BOURGEOIS
A life worth celebrating, Roger Bourgeois (February 10th, 1951 – July 27th, 2026), beloved son of the late Pierre and Marianne Bourgeois, lived a life that quietly reminded us all that true greatness is found in kindness. A lifelong resident of Chéticamp, Nova Scotia, Roger was known for his gentle heart, warm smile, and remarkable ability to make everyone around him feel welcome. He never wanted attention, yet he left a lasting impression on countless lives simply by being the caring, genuine person he was every single day. For many years, Roger worked at the Co-op, where customers and coworkers came to know him not only for his dedication, but for the warmth, respect, and genuine friendship he extended to everyone he met. He always had a smile on his face and time for a friendly conversation. Roger embraced life with enthusiasm. In his younger years, he enjoyed sports, tending the net as a hockey goalie and behind the plate as a softball catcher. He was also a devoted member of the Chéticamp Kinsmen for many years, always willing to lend a helping hand and give back to his community. That same spirit of service continued throughout his life as he volunteered with the local seniors’ board, helping others without ever seeking recognition. Music was woven into Roger’s soul. Since the 1980s, he faithfully sang in his church choir, sharing both his voice and faith with his community. He loved the old school music of the 50s and 60s. He and Laurette shared a love of dancing, and some of their happiest memories were made surrounded by family and friends. Whether at a celebration or a community gathering, they could often be found smiling together, enjoying each other’s company and embracing life with the warmth and joy that defined them both. Roger appreciated life’s simple pleasures. He was a devoted fan of the Montreal Canadiens, enjoyed watching the Toronto Blue Jays, and treasured every opportunity to spend time with family and friends. He had a gift for making people feel at home, and his warmth and kindness made even ordinary moments memorable. Above all else, Roger’s greatest love was his family. He was immensely proud of his son, Aaron, and cherished the close bond they shared. They always made a point of staying connected and spoke regularly on the phone. Roger’s heart also belonged to his loving wife, Laurette. It was truly a blessing how they found each other later in life. Together, they shared a beautiful marriage built on love, laughter, and unwavering companionship. They were rarely apart, happiest simply being together – whether doing everyday chores, watching a movie, enjoying a game of cards with family and friends, spending time with Olivier and Josiane, dancing, or simply enjoying each other’s company. Their love was genuine and enduring, inspiring everyone fortunate enough to witness it. From the very beginning, Roger became part of Laurette’s family as though he always belonged. His kindness, humility, and easygoing nature made everyone feel comfortable, and he was loved not as an in-law, but simply as family. He held a special place in his heart for his stepchildren and their families – Jeff and Bridget, Marc and Jolene, and Kevin and Lovey, as well as his step-grandchildren, Ben, Heidi, and Maya, all of whom brought him immense joy and pride. Roger also shared a special bond with Blue and Lola, two Bernese Mountain Dogs who eagerly greeted him whenever he visited. Dogs have a special way of recognizing kindness, and they clearly saw in Roger the same gentle spirit that everyone else did. Roger shared a deep and lasting bond with his brothers and sisters, Vincent and Pierre Lévis (Shirley), Louise Anna (Alfred), Zabeth (George), Stella (Wilburt), and Monique (Cam). He was predeceased by his brothers Emile, Ephrem, Henri, Alphonse, and Robert, and by his sister, Marguerite. Roger treasured all of his siblings and the families they built together, as family was always at the center of his life. Roger was also predeceased by his former wife, Marie Stella. He remained by her side throughout her long battle with cancer, offering his support with the same compassion, kindness, and generosity that defined his life. His greatest legacy will not be measured by what he owned or accomplished, but by the countless lives he touched with his kindness, humility, generosity, and unwavering love. Family, friends, neighbours, coworkers, and even strangers were all greeted with the same warmth and sincerity. Roger had a special gift for making everyone feel valued simply by being himself. One song always held a special place in Roger’s heart – Back Home Again by John Denver. Its message of home, family, and life’s simple blessings reflected the values Roger lived every day. For those who loved him, hearing that familiar melody will forever bring back memories of his gentle spirit, warm smile, and the kindness he shared so freely. Among family and friends, there was a saying that always brought a smile: “Be like Roger.” It was not simply a phrase – it was the highest compliment you could give someone. Kind. Humble. Patient. Genuine. The kind of person who always found the good in others, who loved without condition, and who quietly made the world around him a better place. The world is a little quieter without Roger’s smile, but infinitely better because he was here. He showed us that the greatest legacy we can leave is not wealth or recognition, but the kindness we share and the love we give. For those fortunate enough to have known him, the simple words, “Be like Roger,” will forever remind us that a life lived with kindness, humility, generosity, and love is a life truly well lived. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 8th, 2026 in St. Peter’s Church, Cheticamp from 1:00 p.m. until time of funeral mass at 2:00 p.m. with Father Daniel Gustave and Deacon Gerald LeBlanc officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Cheticamp Funeral Services Ltd. Condolences may be sent to: www.cheticampfuneralservices.ca.
