CAMPBELL
Gladys Patricia “Patsy” Campbell passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2nd, 2026, surrounded by love. Born on January 25th, 1951, Patsy was the daughter of the late Louis and Gladys Wyre. A lifelong resident of West Bay Road, Nova Scotia, she married Bryden Campbell in 1972 and together they built their home and started a family. Patsy worked various jobs in her early days before children. In the late 1980s, she returned to work and began her 30 year career with Inverness County Home Support. This job allowed her to provide compassionate care for her local community and to make many long-lasting friendships – with both clients and co-workers. It was a career she truly enjoyed. Patsy had a strong sense of fairness which she applied in her role as president of her CUPE local. She was also a member of the West Bay Road Ladies Auxiliary for many years. Her sense of community was strong and she always had a smile, a helping hand, a thoughtful gesture, or a pan of biscuits to share. She valued the simple acts of support that make life meaningful. Patsy’s life was rooted in family and those she loved. She was a devoted wife, a mother of four daughters, and a proud grandmother of four granddaughters. She instilled in “her girls” the same values of independence, resilience, and humour that she carried throughout her own life. Her home was a gathering place – filled with warmth, conversation, and the kind of hospitality that made everyone feel welcome. A trip to Bryden’s garage was never complete without a cup of tea and a witty comment. Patsy kept connected with friends and family through little visits, sending cards, making calls, a quick Facebook note, and hosting gatherings. In the early 1990s, she and her family were able to connect with long-lost family in England, which brought her great joy in the years that followed. She will be greatly missed by her loving husband of 53 years, Bryden; her four daughters – Jennifer (Patrick Casey), Denise (Eric Morrison), Shelly (Allan Dewar), and Lindsay (Logan Davis); and four granddaughters – Rory, Tillie, Ruby, and Penny; sister, Edith MacDonald; brother, Wayne Wyre (Mitzi); special aunts, Patsy MacKinnon and Judy Landsberg: uncle Derek Wyre; and the extended Wyre and Campbell families. She was predeceased by her parents, Louis and Gladys Wyre; brother, Jamie Wyre; parent-in-laws, Donald and Mary Campbell; sister-in-law Jeanette Campbell; brother and sister in-law Colleen and Francis Campbell; and several aunts and uncles. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the caregivers who supported Patsy throughout her illness, treating her with such kindness and compassion. A visitation was held at Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury, from 2:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6th, 2026, and a service took place at St. Margaret’s Church (West Bay Road) at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7th, 2026. A reception followed in West Bay Road Fire Hall, with burial to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Margaret’s Building Fund (roof repair) or a local children’s charity of your choice. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com.
CHIASSON
Alexandre “Daniel” Chiasson, age 86, of Cheticamp, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 25th, 2026 in the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Cheticamp. He was a son of the late Peter and the late Eulalie (Deveaux) Chiasson. At the age of 13, Daniel left school to take care of his siblings and to do household chores, because his mother was sick. At the age of 14, he started fishing with his father. He fished most of his life and he excelled at it. He also worked in the woods and did some carpentry. He was a “closet” musician. He sang, played the mandolin and harmonica, could stepdance, and he could play a few tunes on the organ and the piano. He loved music and he loved to dance. He was at his best surrounded by nature. He was fondly attached to his fur buddy, “Bebe.” Daniel is survived by his son, Gilles Chiasson (Denise Bourgeois); daughter, Hilda Chiasson; his partner and good friend, Margaret Deveau; sisters, Yvette (late Henri) Bourgeois, and Emilda (Joseph Charles) Roach; and granddaughter, Cara (Griffin) Bartlett. Besides his parents, Daniel was predeceased by his brothers, Alfred, Leópold, and Albert; and sisters, Marie Cecile, and Alberte. As he wished, there will be no funeral services. A private family celebration will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Cheticamp Funeral Services Ltd. Condolences may be made to: www.cheticampfuneralservices.ca.
GILLIS
Neil Joseph Gillis passed away suddenly at home at the age of 78 on February 5th, 2026. Neil was a lifelong member of the Iron Workers Union Local 752. He worked and travelled throughout Canada as an iron worker/welder all his life. Neil was a devoted family man who cared deeply for all those he loved. His granddaughter Lauren meant the world to him and they shared a very special bond. Neil is survived by his wife Mary J. Gillis, daughter Barbara (Stephen), and son Bradley. He is also survived by his sister Barbara and brother Anthony (Ellen), as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Simon and Flora Belle Gillis, as well as his sisters Anne and Marion, and his brother Rannie. Neil was known for his kind nature and willingness to help anyone who needed it. His smile and laughter will always be remembered by those who loved him. In lieu of flowers donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at St. Margaret’s of Scotland on Friday, February 13th, at 11:00 a.m.
