Amelia (Joseph) Somers
Born: July 29th, 1913
Passed in: Sydney
Passed on: November 29th, 2014
On Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014, Amelia 'Meme' Somers passed away peacefully at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. A legend is gone!
She was born one hundred and one years ago on July 29, 1913, the daughter of the late Habeeb and Sarah (Libbus) Joseph.
Amelia is survived by her loving sister, Henrettia Sampson and her companion George Curtis, Lower Sackville, N.S. Amelia is also survived by her sister-in-law Mabel Joseph and the Joseph family who all grew up with ”Aunt Meme” in the big house on Townsend Street.
Amelia was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Somers, her brothers, Joseph (Katherine), Abraham (Helen), Samuel (Thelma), David (Dates) Joseph and brother-in-law, Roy Sampson.
Amelia, or “Aunt Meme”, as she was affectionately known, will be sadly missed by her many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews to whom she passed on many wonderful Lebanese traditions. She recently supervised the making of over 4,300 fatiyahs as the Joseph families prepared for Christmas. The tradition of making fatiyahs, leben, kibbie and salebis on Old Christmas Day will live on forever in the lives of her family.
Amelia will be fondly remembered by the many patrons of Kay’s Kozy Korner where she worked for over 25 years. Although small in stature, her presence behind the counter was larger than life.
She was active in many organizations including the St. Joseph’s CWL but it was as a member of the Daughters of Mary, the ladies’ auxiliary of the Lebanese-Syrian Benevolent Society that she made her greatest contribution. Amelia was an active member for over 80 years and helped maintain and support the Lebanese heritage that is such an important part of our community.
She belonged to several bowling leagues. Amelia always enjoyed the friendship and competition of these leagues and made many wonderful friends over the years. Reluctantly she had to hang up her bowling shoes at the age of 96 when the Bowl-Mor Lanes closed. She also excelled at tarabish and enjoyed nothing more than beating one of her nieces or nephews in a game of crib.
Those who knew Amelia best always marvelled at her keen mind and her ability for the quick and accurate recall. Need a phone number, an address or a birthday date, just ask Meme.
A beautiful mind!
Amelia had a long and wonderful life, living every day to the fullest. She was born shortly after the Titanic sank before the First World War began and experienced so much during her 101 years.
A devout Christian, Amelia lived a dignified life that reflected her strong religious beliefs. She touched the lives of many and her kind and caring ways will be forever missed.
Visitation for Amelia will be held at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel on Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be held at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish formerly St. Joseph’s Church, 40 Cabot St. on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 11 a.m., Rev. Bill Burke officiating. Burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Alexandra Street.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the David Nelson Joseph’s Playground Fund, at the Sydney Credit Union, Townsend Street, or a charity of choice.
The family welcomes everyone to a reception following the service at the Cedar’s club on MacKenzie Street where memories and stories about Amelia can be shared.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.twcurry.com.
