Margaret Cusack
89, Sydney
It is very hard to face the lingering transition from present tense to past tense with someone you love dearly. For the family of Margaret Elizabeth Cusack, RN that change began on March 27, 2012.
Born Margaret Marchand in Little Dover (Canso), N.S., on Sept. 22, 1922, Mom grew up in Canso and Arichat. She taught school for a year and graduated in 1944 from St. Joseph's School of Nursing subsequently enjoying many lifelong friendships with classmates.
Mom nursed in Montreal and Halifax before becoming matron of l'hôpital Ste. Anne in Arichat, where she met and married, Dr. Cornelius Gallivan Cusack, DDS.
Mom and Dad moved from Arichat to East Bay then finally to 110 Whitney Ave., Sydney in 1959, where they raised eight children. Mom remained at this address until the end, joyfully hosting family, friends and strangers.
Mom's final days were spent under excellent care at the Palliative Care unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. This was a fitting setting for a woman who donated many passionate hours promoting and fund raising for Hospice Palliative Care of Cape Breton. She remained active in this endeavour until a few short weeks before entering hospital in January.
Mom was a set decorator and volunteer for ATV's Mass for Shut-Ins, past president and volunteer for the Catholic Women's League and a steadfast advocate for social justice. She was an active member, chairperson and instructor at the Cape Breton School of Crafts. Mom also spearheaded projects for single mothers, homeless youth, Loaves and Fishes and was a strong promoter for bone marrow donations.
As a parent and grandparent she was watchful and concerned about all of us; freely offering love, encouragement, and the lessons needed right to the end. She lead by example and was forgiving of all.
We will all miss the large family gatherings she tirelessly prepared for children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren every Christmas, Easter and at other times of year. This will be the first year some grandchildren will not have their Nanny's Christmas celebration.
Mom is survived by her sister, Lorraine Cantlie (Jim); sister-in-law, Ruth Marchand; eight children, Elizabeth Cusack, Anne (Ron) Sewell, Marie (Frank) Nemeth, Jane (Joey) Hines, Helen Cusack (Jeff Wall), Cathy Cusack (Lawrence Denham), Bill Cusack (Valerie Ervin-Cusack), Roland Cusack (Barb Hildebrand). Grandchildren, Catherine and James Walsh and their father Gary, Robert (Katrena) Sewell and David Sewell, Lisa (Kevin) Hopper, Amy (Aaron) Book, and Laura Nemeth, Brian Hines (Heather Morrow), Mark and Jacqueline Hines, Chrisanna, Sarah and Jennie Dobrowolski and their father John, Jeffrey Cusack, Christopher Denham, Brendan and Allison Cusack, Ben Cusack and six great-grandchildren, Kristina and Ethan Sewell, Lillian Hopper, Patrick and Jillian Book and Molly Hines who helped her smile with joy right up to the last day; also her nieces and nephews in the McIntyre (Roland and Mary), Smith (Verona and Trueman), Marchand (Dave and Ruth) and Cantlie (Lorraine and Jim) families.
She was predeceased by her husband, Cornelius Gallivan Cusack (Connie), her parents, Albini and Marie Eugenie Marchand, parents-in-law, Bill and Bess (Gallivan) Cusack, sister-in-law, Mary McIntyre and six of eight siblings Verona Smith, Dave, Vernon, Joseph, Blanche and Monica Marchand.
Mom is also survived by many cherished friends-young and elderly-who are too numerous to list but have our sincere gratitude for their caring friendship.
She was very appreciative, as are we, of the excellent care she received at the QE II, the Cape Breton Regional ER, 4C and Palliative Care; for Dr. Mark Sampson and his assistant Rita for their great empathy as well as Dr. Phillip Curry who helped Mom hear to the end.
Mom had a good night greeting she used regularly before retiring for the night, "If you need me you know where I am." Yes Mom, if we need you, and we will, "we know where you are".
There will be a wake at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, Sydney on Thursday, March 29 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Church, 40 Cabot St., Sydney on Friday, March 30 at 10 a.m.
Donations can be made to Cape Breton Hospice Palliative Care, Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design or the IWK bone marrow transplant program.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
April 10, 2012
Mom & I were both so sad to hear of your mother's passing.
My instructions whenever we were attending one of Betty's gatherings were always to watch for your mother.
Both your mother & father will be remembered by our family.
