DECKER (Pelley), Ena Faith -- Kingston, Ont.
Published: October 29, 2022
Ontario/ Coxheath
The family of Ena Decker are sad to announce her sudden passing at Kingston, Ontario on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the age of 86 years. Ena was born in George's Brook, NL on May 21, 1936, to Chesley and Mona Pelley, and married Ernest Decker in 1958. They moved from Gander to Cape Breton in 1961 and made Sydney their home for many years. They raised their family on Leeside Drive in Coxheath, where their three daughters enjoyed a wonderful childhood. Ernie predeceased Ena in 1998 after 40 years of marriage and she made the most of the next 24 years spending time with family and friends, fulfilling life-long dreams including making a trip to Galway Bay in Ireland and making new friends along the way.

Ena is survived by Pam, Joy and Lisa and their families, John Timmerman, Jim, Patrick and Jonathan Cookson and Randy, Grace and Ainsley MacFarlane. She is also greatly missed by her brother, Charles Pelley, sister-in-law, Yvonne and their children Jennifer, Karen and Andrew and their families Neil, Christopher and Elizabeth Robitaille, Leo, Nicolas and Adrien Grepin and Maya, Noa and Remi Pelley. Ena also maintained close relationships with Ernie's sisters and brothers, their spouses and children, all of whom mourn her loss.

Ena had a varied and long career that included time with Canadian National Telecommunications in both Gander and Sydney where she worked in telephone and telegraph offices during the era when communications were delivered to homes by messengers on bicycles and when telephone operators connected calls using manually operated switchboards. In her 80's she was communicating with friends and family through calls, texts, Facebook and Messenger – using either her smart phone or iPad. The majority of her working career was spent at the SYSCO General Office where she started in Payroll after receiving a diploma from the Cape Breton Business College in her 30's. Before retiring she was a Buyer in the Purchasing Office.

She was an inspiration to her three daughters who knew from an early age that education, intention and adventure were all equally important. With her full support they pursued piano and dancing lessons, took on acting roles and learned to be exceptional shoppers. Each one then pursued their own dreams and careers as Ena proudly applauded them along the way.

Ena was a long-standing member of the congregation of Sydney River United Protestant Church. She was an Elder of the Church and participated in the UCW, the Ladies Guild, and served as the superintendent of the Sunday School. In later life she moved to Kingston where her brother and eldest daughter reside. She was quick to make friends and happy to have new experiences such as cruising the 1000 islands, pole walking and taking daytrips around the local area.Ena was dearly loved and will be missed by those who have had the good fortune to know her.

Cremation has taken place and, in keeping with her wishes, she will be reunited with Ernie in Cape Breton at the Alfred Smith Memorial Cemetery in Sydney River at a later date. Donations in memory of Ena may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.

MACDONALD, Beatrice Jane -- Sydney
Published: October 13, 2022
It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Beatrice Jane MacDonald, 92, who passed away peacefully on Monday, October 10, 2022, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born August 4, 1930, in Fortune Bay, NL, she was the daughter of the late George and Esther Bonnell. Loving, caring and generous, Beatrice worked for years as a caregiver and housekeeper in the private homes of many families throughout the Sydney area. She enjoyed bowling and loved playing cards and, of course, BINGO.

Ma is survived by her, sons, Charlie (Nora), Joe (Laurie), Terry (Valerie), Rob (Geraldine) and Donnie (MaryLou); daughters, Sharon (George), Jeanette, Ollie (Blaise), Rita (Martin), Esther (James), Judy (Al), Selina and Margaret (Darryl); and daughter-in-law, Doris MacDonald. She also is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Beatrice was predeceased by her husband, Charlie MacDonald in July 1994; two children in infancy; sons, Jim and Johnny; daughter, Marilyn Monaghan; daughter-in-law, Margaret MacDonald; sons-in-law, Eddy Mah, Roy Young and John Nunes. The last surviving member of her immediate family, she was also predeceased by her sisters, Selina Stroughbridge and Elizabeth (the late Henry).

Visitation will be held in Sydney Memorial Chapel on Friday, October 14, 2022 from 1-3 p.m., followed by a service in the chapel at 3 p.m. with Mr. Gary Grant officiating. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks at a later date. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice. Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.com
"God saw you getting tired and called you home saying, "No more suffering. Be at peace". You are now our "special angel".

SKINNER, Capt. Joseph Michael (Skipper Joe) -- North Sydney
Published: November 04, 2022
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Captain Joseph Michael Skinner, age 73, on Monday, October 31, 2022, in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital following a battle with lung cancer. Born in Harbour Breton, NL on March 20, 1949, he was the son of James and Helen (Mahoney) Skinner.

Joe was a skipper of several fishing boats his whole career from the East to the West coast. He retired his skipper hat in 2017 after spending the end of his career on the MV Osprey. Though his professional career ended in commercial fishing, his passion for fishing remained. He spent most of his time on fishing adventures with his best friend, Tim Parsons. He also loved traveling with his wife Marlene and dog Maddie on great weekend adventures. He had a love so strong for his daughters and grandkids.

Joe will be lovingly remembered by his wife Marlene MacIntosh, daughters Helen Skinner (Kris), Kelly Skinner (Mark), and their mother Madonna; step-daughters Angela Taylor (Troy), Sarah Lavin (Jason); grandchildren Grant (Brittany), Owen, Ella, Colby, Brady and Ellivia; brothers Jim (Madonna), Francis (Bev), Kevin (Sarah), Johnny (Robena); sisters Marie (Dave)Baggs, Jane Rose (Alec) Hunt, as well as his deep love for his Baker siblings and many cherished friendships from across the two coasts. Besides his parents, Joe was predeceased by Clarie and Wish Baker who also loved him as a son. He is also predeceased by his brothers Leo (Bud), Dan and Bob.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their care and compassion. There will be no visitation. A private service will be held at W.J. Dooley Funeral Home Chapel, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. Online condolences can be left for the family by posting a message on the tribute wall of the obituary page at www.wjdooley.com