Sydney
It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the peaceful passing of our mom, Nina Riley, age 105, on Monday, June 30, 2025, with her loving family by her side at the Cove Guest Home, Sydney, where she has resided the past five years.
Born in Sydney, Nina was the daughter of the late Hugh Charles and Margaret Levina (Gillis) Williams.
Nina was predeceased by her loving husband, Howard; sisters, Evangeline, Mamie, and brothers, David, John, Wilfred, and Herbert.
Nina’s memory will be cherished by daughter, Margie (the late Roger); sons, Patrick (Jenny), and John (Kathy); grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many caring neighbours.
Mom was a 1943 graduate of the City Hospital School of Nursing. Upon graduation Mom’s 37-year nursing career brought her to hospitals in Ontario, B.C. and the USA, returning to Cape Breton, and the City Hospital where she remained until her retirement.
A devoted member of Holy Redeemer Parish, Nina was also a lifetime member of the CWL. Mom was very independent maintaining her home until the age of ninety-nine. Mom enjoyed travelling to warm southern destinations with our dad and camping adventures with her family. She was an avid reader always keeping up with world events.
Visitation for the late Nina Riley will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, July 4, 2025. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Redeemer Church, Whitney Pier on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 10 a.m. with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Following the Mass, light refreshments will be served in the Pier Funeral Home’s reception area. Interment will take place Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Nina’s memory may be made to the SPCA or a charity of choice.
The family extends a special Thank you to the wonderful staff and friends of Spanish Bay, Cove Guest Home for the love, kindness, and compassion shown to our mom in her time of need. Special thanks also to Mom’s nieces and their spouses. Nina (Junior), Sylvia (late David), Sheila (Doug), Bonnie (JR), great-grandniece, Sheri, and nephews, Dave (Mary) and Barry (Bev), who visited often.
“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
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Our deepest condolences on the loss of your Mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Larry and Sandra Hrynick
So sorry to read of Nina’s passing. She was a lovely lady. God blessed her with a wonderful long life.
Rest in.peace dear Nina.
Sorry for the loss of the Queen of Mt. PLEASANT st.
Long life is not merely a gift of genetics or a result of human endeavors; it’s a divine promise tied to our relationship with the Creator.
Psalm 91:16 declares, “With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” —
This verse underscores the intimate link between long life and salvation.
Knew the family as a neighbour.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Riley. For the longest of time we were backyard neighbors with only a fence separating the house between the Riley’s on Mt. Pleasant St and the Clarke’s on Muggah St. So many memories and not enough room to even to mention a few, but the one that quickly comes to mind is how special the neighborhood children were treated by Mr. and Mrs. Riley on Halloween night with special treats only the neighbood children would received. To Margie, Patrick, Johnny and their families our deepest condolences. Whitney Pier has lost another great community member.
So sorry to hear of your Mom,s passing.Prayers going to the family
Nina shared her room at the cove with our mother, Winnie. All our family became very fond of her . She was a lovely soft spoken lady and we will miss seeing her when we visit our mother . God grant her peace and eternal rest .Please accept our heartfelt condolences
John and family,
Sincere condolences on Nina’s passing .
John, Kathy & the Riley family,
So saddened to hear of your mother’s passing . You were all very blessed to have her as long as you did. I’m sure she felt the same to have you all in her life until the end. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Pat & Dawn Donovan
Sorry for the loss of your mother.
John and Kathy
My deepest condolences to you during this difficult time.
John & Kathy
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing . 105 years is a testament to a life well lived , she was very lucky to have you both .Thinking of you
John, Kathy & Family
Extending our sympathy for the loss of your mother, Nina. May the love and memories you shared provide comfort in the days ahead. We wish we could be with you during this difficult time.
Condolence from my family to yours.
Always a great neighbor.
Robert & Roberta Poulain
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Riley. Mr. And Mrs. Riley have been long time neighbours of the Clarke family. Kind and respectful, always. Our family was so lucky to have such wonderful neighbours. To the Riley family, our deepest condolences. Marilyn and John young. Dartmouth
My deepest condolences on your mom’s passing John.