It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Georgina Marie (Donovan) Gallant, a loving mother and grandmother. Born January 1, 1935 in Glace Bay, NS to George and Agnes Donovan. She was the first baby of the New Year. Sadly mom passed away at the age of 89 on Mother’s Day May 12, 2024 at Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home in Halifax, NS with her loving family by her side.
Both mom and dad, Georgina and George, were both born in to coal mining families. They fell in love and were married on June 22, 1954. They left their home on beautiful Cape Breton Island with heavy hearts to begin their military and family life together. Though she completely embraced her new life as a military wife she always held Cape Breton close to her heart. Their married life began with a Naval posting which lead them to living in Dartmouth NS. From there they moved on to Toronto Ont. when dad left the Navy but he soon re-entered the military by joining the Air Force and relocated to Borden Ont. From there they transferred several more times to Sydney NS, St. Margarets NB, Senneterre Que, with their final posting in Gander NL. They made dear friends everywhere they lived. Upon dad’s retirement in 1977 they were able to return to their beloved Cape Breton and to their family and friends. They settled in Sydney for 27 wonderful years until dad’s passing in 2004. At this time mom began a new adventure and moved one last time to Bedford NS to enjoy her remaining years near her children, grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren with many special moments shared over what would be another 20 years.
Mom held great pride and joy in making her and dad’s home welcome to all. They were also generous and kind beyond measure to anyone in need. There was always a slice of homemade bread or tea biscuits with molasses and a variety of treats including her ever popular macaroons and molasses cookies awaiting you with a good cup of tea at any hour of the day. Neighbours would knock on the door as soon as they could smell the bread coming out of the oven. She was quickly named the Cookie Lady when we were kids by our childhood friends. There were also the hundreds of egg rolls she handmade for special occasions for us only to be told they were for the guests, though we did manage to sneak a couple. She would often say we would be seeing her ghost in the kitchen long after she was gone. We sure hope so mom, we could certainly use all of your guidance, especially with making your gravy.
There wasn’t anything she couldn’t master from embroidery; to knitting many slippers, hats, mittens and sweaters; to crocheting several afghans, doilies and even skirts and vests for us girls to wear to school (though much to our chagrin). She absolutely loved Christmas and would begin early in the season to make everything herself from the chocolates, cakes, cookies and her famous meat pies to the decorations including the candles and even the candle holders to the many hundreds of silver foil stars she would cut out and then suspend them individually from the ceiling making a magical vision for any child.
Also mom loved hockey more than anyone we knew. While we were growing up there was not a Saturday evening missed of Hockey Night in Canada. Mom and dad would vie with each other over whose team was the contender, The Leafs or The Habs. Then over the years she became a Penguins fan, especially becoming what may be Sidney Crosby’s biggest fan. She even sent him a get well card and a beautiful note after one of his most serious concussions and was over the moon with excitement when she received a thank you card in return.
We also cannot leave out her love of music, especially any musician from Cape Breton Island or her and dad’s favourite country music stars, like Charlie Pride. You could also often find her playing Patty Cake with all the babies, including her own grand-babies . If music was playing she was smiling, the foot was tapping, she would be singing, and if you were in reach she would insist on a dance in the middle of her living room. She also loved dancing many a New Year’s Eve away while waiting not only to ring in the new year but to also celebrate her birthday all at the same time.
Upon moving closer to us, after dad’s passing, mom celebrated many wonderful family moments with us while living in Bedford NS for almost 15 years, as well as after her move in to Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home due to ill health. She settled in quickly there making many new friends. We can’t possibly say enough about the many kindnesses and the care the staff provided mom over her final years. We would like to thank the staff of the third floor along with the wonderful kitchen staff, recreation staff, the cleaners and the receptionists. As the expression goes, it takes a village.
A special mention goes out to mom’s nurses Shelly, Tracy, and Sophia along with other special staff members Ann, Terry, Catherine, Patrick, Roger, Maria, Andrea and so very many others who we will forever hold near and dear to our hearts. We can’t possibly thank them enough for all of the love they showed mom on a daily basis.
Mom was predeceased by the love of her life for over 50 years her husband George Gallant; her parents George and Agnes Donovan; her brother Richard Donovan; her infant daughter Debra Ann Gallant; and her sister Wilena MacKenzie (Alex [Bud] MacKenzie).
She is survived by her children who all reside in NS: Richard Gallant (Pamela), Dana Gallant (Laurie), Ann Denise Carrigan (David), and Lisa Gallant-Martell (Robert) along with her grandchildren: Shannon McLeod (Brandon), Ian Carrigan, Nicole Gallant and Sean Gallant (Alisha) and great-grandchildren: Aislinn, Rylan and Jordyn. She is also survived by her siblings: Ann Jody Darling (Frank) Toronto Ont, Kay MacNeil (the late Jack MacNeil) Cobble Hill BC, and Eddie Donovan (Ida) Glace Bay NS along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. A special mention going to her niece Edwina Donovan who visited mom often as she fortunately works at Saint Vincent’s where mom resided in her final years.
Arrangements are under the care of Cruikshank’s Funeral Home on Windsor Street, Halifax NS. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. A celebration of mass will take place at Saint Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church 381 Whitney Ave Sydney NS on Thursday July 11, 2024 at 10:00am with a reception to follow in the church hall. The burial will immediately follow the reception at St. Joseph’s Holy Family Cemetery, Glace Bay NS.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Loaves & Fishes Community Kitchen in Sydney NS in Memory of Georgina Gallant. Mom and dad both cared very deeply about the wellbeing of others and our dad also whole heartedly volunteered at this community kitchen in years gone by.
“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a while,
but hold their hearts forever.”
Author Unknown
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