Obituaries

Muriel Catherine (Phinney) Bibby

BIBBY Muriel Catherine (Phinney), 67, of Brantford, Ontario passed away on May 6, 2026. Born in Antigonish, she was a daughter of the late Clinton and Maisie (Hines) Phinney. Muriel worked at various places over the years: shearing Christmas trees and making wreaths in Goshen; residential centre for special needs’ children; at a nursing home; blackjack dealer at a casino. She was very social and loved going out with her friends on her dart and bowling leagues. She was always on the go. Muriel loved fishing, camping, being outside in her garden and being by the water. She loved the sun and hated winter. She hibernated all winter and didn’t come out until spring. She loved to travel, mostly to tropical destinations. Muriel was a daredevil and went bungee jumping, skydiving and rock climbing. Muriel loved her family and looked forward to the long phone conversations about local hometown events, current events and gossip. She loved spending time with her grandkids and had a sweet relationship with all of them. She loved getting down on the floor with them like a big kid, too, and play or make things. Muriel loved her kids and was always there for them with unconditional love. She has had many health struggles over the last eight years of her life, most recently being in kidney failure. Kidney disease had taken a toll on her. She is survived her daughter, Deidre Pruder, Brantford, ON; son, Kenny (Tracy) McGrath, Tatamagouche; grandchildren, Caleb, Garrett, Ezra, Kennedy, Jessy; brothers, Jack Phinney, New Glasgow; Clinton (Debbie) Phinney, Country Harbour; sisters, Rhonda (Mike) McKeen, Aspen; Yvonne Jones (Richie), Country Harbour; many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Cremation has taken place. Memorial donations may be made to The Kidney Foundation. Special thanks to the many nurses and doctors that have helped her in the last few years of her life. There will be a celebration of life to honour Muriel on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, from 4-6 p.m., in the Country Harbour Gun Club. Online condolences may be made at www.gwgiffin.com.

James Edward Connors

1941 – 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James Edward Connors, who passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family.

James was born on February 7, 1941, in New Victoria Mines, Nova Scotia, the son of the late William Joseph Connors and Margaret Sampson.

Jim was a man of deep faith, strong character, and a generous heart. His love for Our Lord was at the centre of his life, and his unwavering faith carried him through both the joys and challenges of his journey. He found comfort and strength in his relationship with God, and his faith was something he lived each day.

His greatest pleasure in life was his wife, Fran, and his family. He treasured the time spent with those he loved and took great pride in his family. He will be remembered for his kindness, his quiet strength, his sense of humour, and the love he so freely gave to those around him. His life was defined not by what he had, but by the love he gave and the faith he held so dearly.

Over the span of 32 years, and his many roles with Eastern Dairyfoods and Scotsburn Dairy, Jim took most pride in his many years working as a milkman — he became a familiar and welcome part of the lives of the families along his delivery routes. Over the years, he built countless friendships and connections. He touched the lives of so many people in this simple but meaningful way, those relationships were one of the greatest rewards of his work. He also made the best fudge.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Fran (Gottschall); his children Maureen, Peter (Shelley) and Jimmy (Brooke); and his grandchildren, Chris (Nicole), Zach (Hannah), Makenzie, Josh, Hanna (Zach), Hunter and River; along with his great grandchildren, Charli and Chloe. Also, his brothers John, Danny (Ruby) and his sister, Martha, and many nieces and nephews.

James was predeceased by his parents, William Joseph Connors and Margaret Sampson, and his beloved daughter, Cary Connors; his brothers, Michael, Joseph and his sister, Mary.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and entire care team at St. Martha's Regional Hospital for their exceptional care, compassion, and kindness. Your dedication and the comfort you provided to Jim and his family during his final days will never be forgotten.

Jim's faith, love, and gentle spirit will remain a lasting part of the lives of all who knew and loved him.

We are celebrating and honouring Jim on Saturday, September 12 at 1 p.m. at the Christian Fellowship Church, 489 Abercrombie Road, New Glasgow.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations in Jim Connors’ memory be made to the St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

Gloria Elizabeth Dort

DORT, Gloria Elizabeth, 74, of Guysborough, Guysborough County, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026 in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish. Born in Guysborough, she was a daughter of the late Laurier and Muriel (Fenton) Gosbee. Gloria enjoyed crocheting, reading and, in her younger years, she loved to dance. Her love of music carries on in her children and grandchildren. Gloria is survived by her children, Dwayne Dort (Yvonne), April Dort; grandchildren, Nicholas Dort, (Kathleen), Logan Dort (Carly), Brennan Fox, Ethan Fox; siblings, Joyce Gosbee, Patricia Hayne, Mark Gosbee, Laurella Embree, Joseph Gosbee; several nieces, nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her son, John Dort, and brother, Michael Gosbee. A funeral service will be held Thursday, Sept. 3 at 2 p.m. in Wesley United Church, Guysborough, with Rev. Heather Manuel officiating. Interment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Guysborough. Donations in Gloria’s memory may be made to Wesley United Church, Guysborough at wesleyunited2025@gmail.com or Wesley United Church 179 Guysborough, NS, B0H 1N0. Funeral arrangements are under the dignified and compassionate care of G.W. Giffin Funeral Home, 17545 Highway 316, Country Harbour. Online condolences may be made at www.gwgiffin.com.

