Ellen Joan (Nellie) Carey
Florence
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother, Nellie Carey, on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at the Northside Community Guest Home, after a long journey with dementia.
Born in Florence on April 13, 1934, Mom was a daughter of the late Patrick J. and Nellie (Coakley) Jessome and was a member of St. Stephen’s Parish in Florence.
Mom was married to our Dad, Bill Carey, for 42 years before his passing in 1995. He was her one and only love. She would always tell the story of meeting Dad at very young age at his father’s funeral and he gave her a ride home, double on his bike. The rest, as they say, is history. Mom’s proudest accomplishments in life were her 4 children, her 9 grandchildren who lovingly called her “Little Nana” and her 7 great-grandchildren.
Prior to retirement, Mom worked at Northside General Hospital in the SPD Department. In earlier years, she worked for Capital Drug Store and in the restaurant in Strand Bowl in Sydney Mines.
Mom will be remembered for her quick wit, great sense of humor and kindness which won the hearts of all who knew her. Going anywhere with Mom was always an exercise in stops and starts as everyone would acknowledge her with warm greetings, hugs, laughter, handshakes and smiles. Even while living with dementia, she never lost her witty charm, the twinkle in her eye, warm laugh and huge smile.
Mom found joy in her family and in the simple things in life. She loved to dance, especially with her brothers, who were known to “cut up the floor” at any dance. She was the best “untrained” step dancer there ever was. Mom and Dad loved bowling, fishing in Margaree, bonfires while camping at Seal Island Campground, going to the beach or just enjoying a cup of coffee. Her grandchildren will remember lots of fun-filled days with their Nana — playing dress up, sleepovers, fashion shows, dancing in her kitchen, playing barbies and, most of all — accepting the love, laughter and hugs she so freely gave to them.
Mom is survived by her devoted daughter Darlene Carey (Wayne Walsh), Sydney Mines; two sons, Paul (Michelle), Hammonds Plains, and Wayne (Carol Suhan), Kelowna, BC and by her son-in-law, Sid Hardy, North Sydney.
Mom was blessed with 9 grandchildren, Ryan and Jillian MacDougall, Jennifer Green and Jeffrey Hardy, Megan Ronaldson, Danielle, Billy, Lauren and Matthew Carey and 7 great-grandchildren – Rory, Andi, Willson, Hank, Chase, Lyla, Ashton and one on the way in March.
Mom is also survived by her brothers, David (Jane) and Carl Jessome and sister, Patti (Gordon) Jardine, step-sister Shirley (John) Rendell, and sister-like cousin Yvonne Bereta. She is survived by her sisters-in-law Eileen (Angus) Romeo, Evelyn (Johnny) MacDougall, Nora and Helmi Jessome. Mom is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mom was predeceased by her husband, Bill, in 1995 and her daughter, Joan Hardy in 2007. She was also predeceased by her sisters Winnie, Irene and Sis, and her brothers Harry, Brozie and Stephen.
The family would like express our deepest gratitude to Mom’s extended family — the staff of Northside Community Guest Home (MacEachern Place & Theresa Terrace) for their unwavering love, compassion, personal care and kindness shown to our mother, every single day, over the past 10 years. Caregiving is not what they do…it’s who they are. They are truly angels on Earth who blessed our mother with their love and support. Also, thank you to Dr. Peter Poulos for the wonderful care he provided to Mom over the years.
There will be no visitation. A funeral Mass to celebrate Mom’s life will take place on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 10 am in Holy Family Church, Sydney Mines. Burial next to Dad will take place in St. Stephen’s Parish Cemetery, Florence. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mom’s memory may be made to the Nova Scotia Alzheimer’s Society, the Northside Harbour View Hospital Foundation or the Northside Community Guest Home Foundation. Messages of condolence can be mailed to the Carey family at 82 Moffatt Avenue, Sydney Mines, NS B1V 3M2. Words of comfort may be forwarded to her family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com
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You were an angel in the shape of my mum
When I fell down, you’d be there holding me up
Spread your wings and I know
That when God took you back, he said Hallelujah
You’re home
~ Ed Sheeran ~
2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Nellie Jessome Carey 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Sydney-Mines, Province: Nova Scotia