Sarah Martin Bell Tobin
Born: February 22nd, 1912
96, North Sydney It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great great-grandmother, sister and friend, Sarah Martin Bell Tobin. Her family witnessed her peaceful passing from her earthly life to her heavenly home on Saturday, April 19, 2008, in the Northside General Hospital. Born Feb. 22, 1912, in Sterling Shire, Scotland, she was a daughter of the late Robert and Catherine (Bell) Robertson. Sarah emigrated to Canada at age 12, and settled in North Sydney; a small town in Cape Breton; where she would meet her husband, raise 14 children, and a place that she would always be proud to call home. Mom was our family’s storyteller. She had an extraordinary memory, especially for details. She loved to share memories of Scotland, history of North Sydney, and the people who lived there; as well as relating her personal history to everyone and anyone willing to listen. One of our mother’s passions was music and playing the harmonica. She enjoyed Irish and Celtic music in particular, and playing a tune for family or strangers was her unique gift to them. Mom had great faith in God. It was this strong faith that enabled her to overcome the struggles and hardships throughout her life, and to see the glory in a life well lived. She was a devoted member of Our Lady of Sorrows parish in North Sydney as well as the altar society. Sarah is survived by her four sons, Adrian (Ann), North Sydney, Lawrence (Tillie), New Brunswick, Gary (Bernice) and Ronnie, both of Ontario; daughters, Catherine, North Sydney, Marilyn, Shirley and Yvonne (Phil) all of Ontario, and Lorraine, Dartmouth; 19 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild; her sister, Marion, North Sydney; her brother, Reginald (Mary) of Calgary. She was predeceased by her husband John T. Tobin, two sons, Elmer, and infant John Thomas, three daughters in infancy, Genevieve, Mary and Patricia, a grandson, Jim, a granddaughter, Rosemarie, brothers, James, John and Sam, sister, Rina, and a son-in-law, Lee. Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, 10 a.m. from St. Joseph Church North Sydney, with Rev. Jake Andrea officiating. Cremation to follow. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Sorrows Church. Online condolences for the Tobin family may be sent to info@wjdooley.com. “Well done good and faithful servant, come and join in your master’s happiness.”
