Obituaries

Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Chisholm

1942 – 2026

Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Chisholm of Antigonish passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, in the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, Antigonish.

Liz was born in Antigonish and spent most of her childhood on a dairy farm on the Old South River Road. Her parents, Archie and Josie (DeCoff) Chisholm, were people of deep faith whose influence we are still feeling in our family. Liz’s siblings Bernice (Bill), Archie (Alice), and Bernie (Brenda) will miss her dearly. Strong family values were the foundation on which Liz built her life of leadership, service, faith, and family.

Faith is a word that comes to mind often when thinking of Liz. Faith in God, of course, but faith in people, too. And faith in education. She believed in education. She earned four university degrees in four different decades. But despite her rabid support for StFX sports teams, it was not her university education that she spoke of as formative. It was Saint Andrew Rural High School that she credited with lighting her spark. She became a high school teacher herself and many of her former students say she, in turn, lit sparks in them.

Liz lived a life of service to her community. She was a political animal from a young age. The passion that started with Model Parliament in high school carried her through a lifetime of political involvement. She worked countless election campaigns, many as campaign manager, two as a candidate for the Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia. She served four terms on Antigonish Town Council working tirelessly for her community, notably on the Town Beautification Committee and the Sustainability Committee. She was an early and enthusiastic advocate for composting and recycling, and God help you if you put something in the wrong bag! She served in roles big and small, from the Board of Directors for the RK MacDonald Nursing Home to the Chair of the Nova Scotia Advisory Board on the Status of Women.

Her Scottish heritage was central to Liz’s identity, and she imparted this pride to her children and grandchildren. We are a family of many kilts, not to mention Chisholm tartan dining room chairs. She served with the Clan Chisholm Society and the Antigonish Highland Society for decades, serving as President of the Highland Society and Chief of the Clans, ultimately being honoured with a Lifetime Membership.

Liz’s Catholic faith was another driving force in her life of service. She was a member of the Catholic Women’s League for half a century, serving on the provincial executive and as provincial president. She and Bo were so involved in the St. Ninian’s community, the bishop called them Mr. and Mrs. Church.

We all delight in early pictures of our parents - Dad swarthily gorgeous next to Mom’s Celtic beauty. They married in 1964 and brought up their five girls in a little house on Xavier Drive. We grew up believing that we could do anything, because our mom could. She leaves behind a family who will miss her dearly: Daughters, Kathy Chisholm (Ted McDonald), Karen (Marty) Corsten, Mary Beth (Kevin) McCarron, Allison Chisholm, (John McKee) and Dale Chisholm (James Schiesz); grandchildren, Imogen (Sam) and Tess (Pete) McDonald; Annecy Spencer (Liam); Abby (Nathan), Maggie (Jordan), and Rory McCarron; Scout and Lily McKee; and Bo and Jonah Schiesz; great grandchildren, Duffy, Johnny, Eleanor, and James McDonald.

Dad is waiting to welcome her to heaven, where she will get to see many friends and family, her parents, and her beloved Auntie again.

We thank the staff of Martha’s Place at the RK MacDonald Nursing Home and Dr. Emma Chiasson for their kindness and care.

Visitation was held Jan. 23 at C.L. Curry Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was held Jan. 24 in St. Ninian Cathedral, Antigonish, with Reverend Daniel MacLennan presiding.

Burial will be in the parish cemetery in the spring.

In memoriam, donations to Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia appreciated.

Online condolences: www.clcurry.com

Sylvia Mae Hargrove

HARGROVE, SYLVIA MAE, 97, of Halfway Cove, Guysborough County, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025, at Guysborough Memorial Hospital. Born on May 2, 1928 in Halfway Cove, Sylvia was the youngest daughter of the late William and Nettie (Bond) Worth.

Sylvia lived a long and busy life. In earlier years, she did a variety of jobs including running her own small general store, and working as postmistress at her home in Halfway Cove. She was a hard worker who enjoyed gardening, berry picking, and going fishing. Sylvia was a wonderful cook and baker, and could sew and knit beautifully. She was a lifelong animal lover and had many pets over the years. She would also pet-sit for friends, caring for their animals as if they were her own.

