Marie Janet O'Leary

East Bay

April 25, 1938- April 10, 2011

It is with broken hearts we announce the loss of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law and friend. On April 10, 2011, Marie Janet (MacDonald) O’Leary passed away at the palliative care An Cala unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Mom fought a brave and courageous 14-month battle with breast cancer.

Marie is survived by her husband of 53 years, Eddie O’Leary; her daughter and best friend, Kathy (Roy Edwards), Howie Centre. She is also survived by what she would tell you at every opportunity were “the greatest grandchildren ever,” Bruce Douglas Edwards and Dena Marie Edwards. Marie absolutely adored her family and we adored her.

Marie was born to Catherine (MacGillivary) MacDonald and Ranald MacDonald, Northside East Bay. Marie’s father Ranald, died suddenly in a car accident December 1937, four months prior to her birth. Marie also had a brother Daniel Joseph who passed away in 1940, at the age of four. Marie and her mother Catherine moved back to the family farm with Marie’s grandmother Bessie MacGillivary and uncles Joe and John MacGillivary, all deceased.

Marie is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Danny (Roberta) O’Leary, Dartmouth, Cyril O’Leary, Vancouver, Bill O’Leary (the late Rita), Toronto, Harvey Morris (the late Jenny), East Bay; sisters-in-law, Mary (Rod) O’Reilly, Toronto, Betty (Bill) Pearce, Peterbourgh, Ont., Kay O’Leary, Dartmouth; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marie also leaves behind a special niece and godchild, Carol Morris Tobin, godchildren, Shawn and Jon O’Leary. The family also wants to acknowledge very good friend Sandra Morris. Sandra had been a good friend to Mom for many years and has been a constant support to us all during Mom’s illness.

Besides her parents and brother, Mom was predeceased by Eddie’s parents, John and Sarah Jane Davis O’Leary, sister-in-law, Jenny O’Leary Morris and brother-in-law, John Jr. O’Leary.

Mom was employed at the East Bay Post Office from 1965-80. She retired from Canada Post to run the family business — East Bay Snow and Water Sports with her husband, Eddie until 1991. Mom decided to receive training to be a personal care worker as she said she was too young to retire. Marie worked both privately and at the MacGillivray Guest Home. She thoroughly enjoyed the residents and co-workers there. Mom loved people, she had a very special place in her heart for the elderly and persons with special needs.

Mom loved the simple things in life. Spending time with her family, enjoying the many hours spent in hockey rinks, gyms, soccer, baseball and football fields being a proud Nana and cheering on Bruce, Dena and their teams. Mom loved visitors, she entertained many friends over the years and we can honestly say no one ever left her home hungry. Mom was an amazing cook.

Summers were her favourite time. She was happiest on days spent on the family property at Northside East Bay on the Bras d’Or Lakes where everyone was always welcome. She loved travelling the Bras d’Or Lakes by boat with her family and everyday commented just how beautiful the scenery was.

In the winter, Mom loved snowmobiling on trails all over Cape Breton, she thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors. Mom had a genuine love of animals especially their Samoyed, Nanook.

Mom was a person who put everyone else before herself. She was very kind and generous and more than willing to lend a helping hand or words of encouragement. Mom always managed a positive approach. We are a family of strong faith and we know Mom is reunited with her family in heaven and will be watching over all of us.

Visitation for Marie O’Leary will take place at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, George Street, Sydney, second level, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, April 12. There will also be a visitation 1:15-2:15 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, East Bay, on Wednesday, April 13. Funeral service will be held at St. Mary’s Church at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Fr. Frank Abbass officiating. Cremation to follow. A reception will be held at East Bay fire hall, 3542 East Bay Highway, following the funeral. The family would love for everyone to attend and share their thoughts and memories.

We would like to thank the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, palliative care staff, VON nurses and home care for the wonderful attention they gave Mom.

In memory of Marie, donations would be appreciated to any of the following, palliative care An Cala unit, Cancer Patient Comfort Fund, cancer centre — Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

Online condolences can be made at www.twcurry.com.

Nana — we will never forget you. Our memories of wonderful times and love shared will remain in our hearts forever