Marie Bernadette Nugent

Born in Halifax, she was the daughter of the late John Sylvester Gerrior of Larry’s River, NS and Mary Beatrice (née Fougère) of Poulamon, Isle Madame, Cape Breton. At a very early age, because of illness in the family, Marie was raised in Sydney by her Aunt Mabel and Melvin Martell. Marie lived in a very supportive, close family, with her first cousins. Simultaneously, Marie always cherished and maintained close contact with her own biological family in Halifax.

Having been influenced by both her heredity and new surroundings in Sydney, Marie developed a very dry wit and a love for both music and dance. In her early teens Marie performed as a DJ in the local area utilizing her vast knowledge of music and of the various artists in the pop music field. She later became a dance teacher in the Sydney region, exploring and instructing various forms of dance. She was the founder and director of the non profit dance troupe “Dance Interplay Association” dedicated to the task of developing talent in the performance art of dance in Cape Breton. The association also fostered and encouraged ethnic dance, performing for many cultural festivals throughout the region.

The dance troupe was directed by a Board of Governors consisting of Winnie Chafe, Don Gillis, Allan MacMullin, Marie (Gerrior) Nugent and Maxine Finnell.

She is survived by two sons, Glenn Nugent and Ryan (Amy) Nugent and their father, Joseph Nugent; three grandchildren; Rosa, Vincent, Gia and predeceased by one granddaughter, Karly Mae.

Marie is also survived by her four brothers and four sisters; Reginald (Barbara) Gerrior, Alberta; Bill (Audrey) Gerrior, Halifax; Delores (Michael) de Repentigny, Saskatchewan; Verna (Alcide) Gionet, Halifax; Theresa (Don) Adams, Halifax; Herman (Avis) Gerrior, Truro; Evelyn (Michael) Oakley, Halifax; Thomas Gerrior, Halifax and was predeceased by her biological parents and another brother, Thomas, in infancy. As well, in her family of first cousins with whom she was raised, she leaves; Marie (John ) Drohan; Judy Martell; Fred (Carol) Martell; Debbie (Ralph, deceased) Lewis; Eunice (Clarence) (William, deceased) Staffort- Stang; sister in law, Sally Martell.

Marie Bernadette was also predeceased by her parental, Aunt Mable and Melvin Martell; cousin, Leo Martell.

She was a loving mother and grandmother and will be forever missed by family and friends. May she dance eternally.

In keeping with Marie’s request, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, August 2, with a Funeral service 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 3 both in T. W. Curry Parkview Chapel, Rev. Jim Oliver will officiate. A reception will follow the funeral service in the Sydney Curling Club, George Street. Burial in Resurrection cemetery, Sydney Forks.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory may be made to the Cape Breton Regional Palliative Care Unit.