Ella May (Pearo) MacLeod Oakley
Passed in: Hillside Boularderie
Passed on: August 4th, 2015
It is with sadness that we, the family, announce that our dear mother, beloved grandmother and great-grandmother, Ella Oakley, went home to be with her Saviour, on Aug. 4, 2015, at her home in Hillside Boularderie, with her loving family at her side.
Born in Mill Creek in 1928, Ella was the daughter of Samuel and Daisy (Hutchins) Pearo. Following the death of her mother, Ella was adopted into the loving home of Alex and Christie Effie MacDonald of North River Bridge, Victoria County. Ella lived in North River until the age of 19, when she moved to Montreal. She remained there for seven years as a housekeeper for the Seville family. Upon returning to Cape Breton, she married Bill MacLeod from Loch Lomond and they moved to Mira Road, where they raised their family. Over the years Ella cared for many people in her home, some referred to her by the Sydney Chapter of the John Howard Society as well as a number of senior citizens. Caring for others was her gift and passion and she so enjoyed the time she spent with these dear people.
Ella loved growing flowers and took great pride in keeping her home colourful throughout the summers. Ella and Fraser were known for their elaborate display of lights at Christmastime. Ella was a fluent Gaelic speaker and sang in the Gaelic choir with her husband Bill. She also enjoyed offering assistance to those wanting to learn the Gaelic language. Ella loved spending time with her family, especially family gatherings, and took special delight in being with her great-grandchildren, who have many fond memories of “Gram”. Ella was a remarkable woman, who will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Ella May is survived by her loving family, son, Christopher (Mary) MacDonald, Toronto, and their children, Tracy, Debra, Scott, Christine, great-grandchildren, Brooke, Brianna, Donavan, Bradley & Landon; son, Ian (Cathy) MacLeod, Boularderie, their children, Jonathan, Anne and Emily; daughter, Kathy MacLeod (Bernie Stone), Boularderie, their children, Laura (Paul), Jennifer (Brian), great-grandchildren, Anthony, Morgan, Jacob and Ella; sister, Mae (Eric) Matheson, Bedford; sisters-in-law, Ruth Morrison (sister Ruth), Baddeck, Mary Oakley, Middle River, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She is also survived by her stepchildren, Debra (Rick) O'Brien, Barbara (Dennis) Pharand, Gary Oakley, Cindy (Garry) Shyminsky, Peter (Joanne) Oakley and their children.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her adoptive parents, Alex D. and Christy Effie MacDonald, her first husband, William 'Bill' MacLeod; second husband, Fraser Oakley; sister, Beatrice; brothers, Daniel, Harold, Sam, George and Robert
Ella’s family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Chow, Ella’s friend and devoted doctor,Victoria County Memorial Hospital, the wonderful ladies from Cape Breton County Homemakers, the Victoria County Homemakers, the VON, and Doctor Ritter and the Palliative Care team.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Aug. 6th from 2-4 p.m. at the SW Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney. Visitation will continue Friday, Aug. 7th from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, North River with the funeral service to follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Glen Davis and Pastor Rick Barnes officiating. Reception to follow in the church. Interment to take place in Pioneer's Cemetery, Loch Lomond
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund,c/o Mrs. Barbara Tower, 43 Montgomery Rd., Baddeck, N.S., B0E 1B0, or Palliative Care Service, Sydney
“Gus an connich shinn a rithist”
“Till We Meet Again”
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of ...