HIGGINS
Josephine Sarah (MacEachen) Higgins, August 18th, 1938 to January 18th, 2026: Josephine was a proud Cape Bretoner who carried on the traditions of family, hospitality, resilience, service, and a love for fiddle music and dancing. No stranger to hard work, Josephine grew up on the family farms, became a teacher, and after her retirement at DND became the manager of the St. Vincent de Paul store in Sidney. Ron and Josephine moved their young family to Sidney 55 years ago. Among her first tasks was to establish her garden, which she tended, along with her flower beds and fruit trees, until her last days. Josephine was an enthusiastic participant in her community and her parish and will be missed by many who enjoyed her company and her zest for life. Tragedy found Josephine many times in her life; most profoundly when she was widowed at 33 with four young children. Mom should be proud of the life she forged for her young family with fortitude and grace. She was fiercely proud of her children, and was admired by many for her extraordinary resilience and contributions to her family and community. We were fortunate to spend a lot of time with mom and she was surrounded by all four children on the day she died. Travel brought her great happiness, especially her trips back home to connect with family, friends, and the rich traditions of Cape Breton. In her later years, Josephine enthusiastically travelled to many places across the world with her sisters and daughters. Survived by her children Curtis, Colleen (Nick), Carla, and Claire; siblings Marian MacDonald in Wayland, MA, Jeanette MacNeil in Port Hood, and Donald (Judy) MacEachen in Long Point; grandchildren, Chad, Terrance (Bonnie), Desmond, Mackenzie; and great grandchildren Kieran, Kaden, and Callen. Predeceased by her husband Ronald Higgins of Wakefield, Quebec; parents Dan Joe and Ida MacEachen; sisters Maureen, Lorna, Donna, and Phyllis; niece Natasha MacEachen; nephews Terry and Gene Cartier; in-laws Ronald MacDonald, Ranald MacDonald, and Cyril MacNeil; Keith, Lois, and Fern Stevenson; Clayton, Doris, Shirley, Dale, Gayle, and Bryan Higgins. A memorial mass will be held February 23rd, 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth’s Church 10030 Third Street in Sidney with a reception to follow. Rest easy mamma. Visit FirstMemorialSaanich.com for condolences, memories and the obituary.
MacDONALD
The family wishes to announce the very peaceful passing of Raymond MacDonald (John A. John Mary) on Sunday, January 4th, 2026. Raymond was born September 9th, 1953, the youngest of 16 children and lived his life between Colindale and Port Hood. He was predeceased by his parents John A. and Catherine; brothers John, Ronald, Donald, Lawrence and Joe; sisters Christena, Isabel; one sister and three brothers (Joe, Gerard, and Basil) in infancy. He is survived by his sisters Margaret (Detroit, MI), Anna (Baddeck, NS), Alexina (Calgary, AL) and Elizabeth (Michael) Pilling (Grand Cayman), He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews. Raymond was employed over the years as a fisherman’s helper, brick layer’s helper, and maintenance man. He loved his fast cars and motorcycles. His special love was Scottish music, and he would dance a step whenever he could. In his later years he would sit by the ocean and reminisce about his days on the sea fishing and cruising. He especially loved his crib marathons with his buddy Jack. The last 16 months of Raymond’s life were spent between Inverness Consolidated Hospital, Hillcrest Nursing Home (Antigonish), and most recently the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home. He was affectionately known as “The Candy Man’ because every staff member, resident, and visitor had to receive a daily treat. Raymond was a very kind, generous, and spiritual man. He always assisted the other residents to make sure they did not miss church service, bingo or the Ceilidh. If there was no one to dance with, he just danced by himself! No matter how he was really feeling when you asked him, he would always answer, “In the pink.” He attended both St Peter’s and St Joseph’s parishes. He was also a simple man and requested no flowers or crying! Our deepest gratitude to all who made Raymond’s last days loving and gentle. He will be greatly missed. The funeral mass was held at 11:00 a.m. on January 13th, 2026, at St Peter’s Catholic Church with Fathers Sebastien and Morris officiating. Burial will be held in the summer of 2026. A reception will be held at the parish hall after the funeral. Online condolences may be left at: www.sunsetfuneralco-op.com.