It's not every family that has a dentist's office in their basement. It was long gone by the time I came along but I have an ad from the local paper & it's been in our album for many years.
In another section there is a story of how my sister came to be named Florence Margaret.
It began snowing in Arichat on April 6, 1950 & it continued on the 7th & 8th. By Easter Sunday the snow drifts were so high people had to be shoveled out of their homes, the power was out, the roads were closed & Mom went into labour.
I think the only break Dad got that day was a wonderful nurse lived across the street. The only problem was your petite mother couldn't make her way to the house. Dad met her at the bottom of the stairs but she couldn't follow in his footsteps so in the end she hopped on his back & he carried her to the house.
Mom's aunt was a member of the Filles de Jesus & pretty much dictated the names we were given but Mom & Dad told her one of the names would be Margaret.
Clairette LeBrun,
Halifax, Nova Scotia
March 29, 2012
To the children & family of the late Marg Cusack, my very deepest sympathy on the passing of this very special lady and friend.It has been indeed a privilege
to have known and worked with Marg at ATV Mass for Shut-Ins for the past 35 plus years. She will be truly missed by all. May her soul rest in peace!
Lou Bonaparte,
Sydney, Nova Scotia
March 29, 2012
Cathy, Lawrence and Jeff,
Your Mom continues to be such an inspiration to us- her incredible spirit, commitment to people and to her family. Our prayers are with you. Loretta and family
Loretta Brill,
Pickering, Ontario
March 29, 2012
To the Cusack family,
May the beautiful spirit of Margaret live on in each of you.
She was always welcoming and spoke kindly to me.
My sympathy in the loss of your mother.
Blessings,
Judith Miller
March 29, 2012
Our Aunt Margaret has been so important in our lives. Her constant loving and generous spirit, her endless capacity to wrap us, too, in the warmth of the extraordinary family she leaves behind, her creativity, her faith and her optimism for everyone - these anchored us through the years.We are all so very saddened with her passing. We learned so much from her about how to live with others and our world is much enriched by the special times we had with her over the years. She gave us strength and grounding in the past as she does now. No one is more deserving of a special place to rest now that her good work with everyone she met is complete.
Sharon Harris, Susan, Bill and Frank McIntyre
March 29, 2012
Liz, Catherine, and James:
You are in our thoughts across the miles
John Hugh and Beverley Edwards,
Ottawa
March 28, 2012
Please accept condolences from Kathy and myself on your loss. While distance precludes our being there in person, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Doug Grant,
Kitchener, Ontario
March 28, 2012
Marie and family,
Sorry for your loss. I know your faith, family and good friends will be a comfort to you at this difficult time.
Fonnie Mac Aulay
March 28, 2012
Roland and family. May you take comfort with the love and memories you shared with your mother.
Andrew Knight,
Halifax, Nova Scotia
March 28, 2012
Roland and family,
So sorry to hear about your Mom. Our thoughts are with you. Linda & Jeff Deloughery
March 28, 2012
To Our Dear Aunt Margaret- Words cannot convey our feelings at this time. You were a great Aunt who always had time, patience and a kind word for everyone who came in contact with you. Your time on earth was spent helping, loving and touching many lives especially ours. Your legacy will live on thru your children. We know that when you arrived in heaven you were welcomed with open arms. Heaven will now have a beautiful garden with lots of places to sit and relax and reflect and know that you loved and were loved by so many.
We will treasure the memories forever
Nephew Vernon, Carolyn, Amanda and Sarah Marchand xoxoxo
March 28, 2012
Aunt Margaret welcomed me to the family so genuinely. You are such a hospitable family. The art of hers that I have in my home is greatly valued and displayed with pride. She had a way of truly asking what was going on in your life and really listening to your answer. I am a better artist because of her and a better person. In the last few years she began to resemble her sister Verona. This was a great comfort to my children who miss their grandmother. Thanks for sharing your mother/grandmother with us. She will be missed but heaven is more beautiful! Blessings on you all now and always.
Laurie Smith,
Cookeville, Tennessee
March 27, 2012
Jane and family. Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mom. Roland and Marion Pryor.
March 27, 2012
What a beautiful woman Aunt Margaret was...She ALWAYS did for others, never wanting anything in return. She had such a love for life and ALL that it involved. Her garden was her paradise and her children and grand children~ the essence of her being. She gave so much to this world and she will be GREATLY missed by all those people she touched in her 89 1/2 years!
