BEATON
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Margaret Anita Beaton, 64, of Port Hood, Cape Breton, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving and devoted family on March 28th, 2026, in the Halifax Infirmary. Margaret was a daughter of the late Lea and Catherine (Campbell) Hawley of Nevada Valley, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Margaret is survived by her sons, Tristan (Brigid), Leander (Jenna); their father, Donald Beaton, as well as her four grandchildren, Lilly, Brady, Sadie, and Colt, who will carry her memory forward. Dear sister of Stewart (Cheryl) Hawley, Kitchener, Ontario, Anne MacDonald, Mabou, the late Tena Hawley, Whycocomagh, NS, Daniel (Margaret), Kitchener, Ontario; Cathy (Norbert) MacLellan, Troy, NS, the late Raymond (Nancy) Hawley, St. Mary’s, Ontario, Pauline (Fernando) Correia, Cambridge, Ontario, the late Patricia De Amorim (Antonio) Kitchener, Ontario, Theresa (Alex) Fancsali, Kitchener, Ontario, and Mary (Fernando) Medeiros, Cambridge, Ontario. She will be forever missed by her many nieces and nephews, numerous relatives, and close friends who will forever hold her memory in their hearts. Margaret lived a meaningful life with her close circle and found comfort in her faith in Jesus. She found great joy in life’s simpler moments – tending to her flower gardens, listening to the birds singing, peaceful drives in the countryside while listening to country music, sharing a cup of tea and a warm biscuit with a friend, and delighting in watching her grandchildren grow. Margaret had an artistic, creative gift as was reflected in her passion for folk art painting, home decorating, and personal fashion. She surely loved her shopping trips to Sydney! Above all, Margaret cherished time with her two sons and their families whose love meant the world to her. She took deep pride in watching her sons mature into successful and loving husbands and fathers. Margaret will be remembered by her family who, despite life’s challenges, remained an enduring part of their hearts. Her world may have been small, but it was her own, and within it she showed endurance, strength, and a quiet dignity. Margaret’s family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the love, prayers, and support received during this difficult time. Without a doubt, Margaret’s loving beautiful soul will never be forgotten. We are heartbroken to lose her but take comfort in knowing she is in God’s hands now and one of His special angels. As per Margaret’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Margaret’s family received relatives and friends from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. on Tuesday April 7th, 2026, in Port Hood and Area Resting Place. A funeral mass and reception was held in St. John the Baptist Church, Brook Village on Wednesday April 8th at 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to St. John The Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, Brook Village.
MURRAY
Francis Xavier “Sonny” Murray passed away April 1st at Cape Breton Regional Hospital at the age of 88 after a brief illness. Survived by wife Margaret (nee Miller); sons Hugh (Lorna) and Scott; daughters Terry (Stephen), Mary Anne, and Heather (Rob); grandchildren Alex (Aditi), Michael, Catherine Louise (Colin), Erica (Connor), Kyle, Dylan, Matthew (Autumn), Amelia, and Rhys; and great grandchildren Claire and Arjun. Born, June 25th, 1937, in Nevada Valley, Inverness County, Cape Breton, he was predeceased by parents Hugh and Theresa Murray, sisters Catherine, Georgia, and Julia; brother Denny; son Angus; and brothers-in-law Joseph Seward Ryan and Parkie Ryan. He moved to Halifax as a teenager with his sisters. Following completing his education in Halifax, he worked for IBM for 30 years as a service technician. Upon retiring from IBM, he worked for St. Mary’s Parish, East Bay for 30 years. Sonny married the love of his life, Margaret, on June 30th, 1959. He said his life began when he met her. They raised their six children in Halifax and Sydney Forks. Sonny had a lifelong love for traditional Cape Breton fiddle music. He provided guitar accompaniment to many fiddlers before taking up fiddle playing himself. He was modest about his talent but respected for his playing. He and his wife, Margaret, hosted many house parties over the years and formed many friendships with other musicians and their families. Sonny’s passion for the traditional style of playing was recognized by other musicians, and he had a few fiddle tunes written by others that were named after him. While living in Halifax he was a member of the Cape Breton Club. Upon his return to Cape Breton, he became a member of the Cape Breton fiddler’s association and was also a member of the Sydney Scottish Strings group. For several years, he enjoyed building and flying remote control airplanes with his youngest son Scott. Having always wanted an antique car he finally got himself a 1931 Model A and spent several years restoring it along with the help of his friends, Don Meister and Shane Currie. As per Sonny’s wishes there will be no visitation or funeral. A private graveyard service for family and friends will take place at a later date. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting twcurry.com. Donations may be made to: St. John The Baptist Cemetery, Brook Village, NS, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a charity of choice.