MacINNIS
John Alex “Jackie” MacInnis, of East Skye Glen, age 85, passed away peacefully on February 4th, 2026, in the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital, Inverness. Born November 9th, 1940, at East Skye Glen, Nova Scotia to the late John Murdoch and Annie (McPhee) MacInnis. He is survived by his wife, Marie (MacDonald), his daughters, Darlene (Steve), Dawna (Glenn), and son, David. Sisters Jessie (late Lauchie) MacKinnon, Edna (late Gordon) MacLennan, Janet (late Angus) Scott, Willena (Peter) Parker, sister-in-law, Laura MacInnis, as well as many nieces and nephews. Especially goddaughter, Lisa Flynn and special neighbors, Sophie, Heidi and John. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Deborah (Doug Cameron); and sisters, Mae (late Neil) MacKay, Margaret (late Neil) Campbell, Laura MacInnis, Shirley Morrison, Phyllis (late DJ) Ferguson, Dolena (late Hector) MacKinnon; and brothers, Murdoch (late June) MacInnis, Stewart MacInnis, Morrison (Laura) MacInnis, brother in infancy; nephews Sheldon MacKay, Graham MacKay, Ivan Morrison; niece Marilyn Burns; grandnephew Jason Campbell; and grandniece Allie MacLennan. Jack spent many years driving trucks, first for his brother Stewart, then on his own. He drove the salt truck for many winters and had a long career as a driver at Little Narrow Gypsum where he made many lifelong friends, especially card shark friends. He also enjoyed playing cards at the Skye Glen and Centerville Community Hall. Jack’s family wishes to express sincere gratitude to all who remember them during this difficult time. Special thanks to Dr. Egar, Dr. Ritter, palliative care nurses, Paulette, Jenelle, and Loriann, EHS Services, and a heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Inverness Consolidated Hospital for making his final days so comfortable. Your kindness and consideration will always be remembered. To all the thoughtful friends and neighbors, your many acts of kindness were much appreciated and will always be remembered. There will be no visitation at this time. A graveside service will be held at the Skye Glen Cemetery at a later date. A reception will follow at the Skye Glen and Centerville Community Hall at that time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Skye Glen Cemetery or Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the care of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Whycocomagh. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com.
MacLEAN
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved Sandra MacLean (née MacDonald), who left us peacefully on December 20th, 2025, at the age of 78, at Brampton Civic Hospital in Ontario. She was a beloved wife, cherished mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and, most of all, a best friend to all who knew her. Born in 1947 to Jim Alex and Alexina MacDonald in the town of Inverness, and a proud resident of the Red Rows, she was one of eight siblings – Donnie (deceased), Cathy, Wayne, Joanie, Hughie, Angie, and Michele. As a teenager, she set out from Nova Scotia in search of adventure, eventually settling in Toronto. It was there that she met her husband George MacLean. They shared 57 years together. Through life’s challenges, they built a loving home and devoted themselves to raising their two children. Sandy (Russell) and Jim (Katty). She was a deeply cherished grandmother to Zackary, Christopher, Evan, and Kaitlyn. Her grandchildren were her greatest blessing, and she shared a uniquely special bond with each of them. They remember her as always being there with a listening ear, heartfelt advice, and so much love – forever their biggest cheerleader. She spent much of her working life as a building superintendent, a role she truly loved. The tenants were like family to her. Sandra had a number of favorite things – new tops/sweaters, perfume, and shopping at Honest Ed’s – right ’til the very last day before it closed its doors forever. But there was one favorite thing that topped the list and that was drinking tea. Sandra’s love of tea was above and beyond and usually involved at least a dozen cups a day and usually more. The milk of choice – none other than Carnation! If you were ever blessed to enjoy a cup of tea in her kitchen, it was one you’d not soon forget. It was brewed all day on the stove and most would swear that it might eat the spoon. But, by far, the best thing about being part of enjoying a cup of tea with her would be the conversation that went with it. She had a unique ability to truly listen – not just hearing words, but understanding what was being said. She was a safe place for anyone who needed one. Sandra possessed a rare and genuine warmth that drew people in and left a lasting impression on literally everyone she met. She had a rare gift for seeing goodness where others did not, and she never hesitated to help those she believed in – no mater who didn’t agree. Although Sandra lived with many health challenges, she faced them with quiet strength and unwavering resilience. She rarely complained of the chronic pain and chose instead to face each day with warmth, kindness, and her ever-present smile. Our family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Tullamore Care Community for their kindness and exemplary care over the last two years. Sandra will be fondly remembered by the staff for her always pleasant demeanor, beautiful smile, quick wit, and great conversation. A beautiful soul is never forgotten and Sandra’s warmth, kindness, and laughter proved true. She just made the world a better place.