Sylvia is survived by daughter, Selena (Florian); also a nephew and three nieces. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her two sisters, Dorothy Atwater and Mary Worth; and niece, Carol Tilley. She was also predeceased by her companion of many years, Harry (Curly) Cross.

We thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Guysborough Memorial Hospital for taking such good care of Sylvia and showing her so much kindness.

Visitation was held Dec. 19 at Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home in Guysborough. Funeral service was held Dec. 20 at St. James Anglican Church, Halfway Cove, with Reverend Leif Vaage officiating. Burial followed in St. James Cemetery, with a reception held in Queensport Fire Hall. Donations in Sylvia’s memory may be made to St. James Anglican Church or CARMA Cat Rescue Maritimes.

Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com

Meta Paulette “Poggie” Ross

Ross, Meta Paulette “Poggie”, 75, of Antigonish and formerly of New Glasgow, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026 in St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital, Sherbrooke. Born in Antigonish, she was a daughter of the late Sterling and Gloria (Hallett) Robar. Paulette loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed playing cards, bingo and going on bingo bus tours. She is survived by step-son, Neil (Sandra) Ross, New Glasgow; step-daughter, Tammy Ross, New Glasgow; brothers, Johnnie, Antigonish; Ronald “Barry”, Dartmouth; David, Country Harbour; sisters, Darlene (Dale), Eight Island Lake; Dana (Ken), New Glasgow; several nieces, nephews and their families. She was predeceased by “the love of her life,” husband, Fraser Ross; brothers, Kevin, Eugene; half-sister, Wyna; sisters-in-law, Marilyn, Pamela; nephews, Ricky and Craig. Visitation was held Jan. 22, in G.W. Giffin Funeral Home, Country Harbour. A service of remembrance was held Jan. 23, in G.W. Giffin Funeral Home, Country Harbour, with Lewis MacIntosh officiating. Interment for Paulette and Fraser will take place at a later date in Holy Trinity Anglican Cemetery, Country Harbour. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or Diabetes Association of Canada. A special thanks to best friends Gerald and Mona Pushie. Online condolences may be made at www.gwgiffin.com

Mora Wilson

1946 – 2026

It is with great sadness that the family of Mora Wilson announces the passing of our beloved sister and aunt. Mora passed away peacefully at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, surrounded by family on January 20, 2026.

Mora was born on September 26, 1946, the fourth of 10 children, to the late John Murray and Helen (Yates) Wilson in Glace Bay.

In 1967, Mora was part of the second graduating class of respiratory therapists at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax. She enjoyed a 44-year career in this field, devoting 35 years to St. Martha’s, where she made countless friends and fond memories.

As an avid gardener, Mora enjoyed spending time outside tending to her flowers. She loved to watch and chat about hockey. At work and in her neighbourhood, Mora was known for her generosity; she loved to bake and share her treats with others. Shortly before her passing, Mora was asked to describe herself and she said, “I’m a giver.” Throughout her life she gave selflessly.

Mora’s humour, joy, and love for her family and friends will remain with us.

Mora is survived by her sisters, Katherine Francis, Diane (Leonard) Parsons, and Marybeth (Charlie) Reid; brothers, George (Annette), David, John Murray (Danielle) and Jimmie; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brother, Ian (Mildred); sister, Jean (Kevin) Knowles; brother-in-law, Frank Francis; and sister-in-law, Carolann.

The family thank Mora’s best friends, Janet, Doug, Helen, Marie, Leslie and Shauna: we are forever grateful for your kindness. We also express our gratitude to Dr. Cudmore; the doctors and nurses of St. Martha’s, who provided excellent care; and former colleagues who visited with Mora. Dr. Rice, your compassion was a special gift to Mora.

Visitation will be held Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish. Funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 1 p.m., with Reverend Peter Smith presiding.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation (palliative care unit).

Online condolences: www.clcurry.com