It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Colleen Jessie (Moore) Beaton, a loving mother, wife, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. Mom passed away surrounded by her family in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital.
Mom spent her early years in Pleasant Bay, she had whimsical memories of her childhood there, which was spent outdoors and underfoot, picking fresh berries, using cattail torches, swimming and eating goodies from her mother’s restaurant. The family later moved to Inverness. Mom met her life partner and devoted husband, Charlie Beaton when she was 18, together they shared more then 50 years and built a full life, raising their family on ‘the hill’ in Northeast Mabou.
Mom dedicated many years working at the Chowder House in Inverness, Mary's Hill Home, St. Joseph's Convent and the arena canteen in Mabou, she was known far and wide for her fries and gravy.
Mom was a devout Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan, an avid reader and talented artist. Mom had a love for the moon and stars, she was known for being the best listener, even as her hearing declined. Her kind heart, sage advice, and gentle nature touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She had a knack for ghost stories and delighted in giving others a playful scare, often bringing laughter to those around her.
Growing up, summers with Mom were spent on Mabou Coal Mines Beach, with her siblings, children and many beloved nieces and nephews in tow. There are so many of us, all close in age and we were raised as a ‘wild pack’ together and it is because of this we have volumes of memories and stories that bring us all laughter and smiles. Together our parents, aunts and uncles instilled in us a love and appreciation for our large family.
Mom was a beloved Gramma/Nannie, she was a night owl and cherished her late-night talks with her grandchildren over snacks, listening, sharing stories and advice, just as her children, Mom knew each of her grandchildren individually and celebrated their uniqueness.
Colleen is survived by her loving husband, Charlie and children, Amanda (Wayne), Dylan (Melanie), Jaime (Jess), and Steven. She was a proud grandmother to Jaymus, Evran, and Síne May. She is survived by her sisters, Marion MacEachern (Dougal), Terri Moore (Leonard), and Murdell Moore (Jim) and brother, Kevin Moore (Karen) who will cherish her memory. She is also survived by her brothers & sisters-in-law, Doug MacInnis (Sylvia), Jimmy Beaton (Sarah), Olga Everson-Beaton, Leonard Beaton (Terry), Donna Cameron (Dave), Johnny Paul Beaton (Leslie), Camillus Beaton (Shelly), Michael Beaton, Janice Marshall (Craig), Richard Beaton (Norma), Wendy Kline-Fraser, Marilyn Reil and Larry Cook.
Mom is also remembered by her many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Mom was predeceased by her parents, Marcella (Fraser) and Percy Moore; her siblings, George Fraser, Johnny Ryan, Hector Ryan, Danena Ryan, Sheldon Moore and Connie Moore. Mom was also preceded in death by her nephew, Shane Moore; nieces, Candy Fraser and Katie Margaret Beaton; and in-laws Annie Jane (MacInnis) and Alexander Beaton, David Beaton, Ron Everson, Elaine MacDougall, Janine Brunken and Sonny Walker.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare professionals who skillfully cared for Mom, and the staff at Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital for providing the beautiful respite of the palliative care room.
In accordance with Mom’s wishes, cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Central Inverness Palliative Care Society in her memory.
Visitation will be held in St. Mary's Church, Mabou on Thursday July 4th, 2024 from 10-10:45 am with Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 am. Father Andrew Gillies officiating. Burial to be announced at a later date.
Mom’s kindness, humour, and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Mom’s legacy of love and compassion will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
In the hush of twilight’s gentle veil,
where the elm tree stands stately on the hill,
warm memories gather on the salty breeze.
The memories of you give our broken hearts ease.
As the moon rises and the stars ignite,
Our hearts, though heavy, are full,
as we know that your love, like nature’s light,
is eternal, ever present and beautiful.
You are loved beyond earthly measure and have earned your rest dear Mother, fly high and watch over us.
