BEATON
Donald “Donnie” Beaton, 89, of Mabou Harbour, passed away peacefully on May 1st, 2026, in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital with family by his bedside. Born at Mabou Harbour, Donnie worked the family farm and helped his mother and siblings after his father’s death. He was extremely knowledgeable about his family heritage, the Gaelic language and music. He was interested in all things fishing. He was a shy, skilled performer on the guitar and fiddle, which was undeniable to anyone lucky enough to hear him play. Donnie was a devoted fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs quietly for the past number of years. He was a loyal listener to CBC Radio and an avid reader. He always had a beautiful garden each year that he gladly shared with family and friends. Donnie was a dedicated employee of E.P. Melanson Ltd. and the Ceilidh Fishermen’s Coop at the Mabou Harbour wharf until his retirement. He will be missed by all who knew him. Donnie is survived by his sisters, Mary Catherine (d. Tom Glenman), Merigomish and Christene (Ronald MacDonald), Judique; sister-in law, Rosie (d. Sandy), Mabou Harbour; and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Donald and Margaret (MacDonald) Beaton; sisters, Sally Boyle (Mickey), and Flossie Larade (Alex); brothers, Alexander (Anne), John Dan (Monica), Sandy and William (aged 4 years); nephews, Billy Glenman and Patrick Larade; and grandniece Emma Larade. Visitation will be held in the vestry of St. Mary’s Church, Mabou on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026, from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Funeral mass will take place in St. Mary’s Church, Mabou, on Thursday, May 7th, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Burial to take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery Fund. Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com.
CAMERON
“Take my hands, I give them to you, Lord.”
Alexander Gerard Cameron, born October 21st, 1953, passed away peacefully on May 4th, 2026, at Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his immediate family. Gerard was predeceased by his parents, Sandy and Mary Catherine (Beaton) Cameron of Northeast Mabou; his younger brother, David Bernard; and, in 1984, his three-month-old son, Kramer Gerard. Gerard is survived by his wife, Marcella (Mac Neil) Cameron; his children: Jacintha Cameron (Calgary), Alethea (Stefano) Peca (Boston), Father Kramer Donn Cameron, LC (Florence, Italy), Paulette Cameron (Halifax), and Josefa Cameron (Charlottetown); and his cherished grandchildren: Rose, Anna Clare, Catherine, Kolbe, Giorgio, Aurelia, and Kateri. He is also survived by his siblings, Lawrence (Carmie), Eugene (Evelyn), Brian (Mary Alice), Claire (Cyril), Bernadette (Dan), Eleanor (Mark), Bernard (Nancy), and Angela (David), his godchildren, his Mac Neil in-laws, and many nieces and nephews. Gerard passed away as he lived – in love, faith, and gentle strength. Mabou was home, where he learned the value of hard work on his parents’ dairy and sheep farm. That foundation shaped a life spent as a Red Seal journeyman carpenter and a long-haul trucking owner-operator, where he earned respect for his skill, reliability, and quiet integrity. His interests were broad; he studied Heavy Duty Mechanics at the Nova Scotia Eastern Institute of Technology, was a certified PADI scuba diver, and attended flight school. He was a supportive community member, a Knight of Columbus and an usher at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. He was a lifelong learner and had a deep love for nature. In Mabou, he built the family home with his own hands – a lasting reflection of his love, sacrifice, and craftsmanship. In 2001, he moved with his family to Calgary, later returning home to Cape Breton to partially retire. Gerard was a steady, kind presence who expressed his love through action and words. He faced pancreatic cancer with steadfast courage and died prayerfully surrounded by his wife and children in days filled with mass, song, storytelling, and gratitude. He will be remembered for his compassionate, loyal, and generous heart and the enduring work of his hands. Above all, he devoted his life to his family. The visitation will be held at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church vestry in Mabou on Friday, May 8th, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 9th, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary’s. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to pancreatic cancer research, Saint Mary’s Catholic Church or your local food bank. The Cameron family extends sincere gratitude to the incredible healthcare professionals, all hospital staff, and for the generous support and prayers of our community near and far.
