We, the family of Colleen E. Christmas, sadly announce the passing of our dearly beloved wife, mother, grandmother, auntie, sister, godmother and friend, on Friday, November 17th, 2023 in the Palliative Care Unit, of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney, NS. Born in Truro, NS, on January 24th, 1962, to the late John Bernard, Malikewe’j, NS and Annie (Johnson) Goodwin, Dorts Cove, Guysborough, NS.
Colleen left her home community of Millbrook, NS in the mid 1970’s and traveled to Membertou, to live with relatives. There she met her husband, Dean Christmas, whom they shared two beautiful children, Meaghan, and Matthew. Colleen grew up in Millbrook but spent 45, plus years living in Membertou. Colleen never forgot her Millbrook roots and traveled home often to visit family and friends. Colleen had a wide circle of friends, and family, and cherished every moment with them. Colleen would call her lifetime friend, Jen Gloade, almost daily, catching up on the latest news and reminiscing about the good old days. She loved to travel around Cape Breton, especially, Ingonish, and later in life, to Florida, with her dear friend, Denise Gloade. The beach is where Colleen found tranquility, picking sea glass, enjoying the heat of the sand, the warmth of the sun and the healing of the ocean.
Colleen spent much of her working career in finance, working with the Mikmaw Education Authority, and later with Mikmaw Kina’matnewey, in Membertou as a finance officer. She worked with MEA since its onset and later, MK, for another fifteen years. She enjoyed her career in finance but had to retire early, due to health issues, with Fibromyalgia.
In her younger years, Colleen was an active member of the Membertou Ladies Club, this committee catered to all events happening in Membertou. They catered to large meals during funeral and Salites, New Year’s Eve community Banquet Awards night, weddings, summer game events and many more functions, too numerous to list.
Colleen loved the beaches, but she also loved sitting around her pool, enjoying the friendship of family and friends. Colleen loved to cook and bake, and no one ever went hungry when she was home. She cared for many people, especially, those who needed a home and, some special love and caring. Many people in the community sought Colleen out for her friendship, kindness, and gentle guidance. Colleen was a great listener and gave sound advice. She did not pussy foot around topics, she told it how it was. Through her humble integrity, Colleen gained the respect and love of many people.
Colleen will be dearly missed by her husband, Keptin, Dean Christmas, Mikmaw Grand Council, her son, Matthew (Kayla) grandchildren, Judah and Josiah and her daughter, Meaghan, and grandchildren, Chastin, Kentsen and Ellie. Also, left to mourn are her sisters, Loretta, Angela, Tammy, Millbrook, Carolyn (Wayne) Surrey, BC; Brothers, Tim (Priscilla) and Bernie Bernard, Millbrook. Also, her Godmother, Madeline Martin, and many nieces and nephews. Also, Colleen is predeceased by her parents, John Bernard, and Annie (Johnson) Goodwin, her brother, Timothy Andrew and sister, Noreen, in infancy.
Also, left to mourn are her family from Membertou, sisters-in-law, Johanna (Keith) Laporte, Bernadette, Diana (Katy), Paula (Mark) Sevestre, Ohswekan, Ont, Ruthie (Farid), Kanata, Ont and brother in laws; Kevin (Wendy) and Gary (Diane) Christmas. Her godchildren, Gail Christmas, Donnell Laporte and Chelsea Marshall. Also, predeceased, by Mother and Father-in-law, Bernard & Ruth Elizabeth (Paul) Christmas and brother-in-law, Bradley Thomas Christmas of Membertou. Colleen will be dearly missed by all those, who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a kind, loving wife, mother, grandmother, godmother, auntie, and friend. Rest in Peace Colleen, it was an Honour having you in our lives.
The Christmas and Bernard families would like to thank the Doctors and Nurses of 4D, Intensive Care Unit, of the Cape Breton Hospital for the extraordinary care and professionalism they showed Colleen in her last days. Their respect and kindness towards the families will forever be treasured. Welalin!
Visitation for Colleen will take place on Sun, Nov 26th in her home at 15 Veteran’s Avenue in Membertou, beginning after 7pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tues, Nov 28th at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church in Sydney, at 11am, with Fr. Bill Burke officiating. Burial will take place in Membertou Memorial Gardens, meal and salite will follow in the Membertou Trade and Convention Center. To share memories and condolences please visit www.twcurry.com.
For those unable to attend, the Funeral Mass will be livestreamed and can be joined by following the link below:
https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=bd8cdfd4-924b-4b96-8a99-cb8710cb04cf
