammy treated everyone the same, no matter their station in life. Before the idea of ‘inclusion’ was recognized as a human right, Cammy led the way in North Sydney working with adults in this cherished community. She had a special way of communicating with people and ensuring they knew they were valued. She was a model for healthy living despite her often-daily struggle with kidney disease. Sean gifted her with a ‘beautiful’ kidney in 2006, and this greatly improved her quality of life and gave us more years with her. We are indebted to him for this. Cammy was a devout Catholic and a long-time parishioner of St. Joseph's Church in North Sydney where she participated in many ministries. Her later years saw her delivering the Eucharist to shut-ins as well as enjoying a deep involvement with the Catholic Women’s League. Here she found the perfect blend of faith and friendship, and she treasured these days. Relocating to Antigonish in 2020 to be closer to family, she and Barry developed new friendships and were able to enjoy more time with their children and grandchildren. Although she missed her Cape Breton friends, family, and her church, her final years were full and happy and for this we are forever grateful. Special thanks to Sean, Carla, and Grace ("Gracie Lou") for easing this transition. She would say her greatest accomplishment was her family. Both she and Barry modeled faith, morality, hard work, the importance of helping others, and contributing to the community. Cammy also loved sports and politics and would talk about them to anyone who would listen. She was a colorful commentator while watching sports, and was a loyal follower of the NDP, having witnessed the struggles of miners in her formative years. Her children grew up hearing about the importance of service and as a result, all are employed in public service professions. She was very proud of this. She followed the achievements of her children and grandchildren closely and was sure to call family and friends with news, which she called her ‘press releases’. Her brother, and dear friend, Blair, gave her the nickname ‘TeleCarmella’, and how funny and accurate that was. She kept Canada Post in business with cards as she wanted everyone in her family to be celebrated. Her sense of humor was legendary, and how fortunate we are to inherit it. Her last moments involved cleaning; how she would have loved that! She was a tireless worker, supported many causes and took care of countless people. Her unique blend of compassion and practicality brought comfort to many in their final days. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 57 years, Barry; children, Barry (Lisa),, Middle Sackville; Sean (Carla), Antigonish; Thea (Mark) Campbell, Yellowknife, NT. As well, her dear grandchildren Chad (Rachel), Mary (Connor), Grace, Nate, Alli, Seanie and Mairin. More recently, she was delighted with updates on her great- grandchildren, Nora and Elise. She shared a close bond with Lisa, Carla, and Mark and was very happy her kids found wonderful partners. Her family was her purpose in life, and we will miss Ma and Grandmother terribly. Cammy is also survived by and will be deeply mourned by sisters, Dolores Young, Ethel Tennant, Bernadette (Bill) Dixon, Ida (Ron) Winstanley, Bev Matheson, and Maria (Jimmy) Tutty. Also, her brothers, Wayne (Josie) Matheson, Bernie (Lois) Matheson, Blair (Germaine) Matheson, and Reeves (Valerie) Matheson. ‘Carmella’ had a special relationship with every sibling and loved them with all her heart. She will be deeply missed by Barry’s surviving family: Rosaire (John) Young, Ron (Nita) Gillis, Bernadette MacDougall, and Jeannie (Urs) Schweizer. Also left to share fond memories are countless nieces and nephews, especially Cathy Balah with whom Cammy shared a special friendship. She will be happily reunited with her parents Murdoch and Ida Matheson; cousin, Eugenie Matheson; brothers, Gerald, Paul, Owen, Sonny, Jimmy, and Mick Matheson. Also, her Matheson in-laws Yvonne Matheson, Judy Matheson, John Young, and John Tennant. Also waiting for her are Barry’s family, Martin and Nora Gillis, Wilma and Lloyd Balah, Florence and Allan Gillis, Regina, Mary and Father Joe Gillis and, brothers-in-law, Charlie MacDougall, Leroy MacDonald, and Allan Gillis. Many treasured extended family and friends have gone before her who we know are enjoying her company once again. Special thanks to Shirley MacPherson and Monica Sullivan, her ‘Antigonish Friends’ who became treasures to Cammy. To the Antigonish RCMP and Emergency Services, thank you for your compassion and professionalism. A celebration of Cammy’s life will be held in North Sydney at a later date. In Memoriam, donations to the North Sydney Food Bank would be appreciated. Barry was a longtime volunteer. Arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish and W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, North Sydney. In my Mother’s hand, mine looks small and weak for I am new to this world. Yet with my hand in hers I feel no fear. Her hand was always there as I grew, Either to comfort me or to teach me, depending on what I needed. Now I am a parent and she is a grandmother. When I see my children’s hands in hers I feel no fear. Life has gone full circle now. As she is small and weak and I am strong. I sit beside her scared of what the future may hold. But when I look down, it is my hand that is small in hers.  And, I feel no fear and know I never will, for my hand will forever be In my Mother’s hand.