I love you and will miss you...Your niece, Susan xo
89, Sydney
It is very hard to face the lingering transition from present tense to past tense with someone you love dearly. For the family of Margaret Elizabeth Cusack, RN that change began on March 27, 2012.
Born Margaret Marchand in Little Dover (Canso), N.S., on Sept. 22, 1922, Mom grew up in Canso and Arichat. She taught school for a year and graduated in 1944 from St. Joseph's School of Nursing subsequently enjoying many lifelong friendships with classmates.
Mom nursed in Montreal and Halifax before becoming matron of l'hôpital Ste. Anne in Arichat, where she met and married, Dr. Cornelius Gallivan Cusack, DDS.
Mom and Dad moved from Arichat to East Bay then finally to 110 Whitney Ave., Sydney in 1959, where they raised eight children. Mom remained at this address until the end, joyfully hosting family, friends and strangers.
Mom's final days were spent under excellent care at the Palliative Care unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. This was a fitting setting for a woman who donated many passionate hours promoting and fund raising for Hospice Palliative Care of Cape Breton. She remained active in this endeavour until a few short weeks before entering hospital in January.
Mom was a set decorator and volunteer for ATV's Mass for Shut-Ins, past president and volunteer for the Catholic Women's League and a steadfast advocate for social justice. She was an active member, chairperson and instructor at the Cape Breton School of Crafts. Mom also spearheaded projects for single mothers, homeless youth, Loaves and Fishes and was a strong promoter for bone marrow donations.
As a parent and grandparent she was watchful and concerned about all of us; freely offering love, encouragement, and the lessons needed right to the end. She lead by example and was forgiving of all.
We will all miss the large family gatherings she tirelessly prepared for children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren every Christmas, Easter and at other times of year. This will be the first year some grandchildren will not have their Nanny's Christmas celebration.
Mom is survived by her sister, Lorraine Cantlie (Jim); sister-in-law, Ruth Marchand; eight children, Elizabeth Cusack, Anne (Ron) Sewell, Marie (Frank) Nemeth, Jane (Joey) Hines, Helen Cusack (Jeff Wall), Cathy Cusack (Lawrence Denham), Bill Cusack (Valerie Ervin-Cusack), Roland Cusack (Barb Hildebrand). Grandchildren, Catherine and James Walsh and their father Gary, Robert (Katrena) Sewell and David Sewell, Lisa (Kevin) Hopper, Amy (Aaron) Book, and Laura Nemeth, Brian Hines (Heather Morrow), Mark and Jacqueline Hines, Chrisanna, Sarah and Jennie Dobrowolski and their father John, Jeffrey Cusack, Christopher Denham, Brendan and Allison Cusack, Ben Cusack and six great-grandchildren, Kristina and Ethan Sewell, Lillian Hopper, Patrick and Jillian Book and Molly Hines who helped her smile with joy right up to the last day; also her nieces and nephews in the McIntyre (Roland and Mary), Smith (Verona and Trueman), Marchand (Dave and Ruth) and Cantlie (Lorraine and Jim) families.
She was predeceased by her husband, Cornelius Gallivan Cusack (Connie), her parents, Albini and Marie Eugenie Marchand, parents-in-law, Bill and Bess (Gallivan) Cusack, sister-in-law, Mary McIntyre and six of eight siblings Verona Smith, Dave, Vernon, Joseph, Blanche and Monica Marchand.
Mom is also survived by many cherished friends-young and elderly-who are too numerous to list but have our sincere gratitude for their caring friendship.
She was very appreciative, as are we, of the excellent care she received at the QE II, the Cape Breton Regional ER, 4C and Palliative Care; for Dr. Mark Sampson and his assistant Rita for their great empathy as well as Dr. Phillip Curry who helped Mom hear to the end.
Mom had a good night greeting she used regularly before retiring for the night, "If you need me you know where I am." Yes Mom, if we need you, and we will, "we know where you are".
There will be a wake at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, Sydney on Thursday, March 29 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Church, 40 Cabot St., Sydney on Friday, March 30 at 10 a.m.
Donations can be made to Cape Breton Hospice Palliative Care, Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design or the IWK bone marrow transplant program.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
April 10, 2012
Mom & I were both so sad to hear of your mother's passing.
My instructions whenever we were attending one of Betty's gatherings were always to watch for your mother.
Both your mother & father will be remembered by our family.
It's not every family that has a dentist's office in their basement. It was long gone by the time I came along but I have an ad from the local paper & it's been in our album for many years.
