It is with broken hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Rose Julian on January 11th, 2023 at her home in Eskasoni. She was born to the late Noel R. and Sarah (Johnson) Denny on December 2nd, 1942 in Sydney, NS. She was affectionately known as Milos to her family, friends, and former students, and as Golymama to her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and their friends. She was a devout catholic who attended pilgrimages in Potlotek, Ste. Anne Du Beaupre, and Medjugorje.
She will be sadly missed by her husband of 61 years, Albert (Goly Dada); her children, Deborah, Katani, Albert (Marlene Paul), April, Noel R., Marilyn, as well as children she helped raise as her own: Elaine Denny, Olivia Julian, Tahni Julian, Desiree Marshall (Membertou), and her pride and joy, John Andrew Marshall. She had 19 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Maria Paul, Stephanie (Greg) Johnson, of Eskasoni, and Bradley Stevens (Edmonton, Alberta).
She was the eldest of 12 children and is survived by her sisters Wilma (Noel) Simon, Vivian Basque, Melinda Young, Beverly Jeddore, and Katherine (Reginald Adrian) Denny, all of Eskasoni, Joan (Keith Christmas) Denny of Membertou; in-laws June Lewis and Lisa Denny of Eskasoni, Annabel Apel (British Columbia), and Lance Paul (Membertou); aunts Virginia Googoo, Florence Johnson, Irene Johnson, Cecelia (Valerian) Marshall, Barbara Johnson, Aggie Johnson, and an uncle, George Johnson; godchildren, Jonathan (JJ) Denny, Edna Paul, Rio Johnson, Max Sylliboy Jr., all of Eskasoni, Andrea Moore (Membertou) and Marc Sylliboy (Truro) and several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her grandson, Lyndon Derek Julian; siblings Richard (Po’ks) Denny, Beverly Theresa Denny in infancy, Dolena Sylliboy, Joel (Beej) Denny, Janice Paul, Jessie Poulette and Frank Apel; paternal grandparents Richard and Bridget (Sylliboy) Denny; maternal grandparents Richard and Mary Rose (Christmas) Johnson; godparents Pius Marshall and Virginia (Odean) Gould; her best friend, Clara Basque, as well as several aunts and uncles.
Mary Rose attended the Indian Day School and was a Residential School Survivor (#59). In the early 70’s she graduated from the University of Toronto with a Certificate in Counseling. Between 1967 to 1978 she studied hairdressing and obtained her Masters in Hairdressing (Instructor). In 1980, she was instrumental in bringing the UNB teaching program to Cape Breton for Mi’kmaq students. In 1984, she graduated with her Bachelor of Education with Distinction where she was awarded the Governor General’s Silver Medal award. In 1988 she graduated from UNB with her Master’s in Education. In 1991, she received her Certificate in Curriculum Development from UCCB. During her lifetime she also took various arts and crafts courses.
Mary Rose was an entrepreneur. Her businesses included Cuts & Curls School of Hair Design, Ketkunimk Motel, Denny’s Smoke Shop, she sold stained glass she created, and was a landlord. She was also instrumental in the start-up of Eskasoni telethons which started with the Marlanda Telethon in 1989. This led to the annual event of the Eskasoni Christmas Telethon. She appeared in documentaries, published several books, and developed curriculum for all grades which is still used throughout the Atlantic provinces. She held various positions in language, culture, education, and economic development.
Mary Rose was a Jack of all Trades. She was a master hairdresser, portrait artist, artist in fine arts and crafts, voice actor, writer, translator, book publisher, business woman, teacher, guidance counselor, songwriter, stained-glass artist, art teacher, seamstress, regalia designer, jewelry maker, Mi’kmaw chanter and dancer, and fire eater. She enjoyed various sports. When she wasn’t playing softball, she would be coaching her own team.
In recognition of her achievements, she received the Governor General Silver Medal Award in 1984; Role Model of the Year from ABMHS during the 2009-10 school year; Staff Appreciation Awards in 2007 and 2008 from the Eskasoni High School; a Twenty-five Years Service Award from the Eskasoni School Board in 2004; the Leadership in Education Award in 1994 from UCCB’s Centre for Leadership Development; several eagle feathers, and most recently the Anna Hamilton Award for the Denny sisters contribution to the Beaton Institute.
At this time, the family would like to thank Dr. Mohan Virick, Dr. Brendan McCarville, Alexanderine Stevens, and the VON.
Visitation will be held starting at 7pm, January 19th, at the Gabriel Center in Eskasoni. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 21st at 10am, Fr. Antolin Asor officiating, with a burial to follow in the parish cemetery. A feast and salitè will follow the day’s events. To leave memories and condolences please visit www.twcurry.com.
