It is with profound and deep sadness and regret, that we the children of Jane Elizabeth Peck, aged 58 years, of Wagmatcook First Nation, Victoria County, inform you of the sudden passing of our Mom on March 21, 2022, at the Victoria County Memorial Hospital, Baddeck, NS. Our Mom was born on July 19, 1963 at the V.C.M.H.; she was the last surviving daughter of Mr. Ben Peck SR., and the late Mrs. Elizabeth Peck (nee'Pierro). Mom was a grand-daughter of maternal grandmother, the late Mrs. Annie Pierro, aka An'jij; paternal grandparents, the late Gabriel Peck and Mary Susan Peck (nee' Isadore). She was predeceased by godparents, Henry Francis and Helen Ji'j Googoo. Left to mourn this immense loss is our Dad and loving and supportive husband, Mr. Spencer Isadore of Wagmatcook. Additionally, the colossal loss to our Mom's brothers: Anthony Peck, Roger Peck, Ben Peck Jr. (Martha Lewis), Calvin, and Lester Peck (Ann Peck) of Wagmatcook.
During our Mom's brief stay, we experienced and witnessed hardships including the multitude losses and perpetual grief of her brothers and sisters: our loving Uncles and Aunts including: Gregory Peck, Eugene Peck, Leonard Peck, Abraham Peck, Cyril Peck and special brother, Benedict Pierro, Martha Peck, Sandra Peck and Elizabeth Ann Peck. Also, left to mourn is one surviving Paternal Aunt, Ms. Jean Peck of Eskasoni and a magnitude number of nieces and nephews. Moreover, the impacts of this immense loss is felt by her numerous godchildren: Nicholas Isadore, Marilyn Isadore, Fallon Isadore, Dallas Isadore, Janice Peck and her nephew the late Cyrus Peck.
Our Mom was a survivor of the "Indian Day School" with similar approaches and concepts and abuses suffered as those who attended the infamous "Shubenacadie Indian Residential School". Our Mom was an amazing lady and was born into a Matriarchal Society and took on roles and responsibilities originating from childhood and grew into a much thicker skin, so to speak at a very young age. She became the "older sister" that you can depend on. Summer of 1971 was the introduction to one of many trials and tribulations. Her older sister, Martha Peck was in a severe car accident that left her paralyzed. Our Mom grew up overnight and tended and assisted with the upbringing of her niece and nephew, at the time Lester was six months old while his sister, Elizabeth Ann was the age of two years. She took on the mother role and accepted them as her very own. As stated, Mom and Dad were married and raised us to be productive, supportive and loving children. As Mom would describe their current status as "conventional" and concentrated on their friendship and sharing the same ultimate goal and that is to remain supportive to all of us children; Emerson Isadore, Holly Isadore, Jennifer Isadore, Lucas Isadore (Jessica Pierro) and Amber Isadore (Colin Young), Cassie Peck (Russell Campbell) and Elijah Peck (Chynna Roberts) all of Wagmatcook.
She is survived by her sister in law Roberta Isadore (Howard Isadore) and brother in law Brian Isadore of Ottawa, Ontario, her father in law, our paternal grandfather, Mr. Fred Isadore. She was predeceased by her mother in law, our grandma, Mrs.Bridget A. Isadore and sister in law and friend Christie Ann Francis.
As mentioned our Mom was the Matriarch of the Peck family and raised Elijah and Cassie as her own children following the tragic loss of her younger sister, Sandra. Likewise, Mom is survived by her grandchildren whom all feel this loss and will continuously shed tears for some time including; Emerson Isadore, Xzorion Isadore, Shawdai Isadore, Amari Peck, Amir Peck, Aryan Peck, Havayah Peck, Curtis Bernard, Denzel Bernard, Drayvon Bernard, Emery Isadore, Luca Isadore, Loki Isadore and Alexa Isadore.
A quick snapshot of our mom's life brings us peace. Not everything was all doom and gloom. There were many happy moments and attributes including becoming a Toronto Maple Leaf's fan, which was quite contrary to her siblings whom the majority are lifelong "Habs" fans. She loved doing puzzles, playing cards with her friends, shopping and connecting with her friends digitally and electronically. Her door was always open prior to her terminal illness and would certainly have tea ready for you. She loved company! A special thank you to our cousin Oliver Francis, our go-to guy and kept Mom company and at times her strength and stay when need be.
Mom had a special relationship with our Elder's in our community and appreciated her services whether it would be house cleaning their homes or applying her attributes and natural skills as being the self-taught hairdresser with no formal training. If you can recall that back in the 80's buzz cuts and perms were a huge trend. If you had hairstyle like that back then in Wagmatcook, more likely it was one of our Mom's creations.
Mom fought a courageous brief battle with cancer. She lived for every moment, not only she was an amazing mother, but a friend to others. She continued on with humour no matter how hard cancer treatments would be. She had a positive attitude, for example her mindset would be," I could be a diva or a gangster, it all depends who is asking. (LOL)."
With much love and respect, we would like to acknowledge and thank our many supports throughout our Mom's illness: the staff at the Wagmatcook Health Centre, including her home care nurses, Leslie Johnson RN and Jane Wukitch RN, to all her doctors, specialists and nurses at various hospitals, V.C.M.H., C.B.R.H. Cancer Centre, Inverness and Halifax. We extend our love and thanks to our elder Molly Pierro, Ms. Brenda Basque and her forever sister in law Ms. Angela Peck. Thank you ladies for being present and supporting our loving and courageous Mom. To Wally, thank you for assisting with prayers along with Molly during her last days here on earth. Prior to her illness, Mom was employed with the Wagmatcook School Board as a janitor, a job that she loved; thank you to the Staff and Peers for supporting our Mom throughout her illness. Finally, to the oldest and wisest elder in our community of Wagmatcook, our Ta'ta (grandfather) 95 year old Mr. Ben Peck Sr., Wela'like Ta'ta for raising such an incredible human being, our mom, the one and only Jane Elizabeth Peck. Kesalul'ek Ta'Ta.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of T.W. Curry, Sydney, NS with wake commencing after 7 pm on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at our family home, located at 16 Sugar Bush Road, Wagmatcook.
Funeral service of a Christian Burial will be on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 11 am at the Blessed Kateri Tekawitha Parish Church in Wagmatcook. Those wishing to attend via livestream may do so by visiting TW Curry's facebook page. No feast will take place due to Covid-19 safety measures, an online Sali'te will commence immediately.
