Whitney Pier

With heavy hearts, the family of Marie Carolyn (Butts) MacSween, 75, wife, mom, nanny, aunt and friend, regret to announce her passing on Friday, October 17, 2025. She died peacefully in Palliative Care at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital after a short battle with cancer. As we mourn, we gratefully remember and celebrate her life.

Marie was born on July 4, 1950, in Glace Bay where she lived until she met her best friend and husband, Michael. They made their home in Dutch Brook and later moved to Whitney Pier where she lived the rest of her life.

In early life, Marie worked at Glover’s Dry Cleaners, Glace Bay. Moving to Sydney to work at General Instruments (GI) on the key line for several years, she then left the workforce to raise her daughter. When her daughter was in her teenage years, Marie returned to work as a personal care assistant at the Holy Redeemer Convent Infirmary, until it closed. Marie then enjoyed retirement life her with husband, daughter and her growing family.

Marie was a loving wife, proud and devoted mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to many. She was full of life and fun, she was kind, supportive and protective to all those that she loved. Her home was always welcoming and gave her love and compassion effortlessly.

Through her life, Marie enjoyed and loved spending time with her daughter and grandchildren. She enjoyed collecting and listening to records and music and shared this joy over the years with many. “The girls” that she met at GI became lifelong friends. They would spend many Friday nights bowling in the mixed league. She enjoyed visiting with friends and family, enjoyed good game of dice and cards, spending time at the family summer home in Piper’s Cove and time at the bungalow in Gillis’ Lake with friends.

Marie is the daughter of the late Mildred Butts and Abraham Tilley. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Michael whom she shared 43 years of marriage; siblings, George and Dorothy in infancy; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth ‘Liz’ MacSween, and Mary MacNeil (Charlie); brothers-in-law, Alex MacSween, and John Archie MacSween (Winnie); nephew, Allan MacSween (Rose), in-laws, Mary Sarah, and Joseph MacSween; as well as close friends through the years, Jean Powell, Julia Estwick, Marge MacNeil, Marie MacDonald, Julie Tell, Edna Steele, Lil Farrell, and Lucy Dean.

Marie was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Marie is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Glenn MacNeil); grandchildren, Sacha MacSween-Hall (Brendan), Neil (Seth), and Skye MacNeil, all of Sydney; nephew, Dennis (Helen), Boisdale; grandnieces, and grandnephews; dear neighbour and friend, Wayne Best, and her cherished lifelong friend, Dianne Marr.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks to all of those who have provided care, support and comfort to Marie at the end of her journey. The compassion, empathy and understanding that have been received from so many at this difficult time are greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no service for the late Marie MacSween. Deacon, Tom Sylliboy will be Celebrating the Life of Marie. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the family home in Whitney Pier on what would have been Marie and Michael’s 54th Wedding Anniversary, from 4 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025,

To honour Marie, donations may be made in her memory to Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County.

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

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