Sydney
With heartfelt sadness we, the family, announce the passing of Florence Parago on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, surrounded by love with her family by her side.
Born on May 2, 1924 in Sydney Mines, Florence was the daughter of the late John W and Elizebeth (Campbell) Roberts.
Mom was proud to be a member of the St. Anthony Daniel CWL for more than 60 years. As the KOC Red Sox number 1 fan, she spent many of her earlier years at the Alexandra Street baseball field. In later years, much of her time was spent in her picture window on neighbourhood watch, never missing a trick on Topshee Drive. She celebrated her 90th Birthday on the beach in Mexico while attending her granddaughter’s wedding– she loved reminiscing about her “trip of a lifetime”.
Great Nana has a special bond with her great-granddaughters who loved to visit, interrupting a game of solitaire to share an ice cream drumstick.
Besides her parents, Flo was predeceased by her husband, Leo ‘Deacon’ Parago; brothers, Richard and John, sisters, Edith Mae Newton and Mary Swan.
Flo is survived by her son, Michael (Mary Carroll); grandchildren, Stephanie O’Neill (Warren) and Nicole (Kenny Long); great-grandchildren, Abbey Parago, Olivia O’Neill, Ellie O’Neill and Callie Mae Long; sister-in-law Casey Parago; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to the staff of City Homemakers for the compassionate care provided to Flo during the last 13 years, particularly Marie, Evelyn and Clara. Thank you for the exceptional care received from EHS, the staff of the Emergency Department, 4A and Palliative Care at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Memorial service to celebrate the life of Florence Parago will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier on Monday, March 29, 2021 at 11 a.m. with Fr. Patrick O’Neill officiating. ‘Covid Protocols’ will be practiced at the service and for those unable to attend, ‘Live Streaming’ will be available on our website. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Flo may be made to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation For Cardiac Services.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
A beautiful soul, full of personality fondly remembered as “Nana” by all.
Online Condolences
Mike, Mary and family, our sincere condolences for your loss. God bless.
From: Jim and Josephine Bates
To Michael and his family,
Your Mother was a vibrant part of our community.
She was able to live her life in the home and neighborhood she loved…with the support of you and your family. I will always remember her as a person who lived and loved life with a special flair!
Thinking of you and your family at this time.
My you find comfort in happy memories.
From: Joanna Hastings (Moore)
I am sorry for your loss, Michael and all family, extended family and friends of Flo. She was “quite the lady, always”. Flo and Bo were special friends of my mom and dad, Bill Murphy and Mary Dawe Murphy Mac Donald. Growing up with my brothers and sister; we spent quite a bit of time in the company of both Bo and Flo. I babysat you, Michael, on more than one New Year’s celebration while the group of adults, Bo and Flo being part of the group, rang in those New Years’ parties. Flo always dressed to perfection, be it at the Met, the parties and or simply everyday living; it mattered to her. I have great memories. God Bless; you’ve all shared life with a wonderful person.
From: Maureen Cullen
So sorry for your loss she will be missed
From: Marjorie Hillier
So sorry your loss. Besides everything else, Flo was an excellent babysitter to our son.
From: Abbie and Sandra Nevillle
sincere condolence lucy, philip, jo-ann and brian
From: Jo-Ann McLean
Please tell Michael and all the family I am so sorry to hear about your mother . She was such a great mother to all . I worked with her at holiday Inn Kings Rd for 3 years .Love to all . So sorry Flo was the greatest. She was a mother to me as a young man working at the holiday Inn. Flo was mother to all I loved her dearly. God Bless her and all he family. So many fond and loving memories
From: Frank Skinner
Condolences to Aunt Flo’s family and grandchildren. She was always a classy and elegant lady. May she rest in peace. Love, Nancy
From: Nancy Swan
My deepest Condolences to the family. Cousin Flo will be missed.
Gwen and Walter
Nicole and Steph,Please accept my condolences on the loss of your grandmother.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time Dennis, Margie and children.
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your mom/grandmother and great grandmother…I know how you all loved her so❤️
To Michael. Mary and Girls, sorry for the loss of Aunt Flo. She was the matriarch of the family and she loved you all dearly. We unable to attend due to Covid 19 restrictions. RIP love Jim & Sharon Parago, Boston, MA
Saddened to hear of Flo’s passing. She and Deacon were two of the many reasons Topshee Drive was such a great place to grow up. My memories of her always bring a smile to my face. I hope your fond memories of her help to ease the sorrow of her loss. Take care
Michael, Mary and family so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care.
