Sydney

After a sudden and unexpected decline in health, Dolly passed away peacefully on her own terms, on Monday, October 23, 2023, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on, December 2, 1931, to the late John and Sarah (King) Lush, Doll was the fourth of eleven children.

Doll’s working career started at Simon David’s grocery store in Whitney Pier, later at Zellers and finally at Tartan Downs Racetrack, in Sydney. Through her work, she became lifelong friends with many of the people in the horse racing community.

Doll was known as the lady with the packed suitcase, as she was always ready to go on her next big adventure.

She delighted in her yearly Bingo trips to Bangor, Maine, with her sisters and her daughter, Susan, as well as her particular friend, Annie Binns. Highlights of her many trips included the Annapolis Valley with her brother, Percy and his wife, Elsie, whom Doll considered a very good friend, Florida with her sisters and their husbands, Vegas with her children for her 70 birthday and several trips to Alberta, to visit her daughter, Karen; granddaughter, Tammy and great-grandchildren, Ben and Amelia.

In her later years, Doll enjoyed Bingo nights at various locations throughout Sydney, daily phones calls with her sisters and the occasional get together with her family and friends. She particularly enjoyed celebrating her 90 birthday with the many people she loved. Doll lived a rich and full life and was active just before her passing. Her family is proud of how hard she worked to keep her independence. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Doll will forever be loved and remembered by her children, Susan (Glenn) Keough, Allan Penney, Corrine Penney, Karen Penney (Wayne); sisters, Theresa Farrell and Margie Bethune; sisters-in-law, Elsie Lush, Joan Lush and Margie Dunleavy; grandchildren, Tammy (Mike) Grenier, Nicole (Jake) Blanchard, Amanda (Jordan) Lingard, and six great-grandchildren, Aiden, Kendall, Ben, Gabe, Georgia, and Amelia.

Besides her parents, Doll is predeceased by her husband, James; son, Gary; grandson, Jason Keough; sisters, Celia Oliver, Kay Bartlet, May Breen, Pauline Somers, Geraldine Standwick, and brothers, Percy, Jack and Bernie.

Our healthcare system is broken but the people within it are not. Thank you to the paramedics, nurses and doctors that took care of Doll over the past few weeks.

Visitation for the late Delores Penney will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) from 6-9 pm. on Monday, October 30, 2023. Funeral Service will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at 10 a.m. in Holy Redeemer Church, Whitney Pier with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.

The date and time of Doll’s service is very special to the family, as Halloween was her favorite day of the year.

Donations in memory of Dolly may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.

Online Condolences

To all of Doll’s family our deepest Sympathy; May this lovely lady rest bin peace,
From:  Mary and Joe Matheson Glace Bay

What a beautiful picture of a beautiful, fun, loving, busy lady. She certainly lived life on her terms 🌷🌷🌷💕🥰🥰
From:  Diane Moore

I am so sorry for your loss she was one of a kind she always had a smile on her face and Loved to chat anytime I meet up with her while out grocery shopping or any where else we meet up
From:  Gail Maloney

Susan & Family:
So sorry for your loss. May all your happy memories help you through this difficult time .
May your Mom rest in peace….
Sincere Condolences,
Anne Marie MacAskill

Susan, Glen and extended family. So sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. I have many fond memories of seeing her weekly working side by side in the ” money room ” at Sydney raceway. She always had a smile and kind word for everyone. Cherish your times together and the happy memories they bring. Draw strength from each other in the days ahead and remember a life well lived.
From:  Richard Book