Alice Anne (Burke) McMaster, 104, of Inverness N S, passed away peacefully at home on July 22nd, 2026. Alice was born on Aug 24, 1921, in Glace Bay Hospital. She was a daughter of the late Christie (Bryden) Burke and Patrick Burke.
She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Vincent Melanson McMaster, two siblings, Mary Rizok and Joe Burke and her youngest daughter, Evelyn (died following birth).
Alice is survived by her adult children, Patricia MacNeil, Joanne (Lloyd) MacDougall, Alice (Scott) MacGregor, Vincent (Sandy)McMaster, Duncan (Wanda) McMaster, Elizabeth McMaster, Elaine (Charlie)Cameron, Michelle McMaster (Brenda Wilson); 12 grandchildren, (Dustin, Hayden, Eppy, Hayley, Ashley, Bryden, Justin, Patricia, Matthew, Duncan, Lindsay, Caleb); and 12 great grandchildren.
Mom was a committed lifelong learner. From an early age, she loved academics. She also learned many practical skills working on her parent’s farm. After high school, she obtained her R.N. degree in Sydney, N.S., and then her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at St. F.X. University in 1947. Alice became a nursing instructor. She and other instructors played a pivotal role in shaping early generations of Cape Breton nurses. She was nursing in Glace Bay when she met her future husband, the local dentist, during a dental appointment. After marriage and the birth of her first child, they moved from Glace Bay to Inverness. Her nursing career ended as her role as mother and wife took center stage. After the birth of the fifth of her nine children, she went back to study to become a teacher, graduating from St. Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Education in 1963. Mom loved teaching and for many years worked either parttime, full time or as a supply teacher. Always curious, Mom read voraciously. Her reading included the news, history, geography, English, nursing, science books, you name it. She enjoyed cross word puzzles, sudoku and the TV program, Jeopardy.
While the family was growing, and Mom was working, she still found time for community work: Catholic council, Catholic Women’s league, working with immigrant families and helping out during elections.
Alice was well-loved by family, friends, colleagues and students. Her focus was always on the other person. Even when bedridden, the last number of years, she woke with a smile and a genuinely warm “good morning, dear”. Due to hearing loss and extreme poor sight, when she could no longer read or listen to news, she still loved to chat, sing songs and recite poetry and nursery rhymes. She never ceased to feed her mind. She had a formidable memory. I speak for all her adult children in saying we think she was perfect. Her legacy is as our role model on how to have peace of mind, be gentle and kind, and make the best of every situation.
The family is grateful for the kindness and immense support of Dr. John Ritter and the palliative care nurses, the Homecare team and Dr. Susie Egar.
Visitations will be held in Stella Maris Church, Inverness Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 3-3:45 pm, followed by the Funeral Mass at 4:00 pm.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