Ruth Ellen MacEachern

Mulgrave, NS

With hearts full of sorrow, we announce the passing of Ruth MacEachern, 71, a lifelong resident of Mulgrave. She sadly slipped away from us on August 9, surrounded by loved ones. She was a beacon of light, leaving behind a legacy of determination, limitless love, and cherished memories.

Born on May 22 in Antigonish to Ronald and Audrey Spencer, she grew up with a great love for family, friends and church. She dedicated her life to her family and helping others. She found deep joy in so much, but especially collecting hobbies, Friday night cards with her friends, and her church. Her huge heart touched everyone. She possessed a rare grace, treating every person she met with the tender care of a loved one.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 52 years, Joseph; children, Ruthie (Francis), Annie, Gina (Andre), Jolene (Michael) and Joseph (Lauren), who were the absolute center of her universe; sister, Jaunita; brothers, Douglas and James, and countless nieces and nephews. She was a proud and doting grandmother to Jayden, Shelby, Nicholas, Macey, Jacob and Stevie, showering them with love, wisdom and giggles to remember forever.

She now joins those who went before her, including her parents, brother Junior and granddaughter, Jeanette, resting in eternal peace.

Visitation was held on Aug 14 in the Mulgrave & Area Resting Place, followed by the funeral service on Aug 15, from Trinity United Church, Mulgrave, with Rev. Heather Manuel officiating. Donations may be made to Trinity United Church. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com

Mandy Dawn Rudolph

RUDOLPH, Mandy Dawn, 48, of Indian Harbour Lake and High-Crest Sherbrooke Home for Special Care passed away peacefully Saturday, August 15 in St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital, Sherbrooke. She was born on July 26, 1978, in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish. Mandy was the daughter of Wade and Ramona (MacDonald) Rudolph. Mandy graduated in June 1998 from Sherbrooke Academy; then started her career as an interpreter at Sherbrooke Village until 2008, when health issues left her unable to work. Mandy was a special person who touched many people’s lives and will always be remembered for her beautiful smile that she gave freely to everyone. Mandy had many health problems for 43 years but never lost her courage, strength, smile and her love and faith in Jesus. Mandy’s biggest accomplishment in life was the book she wrote about her life. Mandy will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her; she was a precious gift from God and, with broken hearts, we are giving her back. Mandy is survived by her brother, Coady (Jess); nephew, Tanner; maternal grandmother, Helen MacDonald; many aunts, uncles and cousins. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Allister and Charlotte Rudolph; uncle, Martin Rudolph; maternal grandfather, John MacDonald and aunt, Ruby MacDonald. Visitation was held Aug. 18, followed by a funeral service on Aug. 19 in the Indian Harbour Lake Pentecostal Church with Pastor Terry Rideout officiating. Interment followed in Sunset Rest Cemetery, Indian Harbour Lake. Thanks to the staff of St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care. Special thanks and love to the staff of High-Crest for the amazing care and love given Mandy while she was there. Memorial donations may be made to High-Crest Sherbrooke Home for Special Care; hmanthorne@high-crest.com by mail; High-Crest Sherbrooke Home for Special Care, 53 Court Street, PO Box 284, Sherbrooke, B0J 3C0; or St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital, Sherbrooke, at smmhs.donate@gmail.com, or by mail at St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital, 91 Hospital Road, Sherbrooke, NS, B0J 3C0. Funeral arrangements are under the dignified and compassionate care of G.W. Giffin Funeral Home, 17545 Hwy 316, Country Harbour. Online condolences may be made at www.gwgiffin.com.

Catherine Jean Pitts

1936 – 2026

Pitts, Catherine Jean, 89, of Antigonish and formerly of Afton, passed away on August 17, 2026, in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, with her family by her side.

Born in Antigonish, she was a daughter of the late Hughie A. and Cassie Ellen MacDonald.

Catherine Jean was proud to be a teacher, and she taught Grade 1 at Tracadie Consolidated School for more than 35 years. She could usually pick her former students out at the grocery store, even years later, and many of her former students kept in touch with her. Catherine Jean was a true lady who kept a perfect house and believed in doing things properly. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and going for "little trips." She was famous for her mustard pickles and pickled beets. And, if you came to visit, you likely left with a jar and a knitted scrubby.

But the most important thing to Catherine Jean was her family. She adored her five children, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her world.

She is survived by her children, Cathy (late Greg) MacDonald, Antigonish; Jerome (Maureen) Pettipas, Afton; Janie (John) Landry, Afton; Darlene (late Mark) MacDonald, Pomquet; and Michael (Charlene) Pettipas, Salt Springs, Antigonish County; 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; sister, Catherine (Ansel) Slaunwhite, Terrance Bay; and many sisters-and-brothers-in-law.

