Ethel Bain
Date de décès : 4 novembre 2017
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Ethel Bain, 97, on Saturday, November 4, 2017, at the Northside Community Guest Home.
Born in Breton Cove on October 7, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Murdock John and Annie (MacDermid) MacInnis. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
After graduating from Normal College in Truro, she began her teaching career. She often told the story that, in her first year, she was paid $300.00 for the entire year, and never received her pay until the end of the school year. Over the years, she taught school in Cape Dauphin, Big Bras d’Or, Boularderie Centre, Kempt Head, Millville and Bras d’Or.
She and her husband, Leslie, were married in September, 1943, and shortly after, Dad went overseas during World War 2. Upon his return, Dad purchased a store in Big Bras d’Or, and for the first two years, he and Mom lived in the back of the store while their house was being built. Along with teaching, Mom also worked in the store, and continued to do so until 2004.
Noted for her cooking and baking skills, there were many Sundays that, along with family, there would be a guest or guests join us for Sunday dinner after church. Her tea biscuits and oatcakes were enjoyed by many and would often be packed for a snack for family travelling back to Boston after vacation (many people today have her oatcake recipe as well). Her house was always open for visitors, and many will remember her saying, “You have to drop in for a cup of tea”.
Mom liked her game of cards, whether it was Auction, 45s, or Bridge with her special friends Mae MacKenzie, Margaret MacLean, Jessie Gatchell, and many more. She looked forward to going to the Big Bras d’Or Fire Hall on Mondays, playing bridge with the girls on Thursday afternoon, and then heading to Southside Boularderie as soon as they had something to eat.
Ethel was a member of St. John’s United Church, Big Bras d’Or, and was a member of St. John’s UCW and other committees within the church. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Her later years were spent as a resident of the Northside Community Guest Home, where she received the very best of care. The family wishes to thank the staff of both Munro Place and Teresa Terrace for everything they did for her over those years.
Mom’s family was first and foremost in her life and she was the best mother anyone could want to her sons Innes and Keith. Nanny was so proud of and loved her grandchildren Krista, Jessica, Justin and Josh. Nanny Grannie had a special place in her heart for her six great grandchildren, and they continuously made her day.
She was predeceased by her husband, Leslie, in 1982; her son, Innes, in 1993, and also by her siblings, Catherine (Kit), Chris, Mary, Johnny, Donald and Allister.
She is survived by her son, Keith and his wife, Chrissy; daughter-in-law, Pauline; her four grandchildren and six great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Anna MacInnis, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Ethel Bain will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, Main Street, Sydney Mines. The funeral service will take place on Thursday at 2 p.m. in St. John’s United Church, Big Bras d’Or with Dianne Kempt, DLM officiating. The burial will follow in St. James Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ethel’s memory may be made to St. John’s United Church Building Fund, the Northside Community Guest Home Foundation, or charity of choice. Words of comfort may be forwarded to her family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com.
