Catherine Lavina Best

Catherine Lavina Best passed away peacefully in the Palliative Care Unit of the Cape Breton Hospital, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, March 21, 2025, she was 85. Born in Sydney on October 23, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Millicent Best.

Catherine graduated from St. FX University in the 60's with a BA, BEd and TC5 License. Catherine was a past employee of the old Cape Breton School District Board for many years. Her teaching career extended to schools such as Whitney, Don Bosco and Memorial Junior High until her retirement. Catherine was a dedicated and lifelong member of St. Philip's African Orthodox Church. In her younger days, she sang in the church choir, and was involved in various events that were held at the church. As years went on, she became secretary of the church and the Alter Guild, posts she held for decades. Because of her dedication and love for her church she became a deacon, so she could carry on the work of God. Catherine was also an active member of the CFUW for many years.

In her sparetime, she loved to play the piano and read to keep up with current and past events.

Predeceding her is her father Harold Best, mother Millicent (Aitkens) Best, sister Germaine Bodkins and brother Samuel, uncle Charles and grandmother Lavina Grant.

Surviving members include her sister Audrey B. Plyes, brothers Whitfield, Erwin and Marvin also many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She will be sadly missed. She was the one that kept us all focused.

We would like to thank everyone in the Emergency Dept of the CBRH and the doctors who assisted in keeping her comfortable in her time of need. Thank you also to the Drs and staff of 4D at the hospital. Special thanks to the Palliative Care Unit and the Doctors who attended to our sister to make her as comfortable as possible in her final days. Your dedication, professionalism and compassion was second to none. Thanks again.

Visitation will take place from 6 until 8pm at TW Curry Parkview Chapel, Sydney on Monday, April 7. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, April 8th at St. Philip's African Orthodox Church, 34 Hankard St., Whitney Pier with Fr. Paul Murphy presiding. Interment to take place in Forest Haven Cemetery at a later date. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting twcurry.com. If desired, donations in Catherine's memory may be made to either the Alzheimer Society or St Philip's AOC Building Fund.