Suzanne Kelly

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Suzanne Patricia Kelly (née Ferguson) on June 18, 2025. Predeceased by her beloved parents, Richard and Annie Ferguson, her husband, Donald Kelly, and her seven siblings. She leaves behind a loving legacy through her seven children: Suzanne, Donald, Richard, Francis (Lorraine), Deirdre (Sean), Mary Catherine (Gary), and Barbara (Colin), along with twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and her remaining family from Ireland.

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1920, Suzanne came to Canada as a war bride in 1946, landing at Pier 21. She lived in several cities and provinces before settling permanently in Cape Breton in 1969.

A gifted artist with wide-ranging interests, Suzanne found joy in piano, painting, needlework, knitting, and weaving. A weaving instructor of many talents, Suzanne was a founding member of the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design.

A lifelong reader, Suzanne was a devoted supporter of the Cape Breton Regional Library for more than 50 years. Her early exposure to technology—thanks to her father, the first person in Belfast to own a radio—sparked a lifelong curiosity. That fascination led to her interest in computer-aided design for needlepoint and knitting patterns. In later years, her iPad became a cherished window to the world and a gateway to the books she so deeply loved.

A woman of deep faith, Suzanne was a devoted member of Stella Maris parish in Louisbourg and an active participant in the Catholic Women’s League during her years in Catalone.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Greg Myatt and Janice Black for their exceptional care over the past 20 years, and especially for their dedicated support during the final two years of Suzanne’s life. Deep gratitude is also extended to City Homemakers—particularly Debbie and Kelly—and to the VON for their attentive care.

Our sincere thanks go to Colleen Butler for her unwavering kindness and support throughout the years. We are also profoundly appreciative of Suzanne’s dedicated care team in her final months: Marissa Gallant, Carla March, Karla Harris, and Wendy Murchison. Their compassion, professionalism, and steady presence brought immeasurable comfort—not only to Suzanne, but to all of us who walked beside her.

We are grateful as well to the Palliative Care team, especially Dr. George Burns and Brett Gillis, for their compassionate support at home. A special thank-you is also extended to Dr. Anne-Frances D’Intino for her gentle care and kindness.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, 1452 Kings Road, Sydney, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Father Conrad Edwards officiating and Father William Burke as concelebrant. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception will be held in the parish hall following the Mass. All are welcome to attend. To view the service, or to leave a message for the family, please visit twcurry.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly invites donations to Loaves and Fishes—Suzanne’s favorite charity—as well as to Palliative Care, the Cape Breton Regional Library, or your local library.