BUDGELL
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Mary Budgell (nee Marple) passed away with her family by her side on the morning of March 15th. Mary was the second of four children, she is survived by her husband Doug Budgell; her sons Eric (Heather), Andrew; her grandkids, Sadie, Bianca, Cressida, Heidi; her siblings, Gail (predeceased by her husband Eric), Murdo (Marie), Neil (Denise); and many connected cousins and friends. Born on March 10th, 1944, on Cape Breton Island, Mary grew up on her family farm in Scotsville Cape Breton. She was raised by her mother Annie, her grandfather Duncan, her grandmother Eliza, her uncles Chris, Neil, and aunt Donna. Alongside her siblings Gail, Murdo, and Neil, her upbringing on the shores of Lake Ainslie was defined by hard work, community, and love, characteristics that she carried with her throughout her life. Mary’s lifelong dedication to others began early. Alongside lifelong friends, at age 17 she graduated as valedictorian of her nursing class in Glace Bay, where she began her career. In 1965, a chance encounter on Lake Ainslie Road led to a first date with an Inverness RCMP Constable Doug Budgell, originally from Newfoundland. They married in May 1967 and shared 60 years of devoted marriage, a true partnership in which they built their family, home, and careers together. Mary was a proud and perfect mother to Eric born in Halifax, and Andrew born in Ottawa. While her career was paused to raise her children, she later returned to nursing at the Riverside Hospital in Ottawa where she served alongside many friends until her retirement at age 67. She spent her later years as a devoted grandmother to Sadie, Bianca, Cressida, and Heidi. Much like her mother Annie MacGregor, Mary was extraordinary. She dedicated her life to advocating for her family, friends, patients, and even strangers. She was a compassionate nurse, mother, grandmother, spouse, and friend whose kindness was never conditional, but simply her way of being. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. The family would appreciate donations to the May Court of Ottawa Hospice for their care and compassion. A service will be held at the Lake Ainslie Presbyterian Church on July 16th at 2:00 p.m.
CAMPBELL
The Campbells of Glenora announce the peaceful passing of Angus John Campbell, son of Dan J. and Mary MacLellan Campbell, Glenora Falls, Inverness County, Nova Scotia. Funeral and celebration of life will take place on September 5th, 2026, at St. Mary’s Church and Mabou Hall. Official obituary to follow at a later date. Per: Mary Campbell, Glenora, Mabou, Nova Scotia.
MacLEAN
It is with profound sadness that we, the family of Sarah Catherine MacLean, Sydney, announce the peaceful passing of our loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother on January 12th, 2026, at her home. She was 96. Sarah was born in Sydney to the late Herbert and Margaret (MacDougall) Cossitt of Ashby. She married Kenneth H. MacLean of River Denys and together they owned and operated MacLean Industrial Supply Co. Ltd. Sarah and Ken leave a wonderful legacy to their family, community, and their beloved Cape Breton. Sarah is survived by her children, Melynda MacDonald (Jim), Dr. Franklynne Vincent (Dr. George), Kenneth MacLean (Natalie), Heather MacLean (Dr. Marlett), and Dr. Moira MacLean. She has 12 grandchildren, Meaghan Zwicker (Nathan), Stephen MacDonald (Nazanin), Jocelyn MacDonald, Kathryn MacDonald (Bret), Dr. Matthew (Bella), Dr. Alexander (Marielle) and Harrison Vincent and Regan, Heath, Kenneth (Lynne), Morgan and Liam MacLean. She also has eight great-grandchildren, Elijah, Imogen, Hamish (Zwicker) and Lauchlin MacDonald and Anders, Hollis (Eldstrom), Reagan and Marcus Vincent. As the matriarch and genealogist of the family, she felt great joy spending time with them. Mom is survived by her sisters, Marina (the late Donnie) Anderson and Myrtle (Allan) Matheson. Mom was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth H. MacLean; sisters, Alta (George) Vaughn and Virginia (Fred) Chezenko and brothers, Gus (Evelyn) Cossitt, George (Bernice) Cossitt, Eion Cossitt and Louise (Ward) MacLennan. Our mother wishes to thank the many people who made it possible for her to remain at