Lavinia Sarah Vokey

It is with heavy hearts that we, the family, announce the passing of Lavinia Vokey, age 92 of Glace Bay. Lavinia died peacefully on September 26, 2022 at Harbourstone Enhanced Care. Born in Glace Bay, she was the daughter of the late William and Lavinia Vokey. Lavinia was a graduate of the Nova Scotia Teachers’ College and later pursued several degrees and diplomas through CBU and St. F.X. University. She worked as a teacher in Glace Bay for 43 years, first with the Glace Bay School Board and later the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board. Lavinia first taught at New Aberdeen School where she not only loved teaching, she also loved directing and accompanying Christmas concerts. In 1976, when John Bernard Croak opened, she transferred there and this is where she remained until her retirement. She truly loved teaching and taught several grades throughout her career. In the years prior to retirement, Lavinia worked as a resource teacher and she found great joy in helping children learn to read. In her younger years, Lavinia spent her summers working at CGIT camp in New Campbellton. She also enjoyed her weekly badminton games with friends at Wesley Community Hall. Lavinia loved to travel to New York City to visit her sister, Pearl, and take in shows and musicals. In 1967, Lavinia built a summer home in Belle Cote, Margaree, known by the family as “Beanie’s Bungalow.” For many years she enjoyed her summers there with family and friends - swimming, boating, and relishing in the gorgeous view from her deck. Lavinia loved music of all kinds. She had a beautiful alto voice and sang in various choirs over the years. She loved to play piano and sing and she continued to do so into her 90s. Lavinia is survived by her brother, Freeman “Buddy” Vokey who was her sidekick, confidante and best friend for 90 years. She is also survived by nephews, Robert, Billy, Trevor and Jeffrey and nieces, Sherill, Janice, Marlene, Karen, Yvonne, Brenda and Barbara; along with several grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. She will be surely missed by all, as “Beanie” - as she was called by her nieces and nephews - was truly loved and cherished by each and every one. Lavinia will also be dearly missed by her closest friend of nearly 80 years, Willena King. Besides her parents, Lavinia was predeceased by brother John and sister-in-law Noreen, brother Ernest and sister-in-law Annie, brothers Calvert, Freeman W., Robert, Stanley and Alex, sister-in-law Florence, sisters Jessie and Pearl and brother-in-law Ralph Mitchell. Also predeceasing her were her nieces Pearl and Elaine and nephews John, Jerry, and Reginald. The family will be forever grateful to the ladies who cared for Lavinia at home for several years prior to her move to Harbourstone. The family would also like to thank the staff at Lavatte’s Lane, Harbourstone Enhanced Care, for the wonderful care given to Lavinia. Visitation will take place at Patten’s Funeral Home, Glace Bay on Wednesday, October 5th from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Warden United Church on Thursday, October 6th at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Alison Etter officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or charity of choice. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.pattenfuneral.com.