Anne C. Currie

“The heart of the wise is in the house of the mourning.” —Ecclesiastes 7:4. Anne Catherine Currie passed away peacefully on Monday June 6th in Hospice with her loving cousins by her side. I was blessed to call Anne “Mom” and she was my best friend. Anne celebrated her 101st birthday in April and was the youngest child of Mary and Malcolm MacKinnon (MacGillivary). Anne had many stories to tell of her life growing up on Johnson Street in the North End of Sydney. She was educated at Holy Angels Convent. Anne met the love of her life (and the hero of mine) Edward Daniel Currie through her neighbor who was his Aunt Mary White. Anne worked in Sydney while Eddy finished his degrees at St. Francis Xavier. Anne and Eddy built a wonderful life together, they opened their home to her parents and to her sister Mary. Anne was a loving caregiver to her parents and sister as well as a devoted wife and mother. Anne turned their house into a home. With Anne’s support, Eddy was able to fulfill his dream when he founded the Cape Breton Business College in Sydney. I came into their world and their little family was complete. Through the years, life was always busy. Mom travelled to California with Dad for the births of both of their grandchildren. A great part of their grandchildren’s lives was spent visiting Sydney during many summer and Christmas holidays. We made memories that will last a lifetime. Nana loved and protected her grandchildren fiercely as they were her pride and her joy. My parent's love story continued until my Dad's death in 2007, shortly before their 60th wedding anniversary. In the years following my Dad's passing, Mom enjoyed a quiet life, loved her cooking shows, a little knitting, time spent with friends in her building and visits with family. Our daily phone conversations kept us both going.

Anne was blessed with many friends throughout the years who loved her for her sharp wit, sincerity, kindness, wisdom and generosity. I am grateful that the Lord blessed her with a long life and that she will be remembered with love by those whose lives she touched. Miss you so much Mom and I thank you for all the love and wisdom you shared.

Survived by me, her daughter Carole Anne (Gareth) Patterson (California); grandchildren Bryson and Olivia Patterson (University of San Diego, California). Cousins Patti MacDonald (Sydney) and Susan MacDonald (South Bar). Predeceased by her beloved husband Edward Daniel Currie, sister Mary MacKinnon, brother John MacKinnon (Elsie) and her parents Mary and Malcolm MacKinnon. Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice Cape Breton, 6 Charles Herney Awti, Membertou,Nova Scotia, B1P 0J8.

CARD OF THANKS

My Mom and I could not have travelled this journey during these last three months at Hospice without so many loving individuals. From my heart, I have so many to thank. Thank you for making my Mom feel like a queen. Thanks to my supportive husband who didn’t let us walk this path alone, to my daughter Olivia, who was able to visit from university to be with her Nana and to my son Bryson, who visited just before COVID hit. Nana watched Bryson’s graduation online from the University of San Diego just days before she passed. Both of her grandchildren always brightened her days.

Just saying thank you isn’t enough to Patti MacDonald and Susan MacDonald, my wonderful cousins. Their love, companionship and constant support in my Mother’s life is unmeasurable. They’ve held my Mom's hands and her heart. I will be forever grateful to you both. Thanks also to Carolyn Murphy who was able to step in when we left Sydney for Brysons graduation.

My Mom’s care at the Hospice Facility in Membertou, Sydney was exemplary. I am grateful for its existence and opening at a time when we needed it the most. Thank you to everyone at Hospice who became part of our family during the last few months of my Mom’s life—Dr. Anne Frances D’Intino, thank you. You are truly an angel on earth to your patients as well as to their families. I will be forever grateful for your expert care, kindness, hand holding and constant support; not just for my Mom but for our entire family. To the amazing nursing staff who have gone above and beyond: Alicia, Brett, Deanna, Kim, Marcie, Sherri, Wendy, Jackie, Aileen, Emily, Katherine (Kat), Melissa, Michelle, Cathy, Ann Marie and Wendy. The kitchen staff—Steve, Ann, Bree, Lyn and Matthew who made all of her meals to her liking. Thanks so much to Steve for her 101st birthday cake. Thank you to Jill Murphy, music therapist, for the beautiful original song with my Mom’s voice intertwined with the lyrics. Many thanks to Lisa McNeil-Campbell, the Hospice Volunteer Lead for the hugs and so much support. Chaplain Debbie for the special visits and wise words. Dietician Nanette Mac Donald for the delicious meals. Thanks to Iris Murphy for her support and friendship. Thank you to the many many volunteers at the front desk. To Ruth and Wendy for keeping everything spotless for us. Carol White, you were amazing with my Mom and we are forever grateful. Fr. McGillivary, thank you for easing my Mom into a peaceful place. Thanks to Allison for Occupational Therapy and to Pauline the Hospice Social Worker. Thank you to Dr. Margaret Fraser for the house visit that helped usher my Mom into Palliative Care. Thanks to Dr. Saneea Abboud in the An Cala Palliative Care Unit. Special thanks to Dianne at the MacGuillivary Guest home. My sincere apologies if I’ve missed a name or two. Thanks to all who helped not only my Mom but also Patti, Susan, Carol and me. I will be forever grateful to those whose lives intertwined with our little family while we stayed in Sydney these past few months.