Phyllis Irene Keating
It is with tremendous sadness and heavy hearts that we, the family, announce the passing of Phyllis Irene Keating. Mom passed peacefully on Friday, August 10, 2018, at the age of 87, with family by her side at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Her heart and soul belonged to the Mira. She could always be found near the river, whether it be swimming, boating, waterskiing, fishing, or teaching her grandchildren to swim. Salt water ran through her veins. Mom loved to sing. She belonged to the Legionnaire singers, Honey & Friends, and the Sacred Heart Church combined choir. She had a song for every occasion and took pride in her musical abilities. An avid bowler for many years, she had a competitive streak that continued when playing cards and board games. “Gotcha Baby!” Known around hockey rinks and soccer fields as “Cowbell Nanny,” our grandmother never missed a single sporting event. She was always our biggest fan and spent many years travelling
from province to province to tournaments and games, making sure we heard her cheering our names. She worked at the Co-op Wholesale for many years, as well as Co-op Abattoir and Co-op Building Supplies. She was a member of the Mira Pensioners Centre, the Steelworkers and
Sydney Pensioners Club and enjoyed playing shuffleboard and cards at Club 55. Phyllis was born June 2, 1931 and was the daughter of Jack and Nellie (Coldwell) Ramsay. Phyllis was predeceased by her husband Frank Keating, daughter Susan Matthews, beloved grandson Matthew Keating, brothers Woody and Kenny, sister Catherine (Kay) MacIntyre. She will be greatly missed by her daughters, Joyce (Keith) MacDonald, Monica (Robert) Brewer; sons, Kevin (Donna), Terry (Michelle), Allan (Joan), Frank (Lynn), Paul (Sylvia); and by her 24 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She will also be missed by her brothers, Claude Ramsay (Shirley), J.D. Ramsay, sister Shirley Hodgson.
The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the An Cala unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their care and support. Visitation will take place Sunday, August 12 at the S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra Street, Sydney, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass to be held at St. Margaret’s church, Grand Mira, on Monday, August 13 at 11 a.m. Donations to the Sacred Heart Church Memorial Fund in her honor would be greatly appreciated.
Messages and memorials may be made to the family at www.chantfuneralhome.ca.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Chant’s Funeral Home.