My condolences to all her family and friends. She was so loved by each and everyone of you. Hugs.
Dear Mike, Mary and family , my sympathies to you at the loss of a very special lady in your life. What a beautiful long life .
very sorry for your loss remember her my mom aunt mary together for a visit they had a great time sure they are together again
Beautiful tribute to your beautiful grandmother! ❤️
Mary and Family….reading your Mom’s obituary….brought a smile to my face as she reminded me so much of my Mom….loved playing cards with the grandchildren….loved sharing snacks and treats…but most of all… she let her children and grandkids know just how much they were loved!…Her death will leave a huge void in your lives but I can tell you will have many treasured memories and a lot of “remember whens” when you all get together!…She will never leave your hearts….Thinking of you Mary…and thank you for being there for me when we lost our Mom!…Your mother taught you well!…Sincerely, Brenda Crane
Mike,Mary and family an excellent tribute to your MOM so sorry for the loss of a very special person in all of our lives.Lots of great memories and special times. RIP in peace Aunt Flo
Dan & I send our deepest condolences to you all as you celebrate the wonderful life your Mom/Nana/GreatNana had. She was quite a lady xo
So sorry to hear about Flo, she was a very good neighbor. Her and her husband deacon were very beautiful people. She spoke to me on the steps many times and at the mall when she got her hair done. Your dad was a very funny guy. He would sit on the bench across from the store I was working at and wait on Flo. Flo loved getting her hair done. Our condolences go out to Mike and family. She will be missed
Linda and Chris kieley
Sometimes it is difficult to find the right words. Florence was a lovely person and so much fun to be around. She loved and she was loved. Mike I think you were the best son and friend any mother could ever wish for. My sincere condolences to all of you.
Mike, Mary, Stephanie, Nicole – deepest sympathies as you mourn beloved ‘Nana Parago’ Reading about Nana I can picture her home, ready for grand children (and their friends) and then great grandchildren to be welcomed. I was thinking back to many, many years ago and how lucky I was that she baked me her infamous meat pie – delicious!!! What a gift that she she brought joy to so many. May loving memories bring you comfort. Sending love, Carol, Damian and Gwyneth
She was a remarkable woman. It was a pleasure getting to know your wonderful mother over the last many years. RIP sweet lady
So sorry to read of Aunt Flo’s passing. She was a beautiful lady.
Mike and Family , with condolences on the passing of your Mom. I got to know her while working in the Mall and she would always stop and chat both her and your Dad . You are so blessed to have had them .
Mike and Family: Please accept our sincere sympathy on your Mom’s passing. Our thoughts are with you All as you deal with your loss. God Bless. Roddie and Judy
We wish to express our deepest sympathy for your loss
Mike, Mary and family,
We were sorry to hear about your mother. Please accept our condolences. God bless.
michael and family.sorry for your loss.much love and prayers going to her loved ones .may she rest in peace.
Michael, Mary and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you on the passing of your dear Mom.
I remember all the good times we had many years ago at the Met and at your parent’s home. They were two wonderful people. Flo was always thinking of others, she had a very big heart, and a wonderful smile. may you take solace in your memories of her.
Irene and Harold Antle
Dear Michael and family,
My thoughts are with you on the passing of a great lady and a life well lived!! As I read the obituary I was picturing Flo in Mexico at 90…must have been some laughs…what a great memory. She was indeed a proud mother and grandmother and a loyal companion to Deacon for their many years together. Her kindness certainly touched hundreds of the neighborhood children through her loyal support of the KOC Red Sox – she was a second mom to many! May you all be filled with great memories of a wonderful lady.
Chris Strickey
To the Parago Family we are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Connie & Bill Gallant
Excellent service . Our matriarch is gone. Terrific memories Sympathy to all . Love
Michael and family:: So sorry to hear about Flo,s passing! I always remember the scat games on Topshee Drive!! We had so many laugh,s!!even at 2am!! She was such a glamour girl and such a happy person!You will have lots of great memories!!