Oct. 22, 1919 – Feb. 3, 2015
Whitney Pier
Elizabeth ‘Eleanor’ Epifano passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015, at the MacGillivray Guest Home.
Born in New Waterford, Eleanor was the daughter of the late Michael and Ann (Hogan) Walsh. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Eleanor was a devout Catholic, a woman of great faith and a member of Holy Redeemer parish. Family meant a great deal to Eleanor and she was the keystone of the family. Eleanor was a loving wife to Nick, her husband and best friend. She was strong-minded, generous to all those in need and very independent. She possessed a quick wit and was always ready to share a good joke. While bingo and playing cards were her pastime, as was an occasional visit to the Sydney Casino, her passions were cooking, baking, knitting and making blankets for numerous family and friends.
Eleanor is survived by daughters, Patricia MacLellan (Martin), Nicholette MacLellan (Stan) and son, Nicholas (Karen), all residents of Sydney; special nephew, Archie Walsh (Lynda), New Waterford; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews and close friends.
Besides her parents, Eleanor was predeceased by her husband, Nicholas, daughter Mary Grolman and son in-law, Ronald Grolman, brothers, Edward and Jack Walsh, sisters, Josephine Westhaver, Annie Graham, Dorothy Murray, Alice MacPherson and half-sisters, Alice Donovan Rich and Margaret McCarthy.
Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, at 10 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Church, with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Following the mass, reception will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
The family is very thankful and appreciative to the management and staff of MacGillivray Guest Home for the exceptional care and compassion shown to their mother and to Father Michael Rankin, the resident Chaplain, during her two and a half years in the home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Eleanor may be made to the MacGillivray Guest Home, Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County or Holy Redeemer Building Fund.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
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Online Condolences
To the Epifano family, Our sincerest condolences on the passing of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Dan and Marnie Cash, Irish Cove
I extend my deepest sympathy to Eleanor's family especially Nick, Patsy, and Nicholette to whom I got to meet personally through working at the MacGillivray. It was always such a pleasure for me to witness such devotion and care shown to Eleanor by her children. That always warmed my heart. Eleanor was quite the character and I so enjoyed my time with her. I often referred to her as "My Little Mama". I enjoyed her quick wit, her compassion and love for her family and friends. She was a beautiful person who truly touched my life in a very dear way and I know that I am a better person for having met Eleanor. I would consider Eleanor a very special friend who I will never forget but know some day I will see her again. Cherish all the great memories you all have of your dear mother and may they strengthen you during this time. Your mom was blessed with a long life and I am sure she has touched so many lives. May God comfort you all and may you know how dearly loved your mother was by all of us at the home including myself. May God bless you all!!
From: Donna Tynski
Our hearts are saddened with the loss of an incredible woman. She left us with memories that will live on long after and with love in our hearts she will never be far. We send our thoughts, love and prayers to all our family and friends. I could not have asked for a better role model growing up and as grandmothers went she was the best. She is now complete once again in the arms of her beloved. Gone but not forgotten and forever in our hearts. I miss you Nanny and will remember our times together. To my Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends thank you for the love and care you gave her we are forever in your debt. God Bless.
From: Donna Lee, Robert and Family
We will sorely miss your dear Mom. Many great times and laughs were had with her over the years. God Bless her and all of you! May she rest in the arms of her Beloved Nick.
From: Dennis & Pauline MacLellan
Our Thoughts and Prayers Are With Aunt Eleanor and her Beautiful Family During This Difficult Time.We Will Truly Miss Her and We Will Cherish Our Times together.Her Humor and Wittiness Will Always Be Remembered.RIP
From: Harold,Carmella and Connie
Dear Nicholette, Patsy, Nick and families, It is with sadness that we read that your dear mother has passed. Find strength in each other and please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. With sympathy and love, Francis and Judy MacEachern
To Niki and Family, My condolences on the passing of your mother. She will be missed.
Sorry to hear about the lost of your mother and my aunt.
From: Gertie
Sorry for the loss of your mother.
From: Kay, Patsy and Gertie nee. McCarthy