Mary Charlena Proctor

We the family of Mary C. Proctor (née McNeil), Sydney River, are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother (Nana), aunt, cousin, and friend on January 21, 2026, at Harbourstone Enhanced Care, after a lengthy illness.

Born in Dominion, NS, Mary was the daughter of the late Mary (née McKinnon) and Francis McNeil. She was the eldest of four children and the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Mary graduated in 1962 from the former St. Rita’s Hospital School of Nursing. She began her career in Paediatrics at St. Rita’s Hospital before transitioning to Obstetrics where she spent the remainder of her 40+ year career, serving at both St. Rita’s and the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Mary was an excellent and highly respected nurse who cared for her patients with compassion and professionalism. She has been described as a legend by former colleagues. Nurses who came after her retirement heard stories of her dedication and excellence. She made sure to be present for the birth of each of her grandchildren, and her daughters got to witness her legendry first hand.

Mary was a devout member of Our Lady Fatima Parish (and previously, Holy Redeemer Parish, Whitney Pier) where she served many years as a Eucharistic Minister. She also taught religious education in the Pier for many years. After retiring, she became a dedicated volunteer with the Cape Breton Cancer Centre.

She loved to sing and had a beautiful voice, something she passed down and shared with her daughters. She was a founding member of and enjoyed performing with the Cape Breton Regional Hospital choir until she was no longer able. She was a very enthusiastic fan of hockey, specifically the Montreal Canadiens and the Cape Breton Eagles (and the former Cape Breton Oilers). Mary and Bill held season tickets for both Cape Breton teams for many years - she cheered loudly for “good plays” and expressed unhappiness with “bad calls”. Her girls also vividly and fondly remember how she cheered loudly at the TV during the Stanley Cup playoffs, sometimes keeping them awake on school nights.

There is not enough time or space to express what she meant to us. Her sound advice was to “always be a good listener,” “the Lord loves the peacemaker,” and to remember that “you’re something else”.

Mary is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, William (Bill) Proctor, Sydney River; her three daughters Michelle Proctor-Simms (Scott), Hammonds Plains, Andrée Proctor-Myers (David), Sydney, and Elise Proctor-Campbell (Dhiarmid), Sydney; her six grandchildren of whom she was so proud and adored, Lauren and Gillian Myers, Matthew and Claire Simms, and Malcolm and Alex Campbell.

She is also survived by brothers-in-law Donald Proctor and Kevin Bates; sisters-in-law Lillian Proctor, Patsy Proctor, and Jean Cameron-Proctor; nieces Anne Marie, Darlene, Debbie, Donna, Colleen, Catherine, Alana, and Sarah; nephews, Clifford, Joseph, Robert and Derrick; many cousins who were very important to her throughout her life; and her best friend, Jane Yates, a true and loyal friend since nursing school.

Besides her parents, Mary is predeceased by her brothers Francis and Paul McNeil and sister Ann Bates; sisters-in-law Mary Cash and Sr. Anne Marie Proctor (CSM); brothers-in-law Jack Proctor, Robert Proctor, and George Cash; nieces Carylee McNeil and Renee DeDieu (in infancy); and nephews Kevin Proctor and Paul McNeil.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Mira Bay, Harbourstone Enhanced Care, for their loving care of Mary over the past 3+ years. We are so grateful to special cousins Chris, Eleanor and Elaine for their unwavering devotion and support. Special thanks also to Mary’s long time hairstylist, Tammy Murrant, whom she loved. Tammy always made sure she looked even more beautiful.

Visitation will take place January 29, 6 to 9 pm, at TW Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George Street, Sydney. Funeral Mass will take place at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Sydney River, Friday, January 30 at 11 am with Fr. Conrad Edwards officiating. A reception will follow in the parish hall. Internment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery at a later date.

Memories and condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting twcurry.com. Memorial donations may be made to any of the organizations important to Mary and her family: the Canadian Cancer Society, CBRH Foundation (either the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or Cape Breton Cancer Centre), Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, CSNK2A1 Foundation, or the Brain Canada Foundation.

"Nothing loved is ever lost, and she was loved so much." – Anonymous