Theresa Mary (Rockwell) Mason
Passed on: May 9th, 2008
May15, 1917 - May 9, 2008 New Waterford/Baddeck It is with deep regret we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and neighbour, Theresa Mason, 90, on May 9, 2008, in Victoria County Regional Hospital, Baddeck. Born in New Waterford, she was a daughter of the late Edgar and Katie (Nicholson) Rockwell, Middle River. Theresa was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Theresa and her husband Buddy operated a few small stores in town over the years, while Buddy worked in No. 16 mine. Theresa and her brother John continued to run a small store on Gibbon Street following Buddy’s death. They operated this store until their retirement. Theresa was a proud lifelong member of Calvin United Church and really enjoyed visits from Rev. Roach while in hospitals and nursing homes in town, Glace Bay, and Baddeck. She served on the Board of Stewards, served as a trustee, sang in the choir and was a life member of the UCW. At the time of her death, she was one of the oldest members of the congregation. In her younger years, she liked to skate and bowl and as she grew older, enjoyed cross country skiing and oil painting, developing into quite an accomplished artist. She prided herself and felt she was blessed to live where she did and called it ‘her little corner neighbourhood’. She felt happy and secure there amongst her wonderful neighbours. Just prior to her death, she was residing comfortably at Alderwood Rest Home in Baddeck near her son and his wife. She enjoyed many visits, drives in the country, outings, Joyce’s home-cooked meals and music with family and friends. She also enjoyed being close to her lifelong first cousin and dear friend, Rhoda (Rockwell) Fraser, a longtime resident of Baddeck. The two girls were raised like sisters and were very close for 90 years. Theresa is survived by her only son, Brian (Joyce), Baddeck; grandson, John ‘Buddy’ (Teri), Baltimore, Ma.; granddaughter, Janice (Lloyd), Woodstock, N.B.; and Buddy’s two children, her great-grandson, Albert and great-granddaughter, Callie. Theresa is also survived by her stepson Charles (Doreen - deceased); five step grandchildren; 10 step great-grandchildren; one great great step grandson, all of the Hamilton, Ont. area. She was predeceased by her husband, James ‘Buddy’ Mason, seven brothers, Dave, Ernest (Ada), Neil (Mary Jane), Johnnie (Lyllian), Emerson, Kenny and Alexander in infancy, three sisters, Mary (Clayton), Catherine (Billy), Rebecca (Billy), stepdaughter, Shirley (Gus), Pittsburgh, Penn. Visitation will be held Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. Funeral service will take place Tuesday, May 13 at 2 p.m. in Calvin United Church with Rev. Duncan Roach officiating. Theresa’s remains will be taken to the church at noon on Tuesday. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery with a luncheon to follow in Calvin United Church. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.