In another section there is a story of how my sister came to be named Florence Margaret.
It began snowing in Arichat on April 6, 1950 & it continued on the 7th & 8th. By Easter Sunday the snow drifts were so high people had to be shoveled out of their homes, the power was out, the roads were closed & Mom went into labour.
I think the only break Dad got that day was a wonderful nurse lived across the street. The only problem was your petite mother couldn't make her way to the house. Dad met her at the bottom of the stairs but she couldn't follow in his footsteps so in the end she hopped on his back & he carried her to the house.
Mom's aunt was a member of the Filles de Jesus & pretty much dictated the names we were given but Mom & Dad told her one of the names would be Margaret.
Clairette LeBrun,
Halifax, Nova Scotia
March 29, 2012
To the children & family of the late Marg Cusack, my very deepest sympathy on the passing of this very special lady and friend.It has been indeed a privilege
to have known and worked with Marg at ATV Mass for Shut-Ins for the past 35 plus years. She will be truly missed by all. May her soul rest in peace!
Lou Bonaparte,
Sydney, Nova Scotia
March 29, 2012
Cathy, Lawrence and Jeff,
Your Mom continues to be such an inspiration to us- her incredible spirit, commitment to people and to her family. Our prayers are with you. Loretta and family
Loretta Brill,
Pickering, Ontario
March 29, 2012
To the Cusack family,
May the beautiful spirit of Margaret live on in each of you.
She was always welcoming and spoke kindly to me.
My sympathy in the loss of your mother.
Blessings,
Judith Miller
March 29, 2012
Our Aunt Margaret has been so important in our lives. Her constant loving and generous spirit, her endless capacity to wrap us, too, in the warmth of the extraordinary family she leaves behind, her creativity, her faith and her optimism for everyone - these anchored us through the years.We are all so very saddened with her passing. We learned so much from her about how to live with others and our world is much enriched by the special times we had with her over the years. She gave us strength and grounding in the past as she does now. No one is more deserving of a special place to rest now that her good work with everyone she met is complete.
Sharon Harris, Susan, Bill and Frank McIntyre
March 29, 2012
Liz, Catherine, and James:
You are in our thoughts across the miles
John Hugh and Beverley Edwards,
Ottawa
March 28, 2012
Please accept condolences from Kathy and myself on your loss. While distance precludes our being there in person, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Doug Grant,
Kitchener, Ontario
March 28, 2012
Marie and family,
Sorry for your loss. I know your faith, family and good friends will be a comfort to you at this difficult time.
Fonnie Mac Aulay
March 28, 2012
Roland and family. May you take comfort with the love and memories you shared with your mother.
Andrew Knight,
Halifax, Nova Scotia
March 28, 2012
Roland and family,
So sorry to hear about your Mom. Our thoughts are with you. Linda & Jeff Deloughery
March 28, 2012
To Our Dear Aunt Margaret- Words cannot convey our feelings at this time. You were a great Aunt who always had time, patience and a kind word for everyone who came in contact with you. Your time on earth was spent helping, loving and touching many lives especially ours. Your legacy will live on thru your children. We know that when you arrived in heaven you were welcomed with open arms. Heaven will now have a beautiful garden with lots of places to sit and relax and reflect and know that you loved and were loved by so many.
We will treasure the memories forever
Nephew Vernon, Carolyn, Amanda and Sarah Marchand xoxoxo
March 28, 2012
Aunt Margaret welcomed me to the family so genuinely. You are such a hospitable family. The art of hers that I have in my home is greatly valued and displayed with pride. She had a way of truly asking what was going on in your life and really listening to your answer. I am a better artist because of her and a better person. In the last few years she began to resemble her sister Verona. This was a great comfort to my children who miss their grandmother. Thanks for sharing your mother/grandmother with us. She will be missed but heaven is more beautiful! Blessings on you all now and always.
Laurie Smith,
Cookeville, Tennessee
March 27, 2012
Jane and family. Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mom. Roland and Marion Pryor.
March 27, 2012
What a beautiful woman Aunt Margaret was...She ALWAYS did for others, never wanting anything in return. She had such a love for life and ALL that it involved. Her garden was her paradise and her children and grand children~ the essence of her being. She gave so much to this world and she will be GREATLY missed by all those people she touched in her 89 1/2 years!
