Sydney

We, the family of Stella Marie MacArthur, sadly inform you of her peaceful passing on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Harbourstone Enhanced Care Nursing Home in Sydney, one day shy of her 68th birthday.

Stella leaves behind her dear brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Sue MacArthur; loving nieces, Cindy and Genevieve (Thomas); grand-niece, Averi; grand-nephews, Callum and Jaxson; special aunt, Yvonne Bereta, and cousin, Darlene Bereta, along with many family members and friends.

Stella was predeceased by her parents, Donald and Helen MacArthur, as well as her precious fur babies including, Morris, KC, Rory, and Roscoe.

Stella was born on Easter Sunday at St. Rita’s Hospital in Sydney and grew up on Monteith Avenue in Westmount with her parents and brother. Stella always enjoyed being in the company of family. Whether it was helping her mother in the kitchen at the firehall as a child or spending Sunday dinners at Sue and Joe’s with the kids over the years – family was important to her. After her brother married and had children of his own, Stella proudly leaned into her new role as Auntie; never missing a birthday, special milestone, or the chance to brag about her nieces (and later, her grand-niece and grand-nephews).

Up until her retirement in 2021 from the Canadian Coast Guard College, Stella worked for 32 years keeping the hallways (and candy dishes) clean. She loved teasing her coworkers about the latest Toronto-Montreal game, and especially loved her chats with Lloyd and Timothy. Her fondest memories hands down were her interactions with the Officer Cadets. She had a real soft spot for them and admired their hard work and respectful nature. They, in turn, adored her for the little firecracker that she was!

Stella was a diehard Cape Breton Eagles fan and a season ticket holder from day one back in the ‘90s. She never missed a home game and never missed a chance to get a hug from Screech! Stella was tickled pink on her birthday in 2024 when she received a special video message from Screech and Joey Haddad wishing her the best and thanking her for her dedication to the organization.

The truest loves of Stella’s life; however, were her beloved pussy cats. Anyone who knew her knew that “her boys” were her world! Stella had a love and appreciation for all animals; waving from the car window whenever she passed dogs on a walk, and enjoying the company of pets brought in to visit at Harbourstone.

There have been many people over the years that have gone out of their way to show Stella true friendship and kindness, and her family is so appreciative. Special mentions to Eldon MacDonald for all the drives to Eagles’ games over the years and to Marilyn Hawkins for being such a loyal presence in Stella’s life – your friendship was truly treasured. A big thanks also goes out to the Cape Breton Transit bus drivers (Alexandra Street – Sydney River – Downtown) who made Stella’s day with every ride given, as well as the staff at McDonalds in Sydney River who had her order ready before she walked through the door each morning.

We would be remiss if we didn’t thank the entire staff at Harbourstone Enhanced Care for their unwavering support during Stella’s time there, and for all the daily hugs that she loved so much. To staff at the Northside General Hospital and Cape Breton Regional Hospital, thank you for making Stella comfortable when she was in your care. To Dr. Jennifer Lange, for taking Stella on as a patient and guiding us during those first months/years, thank you so much for being her advocate. Finally, a special thank you to Sheldon Chant and Jocelyn Hynes for all of the stories, music and prayers.

If you were lucky enough to be one of the people Stella let in close, then you were blessed to have been. Behind that sharp wit (and tongue) was a tender, loving soul who may not have said I Love You in so many words, but you felt it just the same. We take comfort in knowing that she is now peacefully at rest, in her parents’ loving arms. Stella was born on Easter Sunday and she passed on Easter Sunday – just in time to celebrate her birthday in heaven.

A celebration of life for family and close friends will take place at a later date. As per her wishes, Stella will be laid to rest with her parents at Holy Rosary cemetery in Westmount. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Cape Breton SPCA or the Feral & Abandoned Cat Society in Stella’s memory.

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

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