MacRITCHIE
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Patricia (Pat) MacRitchie, who died peacefully at her home in Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia, on Thursday, October 15th, at the age of 93. Born in Sydney on April 3rd, 1933, Pat was the second of four daughters of the late Dr. Murdoch Gordon MacLeod and Ima MacLeod (née MacLean) of Whycocomagh. Pat was deeply connected to the Whycocomagh community, its people, stories, and history. With a remarkable memory and a gift for making connections, she remembered family ties and made everyone feel their experiences mattered. To Pat, Whycocomagh was the most beautiful place in the world, and its greatest treasure was its people. When her father died suddenly in 1947, Pat and her older sister Ella (Ily) helped their mother care for their two younger sisters. This early responsibility helped shape Pat’s lifelong compassion and commitment to others. After graduating as a Registered Nurse from Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, Pat returned to Cape Breton to care for communities throughout Inverness and Victoria counties. In 1958, she married Ken, and moved to Sydney, where they raised their two sons, John and David. As the boys grew, she returned to nursing with the Nova Scotia Department of Public Health. Pat’s care extended well beyond her nursing career. She supported family members through illness and aging and regularly visited people in long-term care facilities, offering companionship, a listening ear and her characteristic humour. Pat and Ken loved travelling, camping across Canada and the United States with their sons before exploring Cuba, Portugal, the Canary Islands, and France in retirement. A memorable Cuban helicopter ride in a hole-riddled Russian military-surplus aircraft reflected Pat’s adventurous spirit; she loved it so much she wanted to go again! In 1988, Pat and Ken retired and built their home overlooking the bay in Whycocomagh, becoming active members of the community and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Pat was able to care for Ken at home until shortly before his passing in 2017. After a brief winter stay in assisted living this past year, Pat returned to the home she loved, cherishing the view, visits with friends and family, and time with her extended family and great-grandchildren. Pat is survived by her son, John (Ingrid van Leeuwen), and grandchild Margaret; daughter-in-law Catherine MacRitchie (Hill); granddaughter, Arianne Morrow (Matthew); great-grandchildren Navy and Cove, and granddaughter, Kristen MacRitchie; her sister, Frances (Fran) MacLeod; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 59 years, Kenneth; her son David; and her sisters, Marilyn (Mimi) MacLeod and Ella (Ily) Connell. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at Dennis Haverstock Funeral Chapel in Whycocomagh on Friday, October 23rd, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24th, followed by interment at Stewartdale Cemetery and a gathering at the family home. The family thanks Leigh-Anne and Theresa of Earth Angels, Dr. Rhea MacDonald, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital staff, and the friends and neighbours whose visits, meals, and thoughtful presence meant so much to Pat. Pat understood that caring for people strengthens the fabric of community. The kindness shown to Pat in her final years reflects the compassion and generous spirit she shared throughout her life and why Whycocomagh was always home. In lieu of flowers, a donation could be made to a local charity of your choice.
TOBEY
It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Mom, Brenda Louise Tobey, who died peacefully on October 17th, 2026, following a short stay at the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow. Mom was born on January 2nd, 1945, to her loving parents, the late Walter and Margaret (Elliott) Tobey. Mom was so deeply loved and will be forever missed by her children, Tobey MacKenzie (Westville), Colin MacKenzie (Salem), Mike (Heather) MacIsaac (Antigonish), and Matt (Courtney) MacIsaac (Shubenacadie). She also leaves behind her beloved sister, Barbara Cameron of Port Hood; niece, Kelly Cameron (New Minas); nephew, Rodger Cameron (Kentville); step-grandchildren, Savannah and Jackson (Shubenacadie); and her partner of 22 years and the love of her life, Gary Porter of Sydney Mines. Mom grew up on Port Hood Island and graduated from high school at just 16 years old. She went on to attend Teachers’ College in Truro and began her teaching career in Port Hood at the age of 17. Over the next 12 years, she taught in Port Hood, Halifax, Wabush, and Thorburn. After having children, Mom retired from teaching. In the 1980s, she began a new career with Statistics Canada, a job she truly loved. She enjoyed travelling throughout Inverness County, interviewing people from one end of the county to the other. She also held fond memories of the wonderful ladies she worked alongside at Stats Can. In late 2025, Mom moved to Westville. Over the past year, there were countless drives (which we affectionately called “deer hunting”), family gatherings, and endless cuddles with Leo the cat. Mom was happy to spend so much time with her children, and we were so grateful to have her here with us. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Michelle and all the staff at Pharmachoice in Westville. Their kindness, care, and support over the past several months meant more to us than words can express. Without them, this journey would have been so much harder. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, October 21st, 2026, in Port Hood and Area Resting Place from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 22nd, 2026, in St. Stephen’s Jubilee United Church, Port Hood, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pictou County SPCA, in honor of Mom’s love for animals. Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com. Mom, you were so loved, and you will be missed more than words can ever say.