Rosemary Grace Arseneau

82, Sydney, NS

Grace Arseneau, 82, of Sydney, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Thursday 30 May 2013 following a brief stay in An Cala Unit, Cape Breton Regional Hospital. She was a loving wife, sister, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Born in Quebec City, she was the daughter of the late William Thomas McGrath and Helena Margaret Sweeney.

Grace was dedicated to a life filled with family and community. The 7th of 10 children, she particularly enjoyed singing with sisters Elsie and Florence as The McGrath Sisters. Following graduation from St Mary’s Hospital, Montreal, in 1953 she nursed in Quebec City. In 1955 she moved to Sydney with her husband Dr. Donald Arseneau where he took up his career as professor of Chemistry with Xavier College. Grace committed herself to parish and community activities. She was a founding member of the St. Anthony Daniel chapter of the Catholic Women’s League in 1960 and served 2 terms as President; some of her fondest memories included the work she did with the Girls Group during those years. Grace served as President of Cape Breton Right to Life, was a member of the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design and enjoyed her time quilting with friends. Grace was an active member of the St. Anthony Daniel folk choir and the Friends of MacGillivray Guest Home. Most of all, she loved having her home full of family, music and laughter and enjoyed immensely her summers at the A-frame in Northside East Bay.

Grace is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Dr. Donald F. Arseneau whose love and care through her final years have been an inspiration; her sister Mary Elizabeth “Lucy”, Sisters of Providence (Kingston, ON); and her 10 children, Anthony “Tony” (Linda) Rockland ON, John (Jody Aylard) Sidney BC, Dr. Donald J. Vancouver BC, Dr. Thérèse (Dr. Donald Elder) Christchurch NZ, André (Donna) Sydney NS, Dr. Mary (Darcy Terrell) Ottawa ON, Catherine (Mitchell McNutt) Sydney NS, Peter Ottawa ON, Marc (Maureen) Sarnia ON, Patricia (Francis Syms) Toronto ON. Grace will be deeply missed by her 25 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Grace was predeceased by siblings Alice, James, Frances (Paquin), William, Denis, Florence (Drapeau), Elsie (Leclair) and Elizabeth “Betty” (Egan).

Visitation will take place at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel on Saturday June 1 from 7-9pm and Sunday June 2 from 2-4 and 7-9. Mass of Christian burial will take place at St Anthony Daniel Church, Sydney, Monday June 3 at 11am.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences to www.twcurry.com