Sydney

A Century of Love and Laughter

It is with deep sorrow that we, the family announce the passing of Catherine Orychock ‘Baba’ on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Hospice Cape Breton, Sydney. She was in her 100th year.

Born in Whitney Pier, Catherine was the daughter of the late John Dan and Mary (Johnston) McNeil. In her late teens, while working at Eaton’s, she met the love of her life, Tony Orychock. After Tony returned from serving in WWII, they married and began a remarkable 64-year love affair.

Catherine’s greatest joy was her family. She meticulously prepared her regular Sunday dinners “down the Bar,” a tradition she began planning on Mondays. Welcoming new generations was a special delight for her; she cherished rocking each new grandchild, great-grandchild, and great-great-grandchild on their first visit to South Bar. She loved dancing with Tony at every family function, from weddings to Old New Year’s, and she treasured gatherings at home filled with music, surrounded by loved ones.

After raising her five sons, Catherine shared her incredible cooking and baking talents with others, working at Parkdale House, where she prepared homemade meals and treats for the residents.

In her 94th year, Catherine moved into the home of her son, Paul, and his wife, Rita, who lovingly continued the cherished Sunday dinner tradition. Her family is incredibly grateful to Paul and Rita for maintaining this tradition, which ensured Catherine continued to experience her greatest joy, having her entire family around her.

Catherine spent her final summers in her beloved Johnston’s Harbor in Hay Cove, enjoying the peaceful surroundings with her son, Tony, and his wife, Dale. It was there, last summer, that her family had the immense joy of celebrating her 100th birthday, surrounded by all her extended family and friends. This cherished gathering in Hay Cove was a beautiful tribute to a life well-lived and deeply loved.

Catherine’s memory will be cherished by her five sons, Tony (Dale), Donald (Susan), Paul (Rita), Lorne (Jennifer), and Michael (Amber), all residing in Sydney. She was affectionately known as ‘Baba’ to her 11 grandchildren, Scott (Jennifer), Lisa (Jamie), Craig (Susanne), Tonya (Chris), Catherine (Scott), Paul (Holly), Andrew (Michelle), Kassia (Anthony), Alexander (Amy), Michael (Lisa), and Matthew. She also leaves behind step-grandchildren Blaire and Bradley. Catherine’s legacy continues through her 12 great-grandchildren, Tyler (Cassandra), Kailey (Jesse), Allie (Logan), Lucas, Kyle, Eric, Hanna, Sidney, Cayden, Logan, Bennett, Oliver, and along with grandchildren by choice, Ewan, Nryth, and Carter. She was also blessed with two great-great-grandchildren, Ethan and Raiden. All these beloved family members brought her immense joy throughout her life.

Catherine is also survived by her sister-in-law, Wisia MacNeil, and a large extended family encompassing the Gallivan, MacNeil, Raoul, Johnston, and Orychock families. Catherine was predeceased by her beloved husband, Tony Orychock. She was also predeceased by her sisters, Maria Gallivan and Margie Raoul; brothers, Michael MacNeil, Joseph ‘Dewey’ MacNeil, and Lloyd MacNeil; daughter-in-law, Glenda Orychock, and a grandson in infancy.

There will be no visitation for the late Catherine Orychock. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 30, at 10 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Church, with Fr. Anthony Eboh officiating. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. Following the Mass, a reception will be held in the Ukranian Hall, Whitney Pier.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Catherine’s memory may be made to Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County. The family extends a special thank you to Dr. D’Intino and the wonderful staff of Hospice Cape Breton for their loving care and compassion given to Baba during her time of need.

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

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