LUCAS, Margaret
Published: July 02, 2021
North Sydney
Margaret, Marg, Margie, Mucky, Mom, Nanny - What's in a name? Well, when it comes to family is there anyone more endearing than the person that carried each one of us for nine months and beyond?! We say our goodbyes to the one person we have counted on for many years, and also the one we've helped along her way. The passing of a loved one is inevitable, and even when that person has lived a rich life of close to 90 years, it's still difficult to let go, but let go we must. So, we regret to announce the passing of our beloved mother, Margaret Lucas, and yes, she didn't have a middle name because she always said, "Growing up in Newfoundland, and money being tight, families couldn't afford a second name".

Margaret left us peacefully on June 29, 2021 after a long life of joy celebrated with her six children, John (Eva), Michael (Bernice), Debbie (Charlie), Patsy (Winston), Randy (Linda) and Bonita. Also left to feel the loss are 16 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren who were all mom's duckies! Mom also leaves behind to mourn sisters, Madonna Bragg, and her special friend, Ron Bennett, Hope, BC; younger sister, Joan (Frank) O'Brien and her family, Mount Pearl, NF; special cousin, Bob Doyle and wife Brenda, as well as brother-in-law, Bruce Simms, and many members of Dad's family, the Lucas's, all of Newfoundland. Also left to mourn is special daughter-in-law, Georgina Conrad, Bridgewater, NS, along with many nieces and nephews. Marg was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, John, in March of 2012 after having spent a lifetime together raising each and every one of us. She was predeceased by her parents, Tom and Ida May (Penney) Connelly, as well as many special aunts, and her special cousin, Emma (Doyle) Oakley.

Special heartfelt thank you to staff at both The Adelaide Nursing Home, Waverley, where mom spent close to four years nurtured and treated like family, and the 1C floor of Northwood Care Inc. where mom spent her last four months. Marg's legacy will be fulfilled through the hearts and wishes of each and every one mentioned above, and even though she's not with us physically, her words of love and life will resonate in our hearts and minds well into the future. If you haven't taken that moment to call and say hello to a loved one you've lost touch with, stop and reach out to them. Make the last moments last a lifetime!

A funeral service will take place on Saturday, July 3 at 1 p.m. at the WJ Dooley Funeral Home Chapel, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney, with Rev. Stephen Mills officiating. Burial will follow in Lakeside Cemetery, North Sydney. Covid -19 protocols regarding limited seating, social distancing and the wearing of masks will be strictly adhered to. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com

LYNK, Blanche
Published: June 22, 2021
It is with deep sadness the family announces the death of Blanche Lynk on June 18, 2021. Born April 16, 1924 in Kippens, Newfoundland to Margaret and Joseph Baker and raised by her maternal grandparents John and Nancy Gaudette. As a young woman she moved to Sydney where she met and later married Donald Lynk on July 18, 1945. Together they built their home on Mira Road and raised their children.

A gifted seamstress, she was able to make sewing not only a career but after retirement, a loved hobby creating family heirlooms for us to treasure. With the support of family and dear friends and neighbours, Clarke and Diane MacKinnon, she remained in her own home until the age of 93. When she felt she needed a little help she applied to go into care. For the past 4 years she resided at Oakwood Terrace in Dartmouth. There she gathered a new community of friends and was cared for by kind and devoted staff.

Mother is survived by her children, Donald, Niagara Falls, John (Mimi) Philippines, Nancy (Carl), Oliver, BC, Mary (Albert), Eastern Passage, Janet (Harold), Creignish, and Paul (Joanne), Trout Brook. Besides our father she was predeceased by her daughter, Joan Catherine; grandson, David MacIsaac; great-grandson, Nicholas Smith; sister, Eileen Baker and daughter-in-law, Pat Lynk. A Funeral Mass is being planned for in Sydney when Covid restrictions allow.

MERRITT, Jean
Published: June 07, 2021
North Sydney
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Jean Merritt, age 97, on Thursday, June 3, 2021, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born in Marystown, NL, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Frances (Drake) Fitzpatrick. Her mother having died at an early age, she was raised by her grandparents, the late William and Mary Ann Drake of St. Jacques, NL.

Mom came to North Sydney in 1943, where she met and married our Dad in 1947. Together they raised six children. She was a member of St. Joseph's Church in North Sydney and the CWL. She was also a member of the North Sydney and Bras d'Or Seniors Clubs and a former member of the Northside Community Guest Home Ladies Auxiliary. She was a talented knitter, which was one of her favorite hobbies, and each one of us has been the proud recipient of her treasures. She also enjoyed her bingo and card games with friends and loved to travel. Two of her most memorable trips were to Cuba at the age of 89 and her many trips to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, which she always looked forward to with great joy.

Mom is survived by her children, Donnie (Debbie) Merritt, Pamela (Glenn) Russell, Greg Merritt (Margaret Ann), Denise (Kevin) Steele, Michele (Kevin) Ivey, all of North Sydney and Brian Merritt (Bernita) of Halifax. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Geoffrey (Niki), Tara (Steven), Mitchell (Lauren), Brianna (Connor), Colton, Victoria, and Genevieve, as well as her two great-grandchildren, Christian and Evan, all of whom were her pride and joy. Additionally, she is survived by her half-sister, Anna Rose and half-brother, Peter Fitzpatrick, both of Marystown, NL; sister-in-law, Marie Henry of North Sydney; and by four special nephews, Tommy and Glen Merritt, whom she raised, as well as Lloyd MacIntosh and Paul Fitzpatrick. Mom was predeceased by her husband, Effie Merritt; two brothers, George and William Fitzpatrick; half-sister, Frances Pittman; half-brothers, Richard and Adrian Fitzpatrick; by four first cousins but siblings at heart, Con Drake, Pat Drake, Bill Drake and Betty Tait; and by brothers and sisters-in-law, Genevieve, Louise, Michael, Thomas, and Lloyd.

Mom taught us love and respect which we will carry to the end of our days. With heavy hearts, the time has come to say goodbye, Mom. We love you and we will miss you dearly. Weep not for me but courage take. Be good, love and help one another for my sake. - Love Mom.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions there will be no public visitation or Funeral Mass at this time. Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, North Sydney. Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com