I love you and will miss you...Your niece, Susan xo
Margaret Cusack
89, Sydney
It is very hard to face the lingering transition from present tense to past tense with someone you love dearly. For the family of Margaret Elizabeth Cusack, RN that change began on March 27, 2012.
Born Margaret Marchand in Little Dover (Canso), N.S., on Sept. 22, 1922, Mom grew up in Canso and Arichat. She taught school for a year and graduated in 1944 from St. Joseph's School of Nursing subsequently enjoying many lifelong friendships with classmates.
Mom nursed in Montreal and Halifax before becoming matron of l'hôpital Ste. Anne in Arichat, where she met and married, Dr. Cornelius Gallivan Cusack, DDS.
Mom and Dad moved from Arichat to East Bay then finally to 110 Whitney Ave., Sydney in 1959, where they raised eight children. Mom remained at this address until the end, joyfully hosting family, friends and strangers.
Mom's final days were spent under excellent care at the Palliative Care unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. This was a fitting setting for a woman who donated many passionate hours promoting and fund raising for Hospice Palliative Care of Cape Breton. She remained active in this endeavour until a few short weeks before entering hospital in January.
Mom was a set decorator and volunteer for ATV's Mass for Shut-Ins, past president and volunteer for the Catholic Women's League and a steadfast advocate for social justice. She was an active member, chairperson and instructor at the Cape Breton School of Crafts. Mom also spearheaded projects for single mothers, homeless youth, Loaves and Fishes and was a strong promoter for bone marrow donations.
As a parent and grandparent she was watchful and concerned about all of us; freely offering love, encouragement, and the lessons needed right to the end. She lead by example and was forgiving of all.
We will all miss the large family gatherings she tirelessly prepared for children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren every Christmas, Easter and at other times of year. This will be the first year some grandchildren will not have their Nanny's Christmas celebration.
Mom is survived by her sister, Lorraine Cantlie (Jim); sister-in-law, Ruth Marchand; eight children, Elizabeth Cusack, Anne (Ron) Sewell, Marie (Frank) Nemeth, Jane (Joey) Hines, Helen Cusack (Jeff Wall), Cathy Cusack (Lawrence Denham), Bill Cusack (Valerie Ervin-Cusack), Roland Cusack (Barb Hildebrand). Grandchildren, Catherine and James Walsh and their father Gary, Robert (Katrena) Sewell and David Sewell, Lisa (Kevin) Hopper, Amy (Aaron) Book, and Laura Nemeth, Brian Hines (Heather Morrow), Mark and Jacqueline Hines, Chrisanna, Sarah and Jennie Dobrowolski and their father John, Jeffrey Cusack, Christopher Denham, Brendan and Allison Cusack, Ben Cusack and six great-grandchildren, Kristina and Ethan Sewell, Lillian Hopper, Patrick and Jillian Book and Molly Hines who helped her smile with joy right up to the last day; also her nieces and nephews in the McIntyre (Roland and Mary), Smith (Verona and Trueman), Marchand (Dave and Ruth) and Cantlie (Lorraine and Jim) families.
She was predeceased by her husband, Cornelius Gallivan Cusack (Connie), her parents, Albini and Marie Eugenie Marchand, parents-in-law, Bill and Bess (Gallivan) Cusack, sister-in-law, Mary McIntyre and six of eight siblings Verona Smith, Dave, Vernon, Joseph, Blanche and Monica Marchand.
Mom is also survived by many cherished friends-young and elderly-who are too numerous to list but have our sincere gratitude for their caring friendship.
She was very appreciative, as are we, of the excellent care she received at the QE II, the Cape Breton Regional ER, 4C and Palliative Care; for Dr. Mark Sampson and his assistant Rita for their great empathy as well as Dr. Phillip Curry who helped Mom hear to the end.
Mom had a good night greeting she used regularly before retiring for the night, "If you need me you know where I am." Yes Mom, if we need you, and we will, "we know where you are".
There will be a wake at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, Sydney on Thursday, March 29 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Church, 40 Cabot St., Sydney on Friday, March 30 at 10 a.m.
Donations can be made to Cape Breton Hospice Palliative Care, Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design or the IWK bone marrow transplant program.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
April 10, 2012
Mom & I were both so sad to hear of your mother's passing.
My instructions whenever we were attending one of Betty's gatherings were always to watch for your mother.
Both your mother & father will be remembered by our family.