Predeceased by her husband, Vincent Pitts; sister, Eunice Chisholm; brothers, Jerome MacDonald and Wilfred Atwell; and great-granddaughter, Teddie DeCoste.

Visitation was held Aug. 23 in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish, with funeral Mass taking place on Aug. 24 in St. Peter’s Church, Tracadie, with Fr. John Barry presiding. Burial was in the parish cemetery.

In memoriam, donations to the Antigonish Town & County Palliative Care Society and St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation (palliative care unit) are appreciated.

The family thanks the Palliative Care Society, Dr. Emily Rice, Tove Morgan, and the nurses on the palliative care unit for the care they showed our mom.

Online condolences: www.clcurry.com

Maxine Evelyn White

Maxine Evelyn (Mason) White, December 10, 1947 – August 12, 2026. With heavy hearts, Maxine’s family announces her passing in the palliative care unit of the Aberdeen Hospital on August 12 after a difficult but blessedly brief battle with cancer. For most of her life, Maxine was a proud and active resident of Country Harbour, Guysborough County, before relocating with her son, Robert, to New Glasgow in 2017, where she quickly settled in and made many new friends with her quick wit, energy, and her willingness and ability to talk to just about anyone. Throughout her life, Maxine was employed in various places and industries, including Clairtone in New Glasgow, and Mercury Marine in Mississauga, Ontario. But by far her favourite role was as an interpretive guide at her beloved Sherbrooke Village for more than 20 years before officially retiring in 2021. During her time at The Village, Maxine met and engaged with literally thousands of people from all over the world, cooked dozens of meals for visiting school children each year, made hundreds of pounds of soap, candles, cookies and biscuits from scratch, and became a valued employee, co-worker, and friend to her Village family. Maxine was predeceased by her parents, Gertrude and Malcolm Mason; her loving husband, Robert “Bob” Cecil White, in 2006; and sadly, by her son, Robert (Rob) Mason White, in May of this year. Maxine was also predeceased by siblings, Greta (Francis) Hayne, Vera (Merritt) Feltmate, Wesley (Helen), Earl (Bertha), Edgar (Roxanne), and brother, Edgar, in infancy, as well as sisters-in-law, Mid (Gussie), Nell (Johnny), Dorothy (Lou), Dolly (Clarey), and brothers-in-law, Edgar (Sally), George (Bernice) and Bill (Peggy). Surviving Maxine are her sister, Shirley (Harland) Mills; brother, Victor (Elizabeth); sisters-in-law, Vera Johnston, Allie (Roy) Sutherland and Nini (Ollie) Giffin. Also surviving Maxine are her daughter, Kimberly Cameron, and son, Bradley (Debbie) Cameron, New Glasgow, along with grandchildren Alex, AJ, and Delaney (Kim), Courtney and Mason (Brad), and great-grandchildren, Cameron (Alex), Bradley and Navy (Delaney), Sophia, Bentley, Sadie, and Luca (Courtney). Kim and Brad also acknowledge Maxine’s “sisters by choice” Doreen MacIsaac and Lorraine “Nunn” Mason for their lifelong friendship, and the love, compassion, and unwavering support they provided to all of us during Mom’s final days … there are no words to express how much your kindness meant to us. In lieu of flowers, Maxine would request a memorial donation to Evergreen Cemetery, Cross Roads Country Harbour; evergreencemeterycrch@gmail.com, Aberdeen Health Foundation Palliative Care Fund, or the Canadian Cancer Society. Per Maxine’s wishes, there will be no funeral or visitation. A celebration of life for Maxine and Rob is being planned for a later date. Cremation has taken place under the care of P & K MacDonald Funeral Home in New Glasgow. ”YOUR LIFE WAS A BLESSING, YOUR MEMORY A TREASURE, YOU ARE LOVED BEYOND WORDS, AND MISSED BEYOND MEASURE” Lovingly submitted by family. Online condolences may be made at www.gwgiffin.com.­­

Donna Edith Wheeldon nee Power

October 18, 1947 – February 25, 2026

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Donna Edith Wheeldon (nee Power), Cobourg, Ontario; born in Halifax and formerly from Queensport, Nova Scotia. Donna passed away after a long illness on February 25, 2026, at the age of 78, leaving to mourn family and friends.

Donna was predeceased by her parents, William Power and Cynthia Power (nee Williams), and by her brother, James Power. She will be deeply missed by her loving and devoted husband, Keith. She was step-mother to Jeff (Alisa) and Tara (Joseph). Cherished grandmother of Jonah, Seth and Arielle. Loving sister to Heather, Bella, Cynthia and Barry.

A committal service will be held on Saturday, September 12, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Christ Church Cemetery in Queensport, Nova Scotia. All are welcome to attend.