It is with sadness we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Louise Cecelia (Cusack) Coffin, of Sydney, on Saturday December 14, 2019. Louise lived in the Ashby area all of her life, spent many summers at the family bungalow in Big Pond, and for the last 20 months on her final journey she lived under the passionate care of the nursing and administrative staff at Parkland Cape Breton and the caring professional team at the Harbourview DVA unit. No more will they hear her say “I am as fit as a fiddle and if you believe that, you are as crazy as I am”. Under their vigilant care the banter that was exchanged always made her days more enjoyable. Louise was born May 12, 1924 the sixth of eleven children to Michael and Margaret (Hines) Cusack of Prince Street Sydney. In her early years she participated in several plays at the Old Lyceum Theatre, even directing her first play at nineteen years of age, was a member of several choirs and then later sang in the St Theresa’s Senior Choir. She had a strong Catholic faith and was a long-time member of St. Theresa’s CWL. Her working career at the Wartime Prices and Trade Board and the Income Tax office from 1943 to 1948 ended when she married the love of her life, Dave Coffin in September 1948. Although a stay at home mum, she and Dad put away a few road and air miles visiting children and grandchildren, and vacationing with siblings and in-laws in Boston, Detroit, Montreal. They enjoyed other special trips to New York, Washington DC, Las Vegas and an unforgettable trip to Ireland. Louise was immensely proud of her Cape Breton/Irish roots. Over the years she wore several hats; one that she cherished was her involvement in the Guiding Movement and the ever-lasting friendships she shared with Mary Lou, Jean, Peggy and Sandy. Her hobbies included dancing, bowling, crocheting, bridge, ceramics and swimming. Shortly after her 90th birthday she enjoyed her last dip in the Bras d’Or Lakes. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her husband, Dave (2005); her son, David in infancy; her five brothers, Frank, Jack, George, Gerald and William; and three of her sisters, Pauline MacDonald (Skipper), Eileen Landry (Doug) and Carmel Brydges (Jack). Louise is survived by two sons, Frank, Lower Sackville and Lawrence (Margie), Halifax; two daughters, Jane (Paul Hughes) of Wesley Chapel, Florida, Rosemary (Shawn Slade deceased) of Kanata, Ontario; six grandchildren, David Hughes (Jamie), Florida, Geoffrey Hughes (Yating) Taipei, Taiwan and Genevieve (Nicholas Graham), Suzanne (Zach Taylor) all of Florida, and Shannon Slade and Victoria Slade of Kanata Ontario, and four great-grandchildren, Erin Hughes of Taipei, Evelyn Graham, Ari Hughes and Noah Taylor of Tampa. Louise is also survived by two sisters, Patsy Keough (Joseph deceased) of Sydney and Cheryl Bildstein (Donald deceased) of Timberlea, as well as many nieces and nephews. Special thanks from the bottom of our hearts (just does not seem enough) but thank you to the following; Frank McInnis and John Hugh McInnis and their extended families, Delores Moore and her extended family, Jack Brydges and family, Mary Cusack and family; bungalow friends from Big Pond; Parkland Cape Breton and Harbourview DVA staff , VON, nurse Esther of 3rd floor CB Reg Hosp, City Homemakers, EHS staff, Dr. Steve MacDougall and his entire staff, Kenzie of first class delivery, neighbours and friends and relatives, most notably her sister Patsy Keough and family and John Borden for the countless phone calls and visits. Thank you also to the Coffins, Landrys, MacLeods, Rybas, Cathy Melanson, Rita Sawlor, Stewart and Phyllis Matheson, Mary Lou’s daughters Andree and Suzie, Ed Gillis, the Brockelhursts, MacLeans and other visitors to 58 Sutherland, and the thoughtful calls from her nephew, Jackie in California. Each of you played a role in enabling Mum to pass with grace and dignity. Visitation to be held on Friday January 10th, 2020 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St., Sydney. A Funeral Service will take place on Saturday the 11th at 11a.m. at St. Theresa's Church with Fr. Joe MacKenzie officiating. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice. Memories and words of comfort can be sent to the family by visiting www.twcurry.com Mom, your prayers are answered. The road home was long, winding and a little bumpy and I know Dad was getting lonely, say hello to him for us. You and Dad are now back together, and we know your first dance, by special request, will no doubt be Cab Driver. You are home, rest in peace.