It's not every family that has a dentist's office in their basement. It was long gone by the time I came along but I have an ad from the local paper & it's been in our album for many years.
In another section there is a story of how my sister came to be named Florence Margaret.
It began snowing in Arichat on April 6, 1950 & it continued on the 7th & 8th. By Easter Sunday the snow drifts were so high people had to be shoveled out of their homes, the power was out, the roads were closed & Mom went into labour.
I think the only break Dad got that day was a wonderful nurse lived across the street. The only problem was your petite mother couldn't make her way to the house. Dad met her at the bottom of the stairs but she couldn't follow in his footsteps so in the end she hopped on his back & he carried her to the house.
Mom's aunt was a member of the Filles de Jesus & pretty much dictated the names we were given but Mom & Dad told her one of the names would be Margaret.
Clairette LeBrun,
Halifax, Nova Scotia
March 29, 2012
To the children & family of the late Marg Cusack, my very deepest sympathy on the passing of this very special lady and friend.It has been indeed a privilege
to have known and worked with Marg at ATV Mass for Shut-Ins for the past 35 plus years. She will be truly missed by all. May her soul rest in peace!
Lou Bonaparte,
Sydney, Nova Scotia
March 29, 2012
Cathy, Lawrence and Jeff,
Your Mom continues to be such an inspiration to us- her incredible spirit, commitment to people and to her family. Our prayers are with you. Loretta and family
Loretta Brill,
Pickering, Ontario
March 29, 2012
To the Cusack family,
May the beautiful spirit of Margaret live on in each of you.
She was always welcoming and spoke kindly to me.
My sympathy in the loss of your mother.
Blessings,
Judith Miller
March 29, 2012
Our Aunt Margaret has been so important in our lives. Her constant loving and generous spirit, her endless capacity to wrap us, too, in the warmth of the extraordinary family she leaves behind, her creativity, her faith and her optimism for everyone - these anchored us through the years.We are all so very saddened with her passing. We learned so much from her about how to live with others and our world is much enriched by the special times we had with her over the years. She gave us strength and grounding in the past as she does now. No one is more deserving of a special place to rest now that her good work with everyone she met is complete.
Sharon Harris, Susan, Bill and Frank McIntyre
March 29, 2012
Liz, Catherine, and James:
You are in our thoughts across the miles
John Hugh and Beverley Edwards,
Ottawa
March 28, 2012
Please accept condolences from Kathy and myself on your loss. While distance precludes our being there in person, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Doug Grant,
Kitchener, Ontario
March 28, 2012
Marie and family,
Sorry for your loss. I know your faith, family and good friends will be a comfort to you at this difficult time.
Fonnie Mac Aulay
March 28, 2012
Roland and family. May you take comfort with the love and memories you shared with your mother.
Andrew Knight,
Halifax, Nova Scotia
March 28, 2012
Roland and family,
So sorry to hear about your Mom. Our thoughts are with you. Linda & Jeff Deloughery
March 28, 2012
To Our Dear Aunt Margaret- Words cannot convey our feelings at this time. You were a great Aunt who always had time, patience and a kind word for everyone who came in contact with you. Your time on earth was spent helping, loving and touching many lives especially ours. Your legacy will live on thru your children. We know that when you arrived in heaven you were welcomed with open arms. Heaven will now have a beautiful garden with lots of places to sit and relax and reflect and know that you loved and were loved by so many.
We will treasure the memories forever
Nephew Vernon, Carolyn, Amanda and Sarah Marchand xoxoxo
March 28, 2012
Aunt Margaret welcomed me to the family so genuinely. You are such a hospitable family. The art of hers that I have in my home is greatly valued and displayed with pride. She had a way of truly asking what was going on in your life and really listening to your answer. I am a better artist because of her and a better person. In the last few years she began to resemble her sister Verona. This was a great comfort to my children who miss their grandmother. Thanks for sharing your mother/grandmother with us. She will be missed but heaven is more beautiful! Blessings on you all now and always.
Laurie Smith,
Cookeville, Tennessee
March 27, 2012
Jane and family. Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mom. Roland and Marion Pryor.
March 27, 2012
What a beautiful woman Aunt Margaret was...She ALWAYS did for others, never wanting anything in return. She had such a love for life and ALL that it involved. Her garden was her paradise and her children and grand children~ the essence of her being. She gave so much to this world and she will be GREATLY missed by all those people she touched in her 89 1/2 years!
