November 13 1936 – January 30 2023
Our hearts are filled with sadness as we announce the sudden passing of Mom, on January 30th at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital with her family at her side. Born Friday November 13th, 1936, to the late Annie Riddle, one of 10 children of Bragg’s Corner.
Ma was the family’s Matriarch, enjoying organizing the Bragg family reunions, BBQ's and picnics for many years which brought her tremendous joy bringing together hundreds of relatives of all ages helping family to keep in touch.
Ma was very adventurous and would tackle anything from helping Da and friends build the family home to organizing a rally to get water service for our street to converting a bread truck into a camper to starting a takeout business with a lifelong friend Stella Baxter. For 30 years Ma was involved with her Tuesday night T.O.P.S. which she loved all the members, it was more about socializing with great friends and snacking. She also got our driveway named as a street so she could get mail delivery to the house.
She truly was a leader for women of her time.
Ma (First time flying) and Da went on their first southern adventure to Cuba in their 70’s with their good friends Jack and Louise Gillis whom they also would spend Christmas eve with for many years.
Both Ma and Da enjoyed taking the grandchildren camping, real camping in a tent.
Mom was always there to help anyone in need, from taking relatives shopping or to medical appointments to helping feed those that could not feed themselves.
She worked at Nickerson’s fish plant in North Sydney for many years, making many lifelong friends. She also had a talent as a seamstress making clothes for her children and nieces and nephews as well as being involved in local fashion shows highlighting her creations. Along the same lines she was also very talented at reupholstering furniture and car interiors also. We feel best part of Ma’s working career was that she worked at a burger booth on occasion at the Bill Lynch Show’s which meant free fries and some tickets for the rides mom rocked.
Mom built a special bond with her Great Grandchildren Olivia,D.J. and Carson as they moved in and kept her young and happily busy after Da's passing.
Ma is survived by her children Daniel (Barbie) New Glasgow, Helene Sydney Mines, Jeff (Patsy) Sydney Mines. Grandchildren Krista (Justin), Tiffany and Brehanna. Great Grandchildren Emma Olivia D.J. Ezra, Carson and Ariella. Her treasured Sisters Elizabeth Weaver, Cole Harbor, Phyllis Hillier, George’s River sister-in-law Shirley King, Ontario and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her Mother Annie, Beloved Husband of 58 years Donnie sisters Peggy and Josephine. Brothers Harry, Charles, Ernie, Percy, Chestley
A very special thank you to the nurses and Doctors of the E.R. and the Palliative Care Unit. Visitation will be held at Fillmore & Whitman Funeral Home, 8 Clyde Ave in Sydney Mines on Sunday Feb 5th from 7-9pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday Feb 6th at 2pm, at the Holy Family Parish Hall, Fr. Fabian Ihunegbo officiating. A reception will be held following the Mass also in the parish hall. Interment will take place at a later date. To share memories and condolences please visit www.fillmoreandwhitman.com.
“Grief is the price we pay to love” Give Da a hug for us xoxo