MacNEIL
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of James (Jimmy) Michael MacNeil, which occurred at Inverness Hospital on January 18th, 2026 at the age of 81. Jimmy was a devoted husband and father with great intelligence, quick wit, and a wonderful sense of humor. He could hold a conversation on almost any subject with a gift to make people laugh, often with a dirty joke. He believed life should be enjoyed, whether sharing stories over a drink, teasing those he loved or offering advice when it mattered most. Jimmy was predeceased by his parents Patrick and Harriet (Bouchard) MacNeil. He will be deeply missed by his wife Marguerite; sons Michael (Edwina), Russell (Salena), Debby, Denise (Andy), Valerie, and Lorraine (Paddy). Also his grandchildren Gage, Brandy, Linden, Riley, Daniel, Jade, Luke, Chrissy, Anna, Laura, Rory, Ava, Lainie and his five great-grandchildren. Online condolences may be sent to www.sunsetfuneralco-op.com.
ROSS
Douglas Dunbar Ross, November 13th, 1943 – January 13th, 2026: Our dear dad (lover of obituaries and appreciator of funerals) is gone. At the time of his passing, dad was lovingly surrounded by family, who faithfully counted his breaths until they disappeared. In the same serene way dad lived, he slipped away in the afternoon of January 13th, 2026. As “World’s Greatest Dad” title holder (with the mug to prove it) he was gentle, loving, strong, and kind. Dad possessed an endless supply of patience, quarters, and gum. He instilled in all six of his girls a deep love for Cape Breton music and heritage, always reminding us to honour those who had come and gone before us. He was handsome and funny, and called anyone he had ever met (in person or not) a friend. No stranger to hard work, dad provided well for his family without complaint about how tired he must have been, coming home instead with a smile and willingness to spend time with his enthusiastic girls. There are so many things we could say about how wonderful dad was, but the thing freshest in our minds now is how beautifully he embodied suffering well over the past few years. While communication was very difficult of late, we never once had to wonder if dad loved or was proud of us. He’d shown consistently over the years that he adored his family. Left to mourn are his beloved wife of 59 years, Muriel (Etheridge) Ross, who cared so selflessly and tenderly for Dad during his battles with cancer and Parkinsons; his sister Anne (Irving) Deale; his brother Sandy (Josephine); daughters Laurie (Lloyd) Skinner, Suzanne (Ian) White, Tracey (Hugh) Morrison, Allison (Jason) Swan, Barbara (Brandon) Nielsen, and Angela (Carey) Ross; grandchildren Charles, Jessica (Lee), Rebecca (Marcus), Caelan, Joey, Carey, Abigail (Ben), Timothy, Emma, Hannah, Alexander, Tucker, Avery, Audrey, James, Katie, and Ben; and great-grandchildren Ellen, Everest, Oliver, and Emily; and many nieces and nephews (especially Catherine and Kevin after the passing of their father). It goes without saying that the MacDougall Lake Ainslie crew, lifelong friends, regular caregivers, church family and colleagues amassed over the years are feeling this loss as well – you know who you are and we love you! Dad was predeceased by his beloved Grandma Annie (MacRae) Ross, Grandpa Tom Joe Ross, who he worked alongside on the farm – planting trees and caring tenderly for the animals; Uncles Douglas and Alexander, and Aunt Lila – all who he never met, but kept their memories alive in all of us through stories, letters, and pictures; Charlie Tom and Josephine (MacDougall) Ross – loving parents he missed deeply; brother-in-law Irving (Anne) Deale; cherished sisters-in-law Tanya and Sandi Carmichael, niece Hannah Carmichael, dear son Matthew, and grandchildren Semeion and Lucas Skinner, who died in infancy. We are forever grateful to Joseph Ghattas who so patiently and gently helped mom care for Dad over the past few years, and to Joseph’s dear family, for sharing him with us. With eternity on the horizon, Dad was able to communicate to us the deepest regrets of his life. By God’s grace, these were nailed to the Cross of Christ, in which dad trusted for this life and for the next. He is with Jesus, perfected and rejoicing. We will meet again, and while we’re heartbroken, we are grateful for how evident God’s faithfulness and guidance has been to all of us in this time, especially over the past month. We know you’re more alive than you’ve ever been, Dad (1 Thess. 4:13-18). See you soon. Funeral service was held at Margaree Valley Baptist Church on Friday, January 16th, 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made in memory of Dad to Meals on Wheels Margaree. Online condolences: www.sunsetfuneralco-op.com.