Julia Elizabeth Tell Domanski
Julia Elizabeth Tell (Domanski), 82, of Sydney NS, peacefully passed away April 30, 2017, holding her daughter’s hand, while in the supportive care of staff at Maplestone Enhanced Care Nursing Home in Halifax NS. She is survived by Kathy Delaney (Arthur) of Castlegar BC; Eric (Edna) of Frenchvale NS; Kim Hooper (Keith) of Halifax, Scott (Sandy) of Whitby ON; grandchildren, Bradley & Chance, Castlegar BC; Ariah, Milton ON, Remo & Joel, Frenchvale NS; Mark & Grant, Halifax NS and Shaylynn & Riley, Whitby ON; four great grandchildren; and Jerome of ON. She was predeceased by husband William (Bill) Tell; parents John and Elizabeth Domanski; sister, Helen and brothers, John and Steve and George, all of Sydney.
She was raised in Whitney Pier and attended Holy Redeemer School, and Adult Vocational School. In 1952 she married Bill and together they raised Kathy, Eric, Kim and Scott and many beloved pets. Her first jobs were at the Maple Leaf restaurant and then Archie Nathanson’s. It was while waitressing she met her beloved friend Jean Powell. That friendship lead to their families building a bungalow together on Gillis’s Lake, where their children cherished summers of swimming, Tarbish, campfires, horseshoes and made long-lasting memories. It was here she enjoyed the odd “rummy poo” and “Christmas in July” with the girls Marie, Marge, Tammy and Marilyn. She worked at General Instruments “on the line” for a brief time and then as an office clerk until the company left Cape Breton. She also worked in the kitchen at Spring Garden Villa nursing home.
Julia was a devoted member of Saint Theresa’s Parish where she volunteered many hours. She was a member of the Seniors Choir for approximately 35 years. As a long-standing member of the funeral choir, she often reflected on how privileged she felt for being able to provide comfort to families who had lost loved ones. A devoted member of the Catholic Women’s League she held council positions as Liturgical committee and served repeatedly as council secretary. For many years she was engaged in the ever busy task of organizing the “Fall Fair” by knitting, coordinating ticket sales, securing donations and serving/preparing lunches. She served as a Eucharistic Minister at mass and would provide support to many shut-ins within the community. Her church community was very important to her.
Mom was an avid quilter and all her children benefitted from her skilled needlework. She was an excellent bowler and sported her moves in the St. Theresa’s bowling league and a Wednesday Ladies league. She enjoyed spending time with her close friends on Lorne St. With friends Anna and Arnold Eddy and Helen Murray she shared many cups of tea, and laughs over hysterical stories.
Not long after the death of her husband Bill, Julia moved to Halifax in care at Northwood and finally to Maplestone Enhanced Care. We would like to dearly thank all staff in long-term-care for their kindness and skill in creating a warm, loving, and friendly environment for the last years of our mother’s life. We thank you for improving her quality of life.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at the SW Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney, Friday, July 7, from 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Theresa's Church, Whitney Ave. Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 11am with Rev. Lamey officiating. Please join us for a celebration gathering after the funeral mass at St Theresa’s Parish Centre 285 St Peter’s Rd. Interment will be at Forest Haven Memorial Garden, Grand Lake Rd. Donations in her memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chantfuneralhome.ca.