I love you and will miss you...Your niece, Susan xo
89, Sydney
It is very hard to face the lingering transition from present tense to past tense with someone you love dearly. For the family of Margaret Elizabeth Cusack, RN that change began on March 27, 2012.
Born Margaret Marchand in Little Dover (Canso), N.S., on Sept. 22, 1922, Mom grew up in Canso and Arichat. She taught school for a year and graduated in 1944 from St. Joseph's School of Nursing subsequently enjoying many lifelong friendships with classmates.
Mom nursed in Montreal and Halifax before becoming matron of l'hôpital Ste. Anne in Arichat, where she met and married, Dr. Cornelius Gallivan Cusack, DDS.
Mom and Dad moved from Arichat to East Bay then finally to 110 Whitney Ave., Sydney in 1959, where they raised eight children. Mom remained at this address until the end, joyfully hosting family, friends and strangers.
Mom's final days were spent under excellent care at the Palliative Care unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. This was a fitting setting for a woman who donated many passionate hours promoting and fund raising for Hospice Palliative Care of Cape Breton. She remained active in this endeavour until a few short weeks before entering hospital in January.
Mom was a set decorator and volunteer for ATV's Mass for Shut-Ins, past president and volunteer for the Catholic Women's League and a steadfast advocate for social justice. She was an active member, chairperson and instructor at the Cape Breton School of Crafts. Mom also spearheaded projects for single mothers, homeless youth, Loaves and Fishes and was a strong promoter for bone marrow donations.
As a parent and grandparent she was watchful and concerned about all of us; freely offering love, encouragement, and the lessons needed right to the end. She lead by example and was forgiving of all.
We will all miss the large family gatherings she tirelessly prepared for children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren every Christmas, Easter and at other times of year. This will be the first year some grandchildren will not have their Nanny's Christmas celebration.
Mom is survived by her sister, Lorraine Cantlie (Jim); sister-in-law, Ruth Marchand; eight children, Elizabeth Cusack, Anne (Ron) Sewell, Marie (Frank) Nemeth, Jane (Joey) Hines, Helen Cusack (Jeff Wall), Cathy Cusack (Lawrence Denham), Bill Cusack (Valerie Ervin-Cusack), Roland Cusack (Barb Hildebrand). Grandchildren, Catherine and James Walsh and their father Gary, Robert (Katrena) Sewell and David Sewell, Lisa (Kevin) Hopper, Amy (Aaron) Book, and Laura Nemeth, Brian Hines (Heather Morrow), Mark and Jacqueline Hines, Chrisanna, Sarah and Jennie Dobrowolski and their father John, Jeffrey Cusack, Christopher Denham, Brendan and Allison Cusack, Ben Cusack and six great-grandchildren, Kristina and Ethan Sewell, Lillian Hopper, Patrick and Jillian Book and Molly Hines who helped her smile with joy right up to the last day; also her nieces and nephews in the McIntyre (Roland and Mary), Smith (Verona and Trueman), Marchand (Dave and Ruth) and Cantlie (Lorraine and Jim) families.
She was predeceased by her husband, Cornelius Gallivan Cusack (Connie), her parents, Albini and Marie Eugenie Marchand, parents-in-law, Bill and Bess (Gallivan) Cusack, sister-in-law, Mary McIntyre and six of eight siblings Verona Smith, Dave, Vernon, Joseph, Blanche and Monica Marchand.
Mom is also survived by many cherished friends-young and elderly-who are too numerous to list but have our sincere gratitude for their caring friendship.
She was very appreciative, as are we, of the excellent care she received at the QE II, the Cape Breton Regional ER, 4C and Palliative Care; for Dr. Mark Sampson and his assistant Rita for their great empathy as well as Dr. Phillip Curry who helped Mom hear to the end.
Mom had a good night greeting she used regularly before retiring for the night, "If you need me you know where I am." Yes Mom, if we need you, and we will, "we know where you are".
There will be a wake at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, Sydney on Thursday, March 29 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Church, 40 Cabot St., Sydney on Friday, March 30 at 10 a.m.
Donations can be made to Cape Breton Hospice Palliative Care, Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design or the IWK bone marrow transplant program.
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April 10, 2012
Mom & I were both so sad to hear of your mother's passing.
My instructions whenever we were attending one of Betty's gatherings were always to watch for your mother.
Both your mother & father will be remembered by our family.
It's not every family that has a dentist's office in their basement. It was long gone by the time I came along but I have an ad from the local paper & it's been in our album for many years.
