Mary Roma Kehoe of Sydney died peacefully, with family by her side, on September 4th, 2024, after a long journey with dementia. Roma was the daughter of Alex and Catherine Boudreau and was born in Petit de Grat, Cape Breton. She lived much of her life in Sydney while spending her summers in St. Peters. She attended Normal College (Teachers College) in Truro and taught French for over 30 years with most of her time spent at Colby Elementary School in Sydney. Roma was a dedicated member of St. Anthony Daniel and St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parishes in Sydney and a long service member of Catholic Women’s League.
Mom was an amazing volunteer throughout her years, with so many organizations too numerous to count. Her personal contributions of time, talent and treasure were exemplary! She was never the star out front but worked tirelessly behind the scenes. She would have been extremely proud that her efforts were recognized by being inducted into the Cape Breton Philanthropy Hall of Fame in 2023. She was a founder and long-term volunteer of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, Hospice and Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton, Festival of Greens Holiday Gala, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and a proud member of the Red Hat Society to name a few.
Showing kindness was mom’s greatest strength, as was treating everyone with compassion, no matter the circumstances. She taught us empathy and how to be a contributing member to our community. She also loved to have fun! Travel was a passion for mom, having visited too many countries to list. She loved playing cards and of course shopping. Charlotte Street, in Sydney, will never be the same without her. Her true love was her family, and that family ran far and wide. From her two girls and all their friends, her grandchildren, her nieces and nephews and so many friends, she was the center of the party and always up for anything.
Roma (Jim’s Queen) will be forever missed by her loving husband of 60 years Jim Kehoe, daughters Paulette Kraitzek (Robert) and Claudette Porter (Shawn) Halifax, her amazing sister Patricia Pertus Petit de Grat, her special cousin Robert Boudreau (Sharon) Bridgewater, brother-in-law Blair Landry (Carmelita) Grand Greve, grandchildren Katrina (Boston), Robert, Shae and Michael Halifax and her amazing nieces and nephews Marlene, Ray, Glenda, Jason, Blaine, Frances, Alex, Jody, Tim and Trevor all of whom she loved as her own and were like siblings to us.
Roma was predeceased by her parents Alex and Catherine Boudreau, parents-in-law Mary and Albert Kehoe, brother-in-law Patrick Pertus and sister-in-law Janice Landry.
To Dad, who tirelessly and without complaint, took the most amazing and loving care of Mom, you are our rock! Special thanks to Dr. Kenneth Rockwood and staff (Geriatric Medicine), Celtic Court Nursing Home staff, Home Instead Care Providers and most importantly “mom’s angels” who took such wonderful care of her and for whom we are grateful: Ann, Kathleen, Satvinder, Juhi, Upasana, Annie, Anju and Cherrie! You will forevermore be part of our family.
Cremation has taken place, and a celebration mass will take place at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish in Sydney on September 14th 2024 at 11am with Fathers Bill Burke and Norman MacPhee officiating. Roma has been entrusted to T.W. Curry Funeral Home with a family interment at a later date. Condolences can be made on-line at www.twcurry.com
Mom would want everyone to celebrate her life with a game of cards, dancing or showing an act of kindness to others! Donations can be made to Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice.