INGRAHAM
Matilda, age 90, of Kenloch, Inverness passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 27th, 2026, in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital. She was a member of St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Broad Cove. Matilda started her nursing career with a two-year nursing course in New Brunswick. She worked at the Inverness Memorial Hospital for 10 years. When she met the love of her life, George, she followed him through his career with the Canadian Armed Forces, returning to Cape Breton in 1969 when she resumed her nursing career. During her 30 years in nursing, she was well known and loved for the care and compassion shown to all her patients (some asking for her by name). Matilda is survived by sons Brian (Marcella), Port Hood, Neil (Carol), Lower Sackville; daughters, Cathy (Mike) Beaulieu, Wellington, Mary (Billy) MacDougall, Beaver Bank; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her fur baby, Boots. Matilda was predeceased by her husband George; son David Neil; grandson David Francis; son-in-law Billy MacDougall; brother Dan Alex Kennedy; her parents Annie and David Kennedy; brothers-in-law Murdoch Alex (Pat), William, and David; and sister-in-law, Julia MacIsaac. Visitation was held in Inverness Funeral Home on Sunday, May 3rd from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral mass was held on Monday, May 4th, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Broad Cove with burial to follow in St. Margaret of Scotland cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Central Inverness Palliative Care Society or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be made to www.invernessfuneralhome.com. “Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”
MacDOUGALL
Velma (Duckie) MacDougall, 93, surrounded by her loving family, courageously passed away on April 28th, 2026, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. She was born in Mulgrave to Harold and Clara (Spurrell) Crittenden. As one of 11 children, she was so small she could fit inside a shoebox. What she lacked in size, she made up for in personality. Duckie loved telling jokes and one-liners which were always followed by her signature cackle. She didn’t crawl or walk when she was a child, she stood up and ran. This describes how Duckie moved through life, full speed. She played cards and bingo to win, and she made sure you knew it! Duckie took great pride in her appearance and always looked her best. One of her greatest summer pastimes was spending it on the beaches in Port Hood with her family and friends. In later years, she could be found on the verandah, watching the sun set over Port Hood Island. It was her family whom she loved dearly and always made sure we knew it with a “love ya” and a big squeeze. Duckie is survived by daughters, Terry Penny (Greig Bishop), Cathy Fitzgerald and son, Allan; granddaughter, Meghan Penny (Mike Giles); grandsons, Bradley (Kayla Pilot), and Gregory (Jade) Fitzgerald; her two great grandsons, Kian and Lugh Giles, who were shown the love of their Nana Duck. She is also survived by brothers, David, Marvin, and Charlie, and sister, Jean. Besides her parents, Duckie was predeceased by her husband, Roddie CN MacDougall; son-in-law, Frank Fitzgerald; brothers, Donnie, Alvin, Russell, and Ivan; and sisters, Bertha and Betty. Duckie enjoyed the last seven years at Rideout House where she formed special friendships. Donations can be made in memory of Duckie MacDougall to Palliative Care at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, NS. Funeral services to be held at a later date. Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.
MacLELLAN
It is with profound sadness that the family of Gus (Angus) MacLellan advises of his death on May 2nd, 2026, in Truro, Nova Scotia, with his wife and sons by his side. Gus was 78 years old. Gus was the son of Malcolm and Florence MacLellan of South West Margaree, NS. Born in Inverness and raised in South West Margaree, Gus graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1970. He loved fly fishing on Nova Scotia’s beautiful rivers, a hobby he started later in life, but still introduced to both of his sons. His favourite fishing spot was the Margaree River that wanders and weaves through the beautiful valley of his original home. Gus often commented that fishing on that river was calming and almost spiritual. Gus’s connection with the people of Cape Breton remained strong until the end. Closer to home, for many years he and his wife Debbie hiked in Victoria Park and biked along the Bay of Fundy. In their younger years, Gus and Debbie traveled the world and had wonderful adventures together. Gus’s career started with the Business Development Bank and ending as a founding partner at MacLellan and Moffatt Financial Inc. One of Gus’s greatest joys in his long career was building relationships with his clients and watching their families and businesses thrive over time with his sound guidance. Gus leaves behind his very best friend and love of his life Debbie (Deborah) MacLellan (Moffatt); two sons, Daniel (Amy) of Halifax, NS, and Craig (Emily) of Calgary, AB; and his five amazing grandchildren, Sophie, Ivy, Emma, and twins Louis and Simon. Gus leaves behind four siblings: Clarrie (Donna) of Burlington, ON, Rhoda (Bill Lawlor) of Bedford, NS, Danny of Halifax, NS, and Debi (Arnie Farrell) of Antigonish, NS. Gus was very close with Debbie’s siblings: Becci (Brian Langille) of Truro, NS, Gar (Susan) of Folly Lake, NS, Bill (predeceased), (Gail) of Folly Lake, NS, and Rachel (predeceased). Gus chose medical assistance in dying so that the end of life could be on his terms and with his dignity preserved. All those involved in the coordination of this process are thanked for their exceptional care and direction. One of Gus’s favorite quotes was “the power of a dad in a child’s life is unmatched.” His sons, and their children, are a living testament to the wonderful father they had in Gus. A visitation and celebration of life will be held at the Inn on Prince, 437 Prince St., Truro, NS, May 6th, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Gus would prefer a donation to an organization that he supported for many years, Steps on Arthur, (www.stepsonarthur.com) or to a charity of your choice. “As sure as the wind in the trees, we rise again in the faces of our children, we rise again in the voices of our song, we rise again in the waves out on the ocean and then we rise again.”
McMANUS
With deep sadness, we announce the sudden passing of our youngest sibling, Velda McManus (née MacLeod), on February 4th, 2026. Velda was born on May 19th, 1950, in Baddeck Hospital. She later made her home in Toronto and Ottawa, where she lived and worked for over 40 years. Velda was a talented artist who truly enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. She had a gentle heart, and approached life with quiet courage and kindness. Velda enjoyed spending time in Lake Ainslie as well as at her family home in Aberdeen, places that brought her joy and happiness among friends and family. She was predeceased by her parents, Roddie and Marjorie (Logan) MacLeod; her brothers Byron (Vicky), Robert (Beatrice) and grand nephew Owen Dermody. Left to mourn her loss and carry her memory in their hearts are her brothers, Leonard (Katheryn) Whycocomagh, Lev (Janet) Truro, her sister Helen (Bill) Aberdeen and several nieces and nephews, grand-nephews, and nieces. Cremation has taken place. A committal service will be held on May 16th, 2026, at Harborview Cemetery in South Haven at 11:00 a.m. Rest peacefully, Velda.