home. She received the best medical care possible from Drs. Estelle Cameron, Jean Crosby, and Walaa Moamer. The people at Shoppers Drug Mart, Sydney River, were exceptional. Lawton’s on both George/Pitt Street provided specialized supplies and equipment, Vital Air, the VON and her Palliative Care Team. Mom reserves her greatest thanks to her in-home care staff, especially over the last years. Brenda, Yvonne, Leah, Brenda, Taylor, and Juanita provided “exceptional” personal care. They, along with her puppy, Denny supported her through her passing. Those that knew her well were aware of her love of the home she shared with her husband and family. “The Country” in River Denys was her special place where she loved, when time permitted, to sit on her deck to view the Bras d’Or, the fall leaves, and her many birds. Her last trip was Thanksgiving 2025. She knew it might be her last visit and before leaving replied, “I am so thankful for all my blessings.” Cremation has taken place under the direction of Sydney Memorial Chapel. Sarah’s family will hold a celebration of her life at the United Heritage Church on Friday, July 17th, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. Pieter LeRoux officiating. A private family interment will take place in Malgawatch Cemetery, Malagawatch. In lieu of flowers, she requested that donations be made to local Cape Breton charities or any charities of your choice, Loaves and Fishes, Community Firefighter Associations, food banks, or Palliative Care. She was an advocate of people, no matter the age, learning, and seeking an education. Helping students advance through scholarship was important to her.
POIRIER
It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden, unexpected death of Donald Angus (D.A.) Poirier, 38 years old. He was living in Winnipeg, Manitoba; but was formerly from Lake Ainslie, Cape Breton. He was born on October 13, 1987, to his parents the late Joseph (Joe) Poirier and Marion (Spears-Poirier) Hyslop. D.A. is survived by his son Joseph Poirier, his daughter Charlotte (Charlie) Poirier, and their mother Stacie; his girlfriend Tara Chartrand and step-children Austin, Jaxon and Cierra Coutu; his mother Marion (John) Hyslop; his sister Krystal Poirier, and his grandmother Florence “Nan” (MacLean) Spears. Also, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Besides his father, D.A. was predeceased by his uncle Raymond Poirier, his grandparents (Grampy) Paul and Shirley (Gerard) Poirier and his grandfather Donald Spears. D.A. attended Whycocomagh Consolidated School until after junior high. The family moved to Inverness; he then went to high school and graduated from Inverness Academy. The teachers commented that he was a polite and kind young man. He could also act as the “class comedian,” which brought a lot of laughter from his teachers and fellow students. After graduating from high school, he went on to take a heavy equipment operator course. The instructors said he had a lot of potential in the field. D.A. attributed some of this skill to his uncle Tommy Poirier for helping and encouraging him. After moving to Western Canada, he proceeded to get his “Big Rig” driving license. He really enjoyed driving the big trucks and tow trucks. He drove across Canada and parts of the United States. He started his own towing company called “South Paw.” D.A. was very proud of his accomplishments and the many skills he had learned in the towing community. D.A. was a very kind, funny and caring man, who always had jokes to share and funny stories that would always cause those listening to burst into hearty laughter. He was always willing to help someone in need. He often introduced people to an old song that he would share with them. He was one of those people that left an imprint on your heart regardless if you knew him for a long time or only a couple of days. He was a one-of-a-kind man. D.A. was taken from us to soon and to young he will be greatly missed. We love you, miss you, treasure our memories, you will live forever in our hearts. Funeral arrangements were under the care of Ken Lochmer Funeral Services, Teulon, Manitoba. Local condolences may be made at www.sunsetfuneralco-op.com. Rest in peace and soar with God’s Angels to your heavenly home.