Victoria Mines
With deepest sorrow and shattered hearts, we, the family announce the passing of 12 year old Molly Elizabeth Wadden on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at home surrounded by love. She was born on January 27, 2010 and was the profoundly loved daughter of Jeff Wadden and Nadine Keller-Wadden.
Molly and her older sister, Larissa, enjoyed a great many things together. Those ‘things’ evolved into new interests as they grew older. When Larissa found herself in trouble with her parents, Molly was always there to defend her, even though our frustration would spread onto Molly. As our 13 year old dog, Buddy, aged, we witnessed an amazing amount of care and empathy from our 2 year old Molly. When she found out she was going to be a big sister, 4 year old Molly immediately offered to share her room and toys. After Chase was born, Molly took her role of big sister seriously – always keeping watch over her little brother and entertaining and playing with him. Molly continued this role even to her last days, letting us know when Chase was up to something he shouldn’t be and chastising us for not properly reprimanding him. In 2020, we added another four-legged friend to our family. Roxy has been the perfect addition at the perfect time. Molly cherished her dog responsibilities, taking on the role of teeth brushing, grooming, and training. She left us clear instructions for the next skill to teach Roxy. Her loyal friend stayed by her side, snuggling and hogging the bed every chance she could.
Molly was a physically active person with a larger than life personality and a heart to match. Swimming, gymnastics, soccer, dance, baseball, tae kwon do, volleyball, music, and piano were all activities Molly enjoyed and at which she excelled. She had the ‘IT’ factor. She seemed to be distracted while learning or practicing, but when the lights came up/the whistle was blown/the pitch was thrown, she shined like a diamond! Molly loved her friends and, oh the fantastic friends she has had. Some have come and gone over the years, but they all continued to hold a special place in Molly’s (and our) heart. Molly wouldn’t admit it, but she loved school. She was blessed to have fantastic teachers and staff at Acadia Playtime, Harbourside Elementary, and Whitney Pier Memorial who enjoyed her humour and boldness and taught her so much, both in and out of the classroom. Molly leaves behind an incredible legacy. One that teaches us to be kind and considerate, to love, laugh, and live to the best of your ability and to share what good fortune and talents you have. Imagine a very active 9 year old, who was not afraid to try anything and who would meet any challenge head on with incredible success, being told she has Ewing Sarcoma. Then imagine that child, who has completed months of treatments and many surgeries and who has an incredibly resilient will to live, being told her treatments were no longer working. What would come next? Well, Molly chose to push through her pain and spend her remaining time doing the things she loved to do – be with friends and family, play volleyball, sing, and pay forward all the good things she had in her life. ‘Molly’s Mission’ was born at the lowest point in Molly’s life. Instead of turning inward and feeling sorry about her circumstance, she wanted to make a difference and decided to focus on giving hope and help to others.
Aside from her parents, siblings, and dog, Molly is survived by her grandparents, Lydia Keller (Nonna) and Florence and Dennis Wadden (Nanny and Grampy); Uncle Kevin and Aunt Heather (Keller); Aunt Denise Lavin; cousins, Brooke, Brady, Noah, and Ivey; as well as other beloved Great Aunts, Great Uncles, the best extended family and friends.
Molly was predeceased by her grandfather, Kevin Keller Sr. (Papa) and her dog, Buddy.
We’ve had the good fortune of experiencing excellent healthcare, both at home and in Halifax. Molly had a way with people – with her honestly, humour, intelligence, and wit, she endeared herself to many. Molly left us countless gifts including many new friends. Beyond the excellent medical care, we continue to feel their friendship, love, and support. Molly has been in the care of many incredible doctors, surgeons, nurses, clerks, technicians, technologists, physiotherapists, orthotists, therapists, and other medical staff. We couldn’t possibly include all of their names, but please know our gratitude and love is unending. There are a few people who were more regularly involved in Molly’s care. At the IWK, Dr. Karl Logan, Jennifer Muirhead, Amanda Grace, Michelle Makintosh, Kyleigh Woods, Jane Marchildon, Tricia Lane, and the IWK orthopaedic team. Dr. Bruce Crooks, Dr. Bilal Marwa, Dr. Meghan Pike, Meredith Tasiopoulos, Sarah Ross, Amy Bryden, Nadara McIntyre, Chantal Beaver, Laurie Weir, and the IWK oncology team. Dr. Stacie Colwell, Julie Mitchell, and the IWK Paediatric Acute Care Team. At the QEII, Dr. Michael Biddulf and Dr. Rob Rutledge. Our local healthcare team, Dr. Danuta Kajetanowicz, Dr. Katie Kellock, Dr. George Burns, Melissa MacDonald, Tara Baker, Carissa Nicolson, Chantal McMullin, Tracy Warren, the CBRH Pediatric team and the CBRH Paediatric Acute Care Team. Maria Shaheen and Breagh Potter. VON nurses Helen, Anne, Jolene, Michelle, Mikayla, and all the staff who helped us care for Molly at home. An extra special thank you to Dr. Katie Kellock and Melissa MacDonald, especially during these last few months. Also, thank you John Ratchford for the beautiful photos of Molly.
Gathering and Memorial Mass to celebrate the life of Molly Wadden will be held at Holy Redeemer Parish, Victoria Road in Whitney Pier on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 10:30 to 11 a.m. with the Mass to follow at 11 a.m. with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Following the Mass, a reception in Molly’s honour will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home. Private family interment will take place in St. Alphonsus Cemetery, Victoria Mines at a later date.
Masks are encouraged to be worn in church and for those unable to attend, Live Streaming will be available on Holy Redeemer Parish Facebook page.
Click Here: Face Book at Holy Redeemer
In lieu of flowers, donations in Molly’s memory can be made to Caleb’s Courage. For information on ways to donate, call the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation office at 902-567-7752 or www.calebscourage.com. Envelopes will be available at the Pier Community Funeral Home.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of WADDEN Molly Elizabeth 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia