Geneva Jessie McDermaid
North Sydney
With sadness, we announce the sudden passing of Geneva Jessie McDermaid, of North Sydney, at the Northside General Hospital in the early morning of September 21, 2020.
Geneva was born at home in Cape Breton on April 2, 1940 and was the third of five children. After growing up in Big Bras D’or, she graduated from the Glace Bay Nursing School and began a successful nursing career which spanned more than 30 years at several hospitals around New Brunswick. Her compassion toward others was the foundation of her role as a nurse. Geneva could often be found staying late after a shift or returning to the hospital on a day off to visit with a patient or their family member in need. This would be a common theme throughout her life as she was always willing to lend an ear or a helping hand to others who needed it.
While in New Brunswick, Geneva married, started a family, and raised two children who were the focus of her world. She was a loving mother to her son and daughter and ensured she created a nurturing, happy and comfortable home for them during their childhoods. When her children had grown, she retired from nursing in 1998, and enjoyed a few short periods living in the United States before returning to her roots in Cape Breton.
Music and literature were constant sources of enjoyment in Geneva’s life and something she enjoyed sharing with others, especially her son. From Willy Nelson and John Prine, to Elton John and the Three Tenors, Geneva’s tastes were far ranging. She had an open mind toward experiencing new talent and would often recommend her latest find of an outstanding piece of music or a good read that she had discovered. She had a passion for cooking and baking which she gifted to her daughter. This passion was obvious to any of those she prepared meals for and she was also fond of trying out and exchanging new recipes with others. At any opportunity she could find, Geneva loved engaging in good conversation, dancing to a good tune, or sharing laughs with folks until her sides hurt.
She is survived by her son Lance (Calgary) and her daughter Leah (Moncton), her brothers Graham (St. John) and Emerson (Miramichi) and sisters Helen (Boularderie East) and Carolyn (Big Bras D’or), her grandchildren Isaac (Edmonton) and Adia (Moncton), her friend Jason (North Sydney) and many nieces and nephews. Geneva was predeceased by her parents Laurie and Hazel (Patterson) Kaiser.
Our family would like to thank all those who have been there for Geneva and particularly the caring medical staff who were present with her at the Northside General Hospital in her final hours.
Geneva was a special person who cared a great deal about people. She immensely loved her family and friends, and leaves behind many beautiful memories. Her gentleness, kindness, brilliant smile and fantastic laugh will be tremendously missed.
In lieu of flowers our family is requesting memorial donations be made to St. James Presbyterian in Big Bras D’or.
There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place.
A funeral service will be held at St. James Presbyterian Church, Big Bras d’Or, on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at 2 pm with Rev. Peter MacDonald officiating. The burial will be in the parish cemetery. Words of comfort may be forwarded to her family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com
2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Geneva Kaiser McDermaid 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Sydney-Mines, Province: Nova Scotia