In another section there is a story of how my sister came to be named Florence Margaret.
It began snowing in Arichat on April 6, 1950 & it continued on the 7th & 8th. By Easter Sunday the snow drifts were so high people had to be shoveled out of their homes, the power was out, the roads were closed & Mom went into labour.
I think the only break Dad got that day was a wonderful nurse lived across the street. The only problem was your petite mother couldn't make her way to the house. Dad met her at the bottom of the stairs but she couldn't follow in his footsteps so in the end she hopped on his back & he carried her to the house.
Mom's aunt was a member of the Filles de Jesus & pretty much dictated the names we were given but Mom & Dad told her one of the names would be Margaret.
Clairette LeBrun,
Halifax, Nova Scotia
March 29, 2012
To the children & family of the late Marg Cusack, my very deepest sympathy on the passing of this very special lady and friend.It has been indeed a privilege
to have known and worked with Marg at ATV Mass for Shut-Ins for the past 35 plus years. She will be truly missed by all. May her soul rest in peace!
Lou Bonaparte,
Sydney, Nova Scotia
March 29, 2012
Cathy, Lawrence and Jeff,
Your Mom continues to be such an inspiration to us- her incredible spirit, commitment to people and to her family. Our prayers are with you. Loretta and family
Loretta Brill,
Pickering, Ontario
March 29, 2012
To the Cusack family,
May the beautiful spirit of Margaret live on in each of you.
She was always welcoming and spoke kindly to me.
My sympathy in the loss of your mother.
Blessings,
Judith Miller
March 29, 2012
Our Aunt Margaret has been so important in our lives. Her constant loving and generous spirit, her endless capacity to wrap us, too, in the warmth of the extraordinary family she leaves behind, her creativity, her faith and her optimism for everyone - these anchored us through the years.We are all so very saddened with her passing. We learned so much from her about how to live with others and our world is much enriched by the special times we had with her over the years. She gave us strength and grounding in the past as she does now. No one is more deserving of a special place to rest now that her good work with everyone she met is complete.
Sharon Harris, Susan, Bill and Frank McIntyre
March 29, 2012
Liz, Catherine, and James:
You are in our thoughts across the miles
John Hugh and Beverley Edwards,
Ottawa
March 28, 2012
Please accept condolences from Kathy and myself on your loss. While distance precludes our being there in person, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Doug Grant,
Kitchener, Ontario
March 28, 2012
Marie and family,
Sorry for your loss. I know your faith, family and good friends will be a comfort to you at this difficult time.
Fonnie Mac Aulay
March 28, 2012
Roland and family. May you take comfort with the love and memories you shared with your mother.
Andrew Knight,
Halifax, Nova Scotia
March 28, 2012
Roland and family,
So sorry to hear about your Mom. Our thoughts are with you. Linda & Jeff Deloughery
March 28, 2012
To Our Dear Aunt Margaret- Words cannot convey our feelings at this time. You were a great Aunt who always had time, patience and a kind word for everyone who came in contact with you. Your time on earth was spent helping, loving and touching many lives especially ours. Your legacy will live on thru your children. We know that when you arrived in heaven you were welcomed with open arms. Heaven will now have a beautiful garden with lots of places to sit and relax and reflect and know that you loved and were loved by so many.
We will treasure the memories forever
Nephew Vernon, Carolyn, Amanda and Sarah Marchand xoxoxo
March 28, 2012
Aunt Margaret welcomed me to the family so genuinely. You are such a hospitable family. The art of hers that I have in my home is greatly valued and displayed with pride. She had a way of truly asking what was going on in your life and really listening to your answer. I am a better artist because of her and a better person. In the last few years she began to resemble her sister Verona. This was a great comfort to my children who miss their grandmother. Thanks for sharing your mother/grandmother with us. She will be missed but heaven is more beautiful! Blessings on you all now and always.
Laurie Smith,
Cookeville, Tennessee
March 27, 2012
Jane and family. Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mom. Roland and Marion Pryor.
March 27, 2012
What a beautiful woman Aunt Margaret was...She ALWAYS did for others, never wanting anything in return. She had such a love for life and ALL that it involved. Her garden was her paradise and her children and grand children~ the essence of her being. She gave so much to this world and she will be GREATLY missed by all those people she touched in her 89 1/2 years!
I love you and will miss you...Your niece, Susan xo
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