Nellie Muise

Sydney

Helen “Nellie” Muise died peacefully on Thursday, April 14, 2016 surrounded by her family.

Nellie was born in Sydney on March 5, 1925, the daughter of Michael and Maggie (Wade) Mahoney natives of Conception Harbour, Newfoundland. The family lived on Victoria Road in Ashby. Nellie attended Constantine School and Holy Angles Convent. She worked at the Co-op during the war until her marriage to Nelson Muise who won the hand of "the prettiest girl on Victoria Road”.

Nellie is survived by Nelson, her husband of 68 years, eight children: Brian (Maggie) Musquodoboit Harbour, David (Deborah), Sydney, Paula (Onni), South Bar, Michael (Linda), Sydney, Margaret (Roger) Brown, Sydney, Robert (Susan), Elmsdale, Helen (Stephen) Joseph, Sydney, Joe (Mary) Prescott, Ontario; seventeen grandchildren :Vicki and JoAnne Muise, Alison Trainor, Geoffrey Muise, Cathy Huntington and Beth Muise ,Barry Muise Jessica McBride and Holley Gillis, Richard, Emily and Cindy Brown, Meg Muise, Craig and Janine Joseph, Sam and Katie Muise and fourteen greatgrandchildren Oscar, Tashi, Leo, Olivia, Claire, Sarah, Devon, Jonah, Hillary, Chloe, Blaire ,Will, Chloe and Jack.

She is also survived by her brother Mike (Sally) Mahoney, Sydney River and sister Vangie Corbett, USA and many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Nellie was predeceased by daughter Janine, grandson David Joseph, sisters Margaret MacNeil, Rachel Martin and Loie Dunn.

Nellie cared for her family at home on Cabot Street, a home that was always welcoming to friends and family. She prepared uncountable meals, always including homemade bread whose aroma lured in neighbours and friends. There was always room for one more. Mountains of laundry kept her large family in clean clothes. She also guarded over her children with determination to keep everyone healthy, well behaved, warm, clean, educated and respectful.

Nellie loved to sing and dance. She and Nelson hosted many parties and the entertainment included singing together with friends, accompanied by Nelson on guitar. She loved the Newfoundland music she grew up with and sang along with country music turned up nice and loud while she kept the house spic and span.

Summer meant loading the crew into one of a series of Chevys and heading to the bungalow in Margaree. The place was small, and for many years did not have running water or electricity but it could hold numerous cousins and friends. Over the years it was an extension of her hospitality and love of family and friends. So many games of cards and laughter on evenings and rainy days.

Both Nellie and Nelson loved Newfoundland. For many years they made trips there, often with her brother Mike and his wife Sally. They visited family and made friends all over the island. They also made a network of friends across Canada through their involvement with seniors’ organizations. In the Sixties they worked to help build the local fledging NDP party. They are very proud to have taken Tommy Douglas and his wife on a picnic to Louisbourg where they drank tea and admired the ocean. Lester Pearson also had tea in the house on Cabot Street while campaigning against Diefenbaker. The kids still had to go to school on those days.

Visitation Sunday April 17 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George Street, Sydney. Funeral mass, Monday, April 18 at 11 am St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church, 40 Cabot Street, Sydney.

The family thanks the staff and residents of Williston House for their kindness and support, the staff of Palliative Care and the VON who helped through her final illness and Dr. Jean Crosby and nurse Wendy MacIntyre for many years of care.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the David Nelson Joseph Playground Fund. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com