It is with great sadness that we the family of Catherine Josephine “Josie” Small, beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Aunt, Sister and Neighbor, announce her peaceful passing on October 24, in the company of family, at the age of 95.
Mom was born in Jamesville, Victoria County and was the daughter of the late John H. and Mary Catherine MacNeil. Her life was dedicated to raising her family that she loved so dearly. Her smile and greeting whenever a family member walked into the room displayed how much each person meant to her. The value of education was of great importance to her and she instilled
this upon her children and grandchildren. We will all miss her kind and pleasant nature, her quick wit and her great sense of humour.
She is survived by her children Frances, Halifax; Raylene (Glenn) Power, Billy, Daniel (Sandra), Michelle (Scott) Huntington, Joyce, all of Sydney; Elaine (Peter) Roberts, Porters Lake; Chris (Karen), Sydney; twelve grandchildren, Ryan, Jeffrey, Jennifer, Liam, Deanna, Michael, Steven, Erin, Rachel, Andrew, Troy and Jason; nine great grandchildren, Bryce, Gabe, Lauren, Lucas, Aleigh, Brooke, Chase, Emma and Nathan, siblings Catherine Ann MacKenzie, Sydney River; Jemima “Mina” MacNeil, Hamilton; and Michael “Mickey” MacNeil, Jamesville; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Michael and sisters Mae MacNeil and Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Noonan.
Words of thanks are extended to the Cape Breton County Homemakers Association and VON Sydney, for their dedication to Mom’s care, helping her to continue to live out her life at home.
A very special thank-you to her sister and best friend, Catherine Ann, who spent much time with Mom, chatting, playing cards, baking and occasionally telling stories in Gaelic. Her companionship and support enabled Mom to be where she loved to be, at home.
Visitation will be held from 2-5 PM on Sunday October 30, at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am, October 31st at Our Lady of Fatima Church with Rev. Conrad Edwards officiating. Interment will be held at St. Columba Cemetery, Iona.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
Donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
The Family kindly request that masks be worn at the visitation and funeral.
