100, Whitney Pier
 
Genevieve ‘Debbie’ (MacDonnell)  Chisholm of Whitney Pier died peacefully at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, two weeks after celebrating her 100th birthday. She had been residing at The Cove Guest Home since January 2013.

Born Sept. 21, 1914, on Mount Pleasant, South West Margaree, Cape Breton, Gen was a long-time resident of Whitney Pier and member of Holy Redeemer Parish.

She was the eldest daughter of the late Samuel and Charlotte (Burgey) MacDonnell.

She was also predeceased by a dear aunt and uncle, Annie and Raymond Keating, who welcomed Mom at a young age into their family, husband, Ronald Hugh Chisholm, son, Raymond Hugh, son-in-law, Jerry Giorno, grandson, Michael Hugh Grassby and great-granddaughter Keira Riley Kilbane, sisters, Violet Maclean and Rose Marie McGrath, and brothers, George, Leonard, James ‘Jim’ MacDonnell and Raymond ‘Buddy’ Keating.

Gen is survived by her daughter, Anne Marie Giorno, Ben Eoin, and grandsons, Steven (Jo-Anne Brown), George’s River, and Andrew (Jennifer Voutier), Sydney River; daughter, Donna (Gerry Grassby), Oak Ridges, Ont., and grandchildren, David (Maria Jacobsson), Aurora, Ont., and William (Andréanne Legault), North York, Ont.; daughter, Ronalda (Jim Tompkins), Athens, Ohio and grandchildren, Geoffrey (Nancy Gombert), Medina, Ohio, and Jennifer (Brian Kilbane), Medina, Ohio, and son, Hugh (Kathy Bulpin), Hubley, N.S. She is also survived by great-grandchildren, Owen and Blake Giorno, Allison and Neil Giorno, Alisha Grassby and Grady Kilbane; sisters, Eileen ‘Tally’ MacNeil, Sydney, Anne (Chris) Tiller, Clearwater, Florida, and Charlotte ‘Lal’ Coleman, Baddeck, and sister-in-law, Isabel Dwyer, Sydney. Aunt Gen will be sadly missed by numerous nieces and nephews.

A special thank you goes to dedicated friend and caregiver, Linda MacDonald, who Debbie loved as one of her own.

The family wishes to thank Theresa Neville for her companionship to our mother, the VON adult day program, staff at The Cove Guest Home and staff of 4D Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their constant care of our mother during her illness.

Our Mother’s dignity and courage always shone upon her friends and family in the face of adversity.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier. There will be no visitation for the late Genevieve ‘Debbie’ (MacDonnell) Chisholm. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Redeemer Church, Whitney Pier on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014 at 11 a.m. with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. A reception following the mass will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in our mother’s memory to the Keira Kilbane Research Fund, in care of Brian Kilbane, 4074 Monterey Drive, Medina, Ohio USA 44256, Jerry Giorno Scholarship Fund in care of the Whitney Pier Credit Union, VON Adult Day Program or charity of your choice.

Send an online condolence.

     

                              Online Condolences

Dear Anne Marie & Family Our deepest sympathies are extended to the family. We were saddened to read of your mothers passing. She was truly a wonderful lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. 

Sincerely; Charlotte & Wilfred

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family…may God Bless
From:  Germaine and Ken McLeod [French] Family and the French family

I just heard of the passing of your Mom. To Anne Marie, Donna and Ronalda my sincere sympathy to you and your families. Moms are forever!
From:  Ed Kokoski

Today, I attended my sweet Aunt Debbie's funeral amongst a huge number of the people she touched who are still with us. I learned many new things about my Aunt. She will be missed by all of us.
From:  Colin Chisholm, Dora and family

Dear Anne Marie, Donna, Ronalda and Hugh, I was so sad to read of your Mom's passing. I have such happy memories of her. As a child, she always was so pleasant to me and always had a smile. I remember her kindnesses to me and her welcome into your home. It was always a treat to go to your home as it was always, in my child's eye, so very beautiful. There were always pretty things to look at and delicious smells coming from her kitchen. She was always such a lady. God bless you all at this very sad time. Don and I are not able to get to the funeral, but please know that we are thinking of you and praying for you. Rosemary and Don McLean, D'Escousse
From:  Rosemary and Don McLean

We wish to express our condolences and happy memories of Aunt Gen and her long and happy life (may we all be so lucky)
From:  Glyn MacDonnell (nephew) Ann and his family

Hello Anne Marie and Family. My condolences on the death of your mom. What a long life she had; must have been the great love of her family. Hope you are well. From:  Marguerite (Roberts) Birett

Sorry to hear of Gen's death. she was a niece to my mom, Violet (Burgey) Roberts.
Condolence from:  The Roberts Family

Dear Anne Marie and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time in your lives. God Bless, Jo-Anne Taylor Williams & Family

My sincerest condolences are extended to my first cousins, Anne Marie, Donna, Ronalda and Hugh on the passing of your mom and my dear aunt. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Your mom was very special to me. 

Sincerely, Joan Chisholm Sangster


Ann Marie, we were so saddened to read of your mom's passing. She was a kind, gentle lady and a great neighbour. We will not be able to attend the mass or reception but will keep her in our prayers. 

From:  Margie Alteen & Eileen (Swift) Cook

My sincerest condolences to Ann Marie, Donna, Ronalda and Hugh on the passing of your mom and my dear aunt, Debbie. My prayers and thoughts go out to all of you at this time.
From:  Joan Chisholm Sangster

Condolences to my Aunt Debbie's children and friends on her passing. May she rest in peace.
From:  Ron & Doreen Chisholm
 

My sincerest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. I met this dear sweet soul for just a brief period of time while visiting the Cove Guest Home and I thought of this sweet soul many times as I used to give her grapes and I marveled how well she got along for her age and to hear her say the alphabet back word was quite impressive and I am so blessed to have had the pleasure of meeting this dear sweet soul
From:  Edward MacPherson