Sydney
It is with heavy hearts that we, the family, announce the passing of Donna Clare Josey (née Jessome), who left this world suddenly on Thursday, May 29, 2025, after a short and brutal battle with cancer.
Describing our mother’s life is next to impossible. Donna was the most kind, caring and compassionate person. She created magic everywhere she went, turning the ordinary into extraordinary. She taught us to use our imagination and see Smurfs in the snow, to find joy wherever possible and to always say I love you. Her smile was infectious. Her laughter contagious and strangers became instant friends.
Donna’s life took her to many other provinces, yet Cape Breton was always home. A true Caper, she returned to the Island in 2009 to care for her mother, her best friend, Lena Jessome (nee Neville) until her passing in 2022.
Donna was predeceased by both her father, Phonse Jessome and her mother, Lena.
Donna was the cherished mother of Sheri (Jeff) Fritzsche and Tara (Mike) McCaffrey. A devoted grandmother of four, Dominic, Scarlett, Nicholas, and Christopher. Beloved sister of Jeannie (Joe) Stone and Phonse (Barbara) Jessome. And a dedicated friend to the “LilyPads”.
Donna will be dearly missed, and her loss will be felt by all who were privileged enough to know her.
There will be no visitation for the late Donna Josey. Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 10 a.m. in Holy Redeemer Church, Whitney Pier with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Donna will be buried with her loving parents in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks following the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Donna, to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Cancer Centre or Palliative Care Unit would be appreciated.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
We are sending our condolences to all of Donna’s family , She was a loyal friend and definitely a Ray of Sunshine to many !
With Friendship Marlene and Bill 🌻
From: Marlene Shaw
Condolences to the family.
From: Gloria MacDonnell
Our thoughts are with you all 💕!
Oh my heart breaks for all those who life she touched. Momma Josey was amazing. Sheri and Tara I am sending you lots of love and strength. Xo
Tara, Mike, Scarlett, we are so sorry for your loss. We can’t imagine how difficult this must be for you. Sincere condolences.
so very sorry for your loss,,Donna was always lovely to me,,,our neighbours were awsome,,she will be missed terribly,,RIP
Donna andI were roommates at King’s in 1971-1972. That was a year I always look back on as one of the best in my life. She was a lovely person and will be missed by all who knew her. My sincere condolences to Jeanie, , Phonse, her children and grandchildren ,
Elissa ( Corsano) Lamont.
So sorry for your loss. We had so many great times in Charlottetown. Best times and best memories. Very sad news.
Tara, Mike and Scarlett
York,Alex and myself are so sorry to hear about your mom!! We only met her a few times and she was always so super friendly and a real pleasure to talk to. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this heartbreaking time!!💕
To Donna’s family sorry to hear of your loss! I knew her when she lived in Ottawa she was a kind and funny person,RIP Donna🙏🙏
Tara Mike and Scarlet. I’m so sorry for your loss. I can still remember some of the stories that you shared with me at work about your Mom.
The Charette Family (Sonny, Livvie, Jack) send our most heartfelt condolences on your loss
Condolences to Donna’s family, rest in peace Donna.
My deepest condolences to Donna’s family and to her freinds….we attended Holy Redeemer Girl’s School, a place where we all knew each other….a sweet lady…RIP Donna
We had so many laughs with Donna….all of us here in the ‘gang’ in Orleans are so very saddened by her passing. She lived for her family, and was so proud of her grandchildren. Rest in Peace, Donna. You will be missed.
Dear Sheri, Jeff and family,
We are heartbroken for you and so deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
Murray and Sue
Sending our deepest sympathy💔 to all family & friends. 💐💐💐
Doddy & Bobby Keel
I am deeply sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you, your family, and friends. Donna was a fantastic lady, I hope the memories you shared with your mom will bring you comfort.
Condolences to Donna’s family. I went to grade school with Donna. Lena and my mom, Ada Keough ,were close friends. RIP
Jeannie and Joe, Donna’s children and families, I send my condolences! We spoke a number of times, she seemed very nice. Remember all the good times. RIP Donna!
I’ve known Donna all my life but got to spend some time with her since she came ‘back home’ I enjoyed every minute of that time.
My condolence
I’ve known Donna all my life but got to spend some time with her since she came ‘back home’ I enjoyed every minute of that time.
My condolences.
Dear Scarlett, Tara & Mike
Laura and I were so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother, Tara. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We can only imagine how difficult this time must be for you and your family.
You are very much in our thoughts. We hope you’re able to find moments of peace, comfort, and the support of those who care for you in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Roger and Laura
We are very saddened to hear about Donna’s passing. She was a great neighbor to the Neville family. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
I knew Donna as a child on Matilda St. I remember her mostly as one of the younger girls who hung around with my sister Gen. I can picture them to this day and the wonderful friendships they had. Donna was a quiet, friendly girl, loved by all. She will be terribly missed by those same friends with whom she reunited when she moved back to the Pier.
Rest in peace, Donna.
So sorry to hear of Donna’s passing🙏❤️My deepest condolences to her family and friends. May she RIP 🙏❤️
So sorry for your loss. Our community lost a wonderful person. She is missed. 🙏🏻💕