Jessie Marie Bernard

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Jessie Marie Bernard, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and matriarch of our family, who passed away on May 7, 2026 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

Born on July 31, 1943 to the late Simon and Mary Sylliboy, she was also the granddaughter of Grand Chief Gabriel Sylliboy, Harriet Marshall, John Noel Sylliboy and Rosie MacLean. Besides her parents and grandparents, Jessie is also predeceased and has been united with her sister Murdena Marshall, 2 sisters in infancy (Evelyn Josephine and Shirley) and godchildren Simone Sylliboy, William Marshall and Peter Dennis and her loving niece Valon Sylliboy.

Jessie or Jay as she was known, was a strong woman of faith, who regularly made the Pilgrimage to St. Anne de Beaupre. She was enjoyed doing genealogy research and as the matriarch, she held the family together. She impacted many, many lives in her 40 plus years as a foster parent. She also enjoyed bingo and playing cards.

She will be deeply missed by her sons Kevin (Jasine) Bernard and Dallas Johnson, her siblings George (Grace) Sylliboy, Rose Herney, Mabel (Gerald) Francis. Harriet Marshall, Betty Ann Sylliboy, Nancy (Junior) Sylliboy, Charles (Donna) Sylliboy and John Noel Sylliboy, her grandchildren (whom she adored) Rayma, Andelee, Julia, Jessie, Kevin jr., Tristen, Jovanni and Evan as well as great grandchildren B2, Joah, Harley, Braelyn, Aubrey jr., Bradley, Walker and Lamont. She also is survived by many nieces, nephews, godchildren Robert Young, Arlene Bernard, Lulu Denny and Gabe Sylliboy, special children Kaelyn Sylliboy, Maddy Sylliboy, Gerald "Switch" Sylliboy, Charis Young, Cheryl Francis, her foster brothers Brendon, Howard and Gutch Poulette and special friends Mary Ellen Googoo and Janet Denny.

Visitation will take place at her home 200 Castle Bay Rd., starting at 7pm on Thursday, May 21 and continuing until the Mass, which will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, May 23 at Holy Family Church in Eskasoni. Internment and Salité to follow immediately after the mass. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting twcurry.com. The family greatfully declines flowers and asks that instead, plant a tree in her memory.