Middle Sackville, NS January 29, 2024 With saddened hearts-the family of Grant Robert Welsman  age 70 years, of Middle Sackville, Nova Scotia, announce his passing on January 29, 2024, at the QEII Halifax Infirmary Site. Born in Halifax he was the son of the late George and Marie (Yeadon) Welsman. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years Rose Ella Welsman , son Peter Welsman (Joanne) ,daughter Heather Welsman, grandchildren Larrissa Mahar,  Donovan Jarvis ( son of Peter), brother Gary Welsman, as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was  predeceased Kelsey Mahar daughter of (Heather), brothers Kevin Welsman and Darrell Welsman. Grant enjoyed spending time at the cottage in Moser River where he hunted , fished and spent time with his loved ones,  family and friends along with his favorite drink (Russian Prince) Visitation will be 12:00 (noon) p.m. till 4:00 p.m.  Saturday, February 3 in  Dartmouth Funeral Home, 29 Queen Street, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Cremation to follow and burial will take place at a later date. Donations can be made to the in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or charity of choice. Rest in Peace Dad we love you , you will be missed XOXO

Antigonish, NS January 28, 2024 Gladys Mary Ruggles passed away on January 28, 2024 at the Green Meadows Community Residence for Seniors in North Grant, Antigonish County, Nova Scotia at age 92. Gladys was born in Kettering, England to Walter and Alice Bugby. She was always adventurous and left her home and small town at age 16 to live and work in a private maternity home. Later she met the love of her life, Robert Ruggles. In 1952, she followed him to Fort William (now Thunder Bay), Canada, where they were married in 1957. She worked as a secretarial administrator until she started her family in 1961. She had many fond memories of her family, friends, and home in Thunder Bay. Gladys was British to the core and had a great sense of duty, honour, and philanthropy.  She had a life-long interest in opera, gardening, and crafting, particularly knitting, crocheting, and tatting.  In 2009, after her husband passed away, she moved to Antigonish to be closer to her daughter Lesley who provided her with loving care. She was predeceased by her parents, siblings Hilda (Australia), Walter (England), Frederick (England), Richard (England), and her husband of 52 years, Robert (Thunder Bay). She is survived by her children, Dr Lesley Ann Ruggles (Raymond Hegarty) Antigonish and Alan Martin Ruggles (Natalie) BC, as well as nieces and nephews in Canada, England, and Australia. She was particularly close to Jamie Ruggles (Joyce), David Ruggles (LouAnn) and great nieces Brittany Ruggles and Lindsay Staal (Marc), all of Thunder Bay. Gladys's family would like to thank her caregivers and many friends who supported Gladys and her family in her final years. Cremation has taken place, and she will be laid to rest next to her husband, Robert, in Thunder Bay in a private service in the summer. Donations in memory can be made to Hope For Wildlife, NS or to a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish.

Coldbrook, NS January 28, 2024 It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our son, brother, grandson, nephew, and dear friend, Brandon William Baker, of Coldbrook on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at the age of 27. Born in Kentville, he was a son of Joleen Olmstead (Brian Fanning), of Coldbrook and the late William "John" Baker. Brandon had the biggest heart and would try to help anyone that needed him. He enjoyed music and writing songs, fishing and collecting cards. He was a gamer and loved Fortnite. He resonated with the Joker from D.C. Comics for his complex understanding of the world. Brandon was an excellent cook and aspired to go to Culinary School. We will all miss his creative meals and love of the kitchen. In addition to his mother and stepfather, Brandon will be deeply missed by his siblings, Courtney Baker (Nick Pretty); Amberlee Baker, all of Coldbrook; and Riley William Baker of Waterville; grandparents, Shirley (Mike "Pops") Benjamin, Waterville; and Nannie Suzy Thorpe, New Minas; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family. He was predeceased by his father, John in 2020; and his maternal great-grandmother, Ruby "Audrey" Bezanson. Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2024 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, immediately followed by the funeral service (with a video webcast) at 3:00 p.m. Rev. Rick Small officiating. A reception will be held at the Coldbrook Lions Club, 1416 South Bishop Road, following the service. Interment will take place at a later date in the Berwick Cemetery, Berwick. Donations in memory may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.

Antigonish, NS January 30, 2024 Babin, Myrna Viola, age 79, of Beauly, Antigonish County, passed away on January 30, 2024, with her family by her side in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, following a short battle with cancer. Born in Whitehead, she was a daughter of the late Ralph and Hazel (Spears) Munroe. Myrna was active in her community and made a lot of friends doing so, volunteering with St. Andrews CWL and the community centre. Her jams and her baking will definitely be missed. Family was the whole world to her, and she loved organizing family dinners.  She loved her grandchildren more than anything, and she had a special place in her heart for her furbabies, especially Thor who lived up to his heroic name. She is survived by her partner, Hughie Cameron; children, Al (Melinda) Babin, Taylors Road; Shelley (Alex) Cameron, Southside Harbour; and Kenneth (Melissa) Cameron, Beauly; grandchildren, Melissa, Michael, Kyle, Kier, and Stephanie, great-grandchildren, Peyton, Aaliyah, Remi, and Mia; brothers, Max (Effie) Munroe, Little Dover; and Merle Munroe, Clydesdale; her dear friends, Shirley Vigneau and Geraldine Boyle; and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her brother, Kenneth (Patsy) and sister-in-law, Dianne Munroe . Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Myrna’s life will be held at a later date. In Memoriam, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society appreciated. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish.