Whitney Pier

July 29, 1945 – December 9, 2025

It is with great sadness that we, the family announce the passing of ‘Little Martha’ of Whitney Pier on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Harbourstone Enhanced Care, Sydney.

Born on July 29, 1945, Martha was the daughter of the late Ambrose and Muriel ‘Noonie’ (Young) MacPhee. Although Mom lost her father at a young age, she was always surrounded by abundant love and support from her family and friends at the “Bee Hive.”

Mart, as she was affectionately known by her loving husband of 59 years, fell in love with Davey—as she affectionately called him—and was immediately welcomed into the Osborne family. She cherished her relationship with Dave Sr. and Hannah (Sharples) and gained many new brothers and sisters. Mart and Davey spent countless summers at the bungalow in Islandview, Northside East Bay, creating treasured memories with the Osborne family and friends.

You’d never catch Mart at a bingo game, but she did enjoy the occasional card game. She loved animals; there was always a family pet in the home, with many strays nearby. She was an avid baker and knitter, known for her famous lopi sweaters and baby blankets that we all still cherish. Music and dance were at the heart of who she was. Mart could jive like no other, and whenever her beloved brothers Cisco or Joe picked up their guitars, she was the first to belt out all the old ballads. Whether you were a lifelong best friend like Isabel or a dear neighbour like Janet, the moment you stepped through her back door, the kettle went on for a good cup of “Tea”.

Martha is survived by her devoted husband, Dave; their four children, Kimberly, Pamela, Dawn, and David. She will be deeply missed by her seven grandchildren, Hannah, Tori Ann, Garrett, James (Chelsea), Emma, Cassie, and Mason Ryan; great-grandson, Elliott; sister, Doris Lawrie; brother, Richard ‘Cisco’ (Priscilla) MacPhee; in-laws, Eleanor MacPhee, Tom and Debbie Osborne, Mary Lou Grant, Marg Osborne, Martin ‘Boots’ Osborne, and Jack (Val) Osborne, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Martha was predeceased by her mother and father-in-law; beloved brother, Joe MacPhee; sisters, Helen Racki and Nancy (in infancy); in-laws, Lynn and Jack MacKinnon, Vivian and John Atkinson, Hannah ‘Ducky’ Osborne, John Racki, and John Grant.

The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to the staff at Harbourstone Enhanced Care for the exceptional care they provided to Martha throughout her illness. God wanted her now, he set her free, she is at rest.

A member of Holy Redeemer Parish, Martha’s faith and community were important parts of her life. A gathering of family and friends will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Martha may be made to the SPCA of Cape Breton.

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

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed, and very dear.

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