DEVEAUX
Ethel Marie Deveaux, Age 98, Foyer Pére Fiset, Cheticamp, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 1st , 2026 in the Foyer Pére Fiset Guest Home. Ethel was a daughter of the late John and the late Josephine (Boudreau) LeFort. Ethel was a very energetic woman who would be up before the rest of the family, cooking and doing the housework before going to work at the Evangeline Restaurant where she worked for 24 years. Physical fitness was very important to her as she would be out for her daily walks in all kinds of weather with her cousin, Elizabeth or her friend, Malthide. She even took yoga and line dancing classes. At a young age, she was known in her neighbourhood as John’s daughter who could jump over fences. She was a very faithful member of quite a few choirs in Cheticamp , and until Covid, she was still singing in church. She was a woman of faith who volunteered at church with her friend Malthide…doing some cleaning, the candles, counting the collections, and whatever else needed to be done. She was known for her cinnamon rolls with relatives coming for holidays and asking for a batch to take home. She was also well known for her rug hooking, being a founding member of La-Cooperative Artisanale de Cheticamp, where she served as a director for many years. Ethel is survived by her children, Gélas Deveaux (Yvette), Marc Deveaux (Susan), Claude Deveaux (Paula), and Bernard Deveau (Judy); grandchildren, Jennifer, Tina, and Kevin. Besides her parents, Ethel was predeceased by her husband, Amédée; granddaughter, Sylvie; and her siblings, Marie Hélène, Cecile, Sadie, Lucie Mae, Johnny, Stanley, Leo, Amédée, Marie Isabelle, Bernadette, Marie Louise, Arthur, Joseph, Edmond, and Annie Mae. Visitation will be held in St. Peter’s Church, Cheticamp on Monday, August 10th, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. with Father Daniel Gustave officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Foyer Pére Fiset or Paroisse Saint-Pierre. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Cheticamp Funeral Services Ltd. Condolences may be sent to: www.cheticampfuneralservices.ca.
LEBLANC
Odette LeBlanc, age 78, Belle Côte, Inverness County, passed away on Tuesday, July 28th, 2026, at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Chéticamp. Born in Chéticamp on November 5th 1947, she was the eldest child of the late Willie Hubert and the late Thérèse (Chiasson) Deveau. She moved to Montreal with her uncle Henri and aunt Thérèse in 1963 and got her practical nursing diploma. When she moved back to Chéticamp she worked at the Sacred Heart hospital until she married Emile LeBlanc in 1969 at St.Peter’s Church in Chéticamp. She worked briefly at St. Rita’s Hospital, Sydney before having her children, Sheila and Gary. The family moved to Port Hawkesbury, built a home in Troy and then lived in Tamarack Heights until moving to Sherwood Park, Alberta in 1981. She returned to school in Edmonton to requalify as an LPN before having two more children, Jacqueline and Bryan. In 1987 the family moved to Montreal. There she worked as an LPN at a long term care facility in Pointe-aux-Trembles for a number of years. In 2002 the family happily returned to Belle Côte to retire. During the last 24 years in Cape Breton she was very involved in the community. She volunteered with the Catholic Women’s League, the bereavement committee, the visitation of the sick, and was very involved with her local church. She was an active member of TOPS in Chéticamp and enjoyed their weekly gatherings with her sister and friends. She fulfilled her dream of going on a pilgrimage to Rome in 2014 and Lourdes in 2018. Besides her parents, Odette was predeceased by her sisters, Jacqueline, and Priscille; her brother Marcel; and her dogs, Taffy and Junior. She leaves behind her husband, Emile; her children, Sheila, Gary (Keysi), Jacqueline (Glenn), and Bryan; her grandchildren Evelyn, Jaimus, Lincoln, Rori and Emma; her siblings, Linda (Willie James), Patricia, Gordon (Celeste), and Roy (Denise) and her dog JJ. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 6th from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Belle Côte Community Centre. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 7th at 11:00 a.m. in St. Michael’s Church, Margaree.
Memorial donations can be made to Meal on Wheels. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Cheticamp Funeral Services Ltd. Condolences may be sent to: www.cheticampfuneralservices.ca.
LEFORT
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Sandra Marie LeFort on July 21st, 2026, at the age of 68. Sandra died surrounded by her loving family in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII following her brief battle with cancer. Sandra was born on November 7th, 1957, in Cheticamp and grew up in Petit Étang nestled between the ocean and the mountains. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and the late Lucy (Aucoin) LeBlanc. Here she learned a lot about family, love, warm welcomes, and friendships. Sandra spent a good part of her working years at Les Trois Pignons. For over 20 years she managed the bookstore at the Cabot Trail National Park. With a strong pride in her Acadian heritage, she educated and shared with others her knowledge of Acadian culture, traditions, music, art, and history. Sandra was known for her warm smile, kind heart, and infectious laugh. Beautiful inside and out, she was always a selfless nurturer to family and friends alike. There was a warmth that shined through her that was inspirational. She always lent a helping hand to those in need and held a special place in her heart for the elderly. She could always be seen spending quality time with her two sisters with whom she shared an unbreakable bond. Sandra leaves behind her beloved husband, Ernest; her brother, Wayne (Marielle), sister, Nettie (predeceased Gerry), brother, Donny (Alcida), and sister, Charlene (predeceased Donald); brothers-in-law, Rene (Marie), and David (Stephen); sisters-in-law, Bernice (Roger), and Marthe (Linus); nieces, Kim, Kelly, Erica (predeceased); nephews, Todd, Colin, and Marc along with other extended family and many cherished friends. A special thank you to the staff of 8.4 at the QEII, Halifax Infirmary. Funeral mass was celebrated today, Wednesday, August 5th, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Peter’s Church, Cheticamp with Father Daniel Gustave and Deacon Gerald LeBlanc officiating. Burial followed in the parish cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Cheticamp Funeral Services Ltd. Condolences may be sent to: www.cheticampfuneralservices.ca. “A beautiful soul is never forgotten.”