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.
Online Condolences
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Catherine.
From: Brick and Sally Brophy
What a lady, out of true respect known to us as Mrs. Orychock. She did deeply love her family and her grand get togethers. A remarkable lady admired by all. Her home in South Bar was a very friendly, cozy setting, always open and welcoming. I hope a little piece of “Baba” continues to flourish in each of her remaining generations. My condolences going out to each of you at this time. Love and Hugs xo. Love Anita
So sorry to hear of Catherine’s passing . She was a beautiful neighbour of ours in South Bar. My condolences to all the family.
My condolences to Catherine’s family.She will be missed by all.
Our sincere condolences Paul Rita and all the family. I met Catherine on a number of occasions over the years at the “harbor” She was a lovely lady who enjoyed all the shennagins and the music .A life well lived and what a legacy she leaves behind .❤️
We are very sorry for your loss.
Bert and Maurina Lewis
Lorne Jennifer
Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. May she Rest In Peace
So very sorry to hear this. Condolences to the whole family!
So very sorry to see that your Rock of the family is gone to be in her next final resting place with the Lord. I trust you’ll find peace in the beautiful memories you created with her . ❤🙏
So sorry to hear this. I spent a few nights with the crew at that house. Good times and great memories!!!
Lorne ,Jenn & the Orychock family ,
Rick & I send our sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom. Have heard lots of great stories about her over the years and you will share those memories for years to come.
Val
Our Condolences go out to the Orychock family on your mother’s passing, she was a wonderful lady, my brother Joey loved delivering the cape breton post to your dad my they loved to see him come after school. Marlene, kevin and Joey….. Shirley Schaumps children…
To all of the Orychock family so sorry to read of Catherine’s passing. I have such nice memories of her and tony shopping at the Co-op. Couldn’t meet nicer people loved seeing them and chatting whenever we crossed paths. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dear Tony, Dale and the rest of the family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Caka was a wonderful lady and so nice having her around in the summer, especially when she watched over us playing rummoli. We would be ready to call it an evening but she was always ready to go on longer. You are all in our thoughts and prayers
So sorry to read this Paul ,Rita and all the Family’s. Such a. Beautiful lady🥰 , you, all of you were so Blessed , olz except my deppest condolence to all of you at this most difficult time 100 mark , you were and are so blessed RIP as you enter the gates of heaven
Lorne & the entire Orychock Family: My condolences on the passing of your mother.
What a lady!! Remarkable in her love for family and keeping them together for Sunday dinners. Great story teller with a remarkable sense of humor. Welcoming to all who came to visit never wanting them to leave. How blessed to have the opportunity to know her and spend some time with her. She will be truly missed by all her family and friends, her loving memory remaining steadfast for generations to come. Our most sincere condolences xo
So sorry to read this Paul ,Rita and all the Family’s. Such a. Beautiful lady🥰 , you, all of you were so Blessed , olz except my deppest condolence to all of you at this most difficult time 100 mark , you were and are so blessed RIP as you enter the gates of heaven
My deepest condonlences on the loss of your Mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I hope all your beautiful help you get through the rough days ahead.
Larry and Sandra Hrynick
My Deepest Condolences, to The Orychock families and friends. God Bless. Keep her close in your heart. Sending hugs and prayers.
So sorry for your loss Tony, Dale and family.
Tony and Dale and all of your families: We are so sorry to read of your Moms passing.
Evelyn and Fabe Sutherland
Heartfelt sympathy to Tony, Donnie, Paul, Lorne, Michael and all your family, What a Loving Legacy she leaves behind , A life so well lived.
May God Bless you all
Ronnie and Patsy Lee
I WOULD LIKE OFFER MY DEEPEST TO KASSIA ( ANTHONY ) AND FAMILY OF MRS. ORYCHOCK. MAY GOD’S LOVE AND ETERNAL LIGHT SHINE UPON HER. GOD BLESS.