Obituaries

Hannah Rosario “Rose” Connolly

1937 – 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Hannah Rosario “Rose” Connolly, (formerly Chisholm, nee Kennedy) at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital in Antigonish on Sunday, October 26, 2025.

Born in Antigonish, Rose was the daughter of Catherine (Macdonald) and Alexander Kennedy of Glenroy.

Rose married Jimmy Chisholm in 1959, and together they built a loving home, raising five children on Church Street Extension. After Jimmy’s untimely passing in 1971, she persevered with remarkable strength and faith, always putting her children first. In time, she was blessed to find love again with Jerome Connolly, and together they had three more children, completing our family of 10. Rose and Jerome built a home in North Grant where they shared many happy years with family.

In her early years, Mom worked as a telephone operator with Maritime Tel and Tel and found joy in connecting with people. Even in her later years, she always had a knack for remembering every phone number she ever dialed. She held a variety of jobs, but one of her favourites was as a Mary Kay consultant, where she found pleasure in helping others look and feel their best.

A proud homemaker and exceptional cook, Mom’s kitchen in North Grant was the heart of her home. She was famous for her baking, and no batch of biscuits came out of the oven without her declaring, “These are the best biscuits I ever made!” Her jams, mustard pickles, and rhubarb and apple pies were among her specialties, and Mom’s greatest pleasure was making sure everyone at her table was well fed. She enjoyed evenings spent playing 45’s and crib with friends and family, where her friendly competitiveness shone through. Mom was a woman of patience and quiet strength who was known for her quick wit and wonderful sense of humour. She had a natural way of making people laugh and took great pride in her family.

Camping trips, bluegrass festivals and listening to classic country tunes were some of Mom’s favourite activities. She particularly cherished the evenings spent with friends at music jams, listening to Jerome play the guitar. Mom also loved watching sports, especially baseball, hockey, and curling. She followed the Toronto Blue Jays faithfully and was an avid hockey fan. Jerome and Rose proudly opened their home to Bulldog billet players who became like extended family. She especially loved getting together with family for Sunday barbecues in McArras Brook, where stories were shared and memories were made that will be cherished forever.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Michael (Diane) Chisholm, Clydesdale; Wayne Chisholm, Doha, Qatar/McArras Brook; Brian (Anita) Chisholm, Heatherton; Noella (Kelly) Bruni-Bossio, Jasper, AB; Donalda (Leo) MacDougall, Gaspereaux Lake; Shauna (Dale) Chokan, Midhurst, ON; Janice Connolly (James Duggan), Antigonish; Ian Connolly (Heather); Windsor, NS. She will also be remembered by her 19 grandchildren: Kenneth, Brendan, Jenna, Matthew, Lindsay, Kayla, Patrick, Brianna, Alexandra, Abbey, Brian, Alexis, Connor, Brody, Madelyn, Grace, Henry, Isaac and Liam; five great-grandchildren: William, Callum, Claire, Anna and Brady; sisters: Jean Smith, Bernadette Hendricken, both of Burlington, ON; and Margaret McCarron, North Grant.

Predeceased by her parents, Catherine and Alexander, her first husband, James (1971), and her second husband, Jerome (2015); siblings: Gerald, Donald, Mary, and Hugh John, in infancy.

The family gives heartfelt thanks to the staff of St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Parkland, both Sherbrooke and RK MacDonald nursing homes, and Mary’s Court. Your kindness and compassion brought great comfort to Mom and our family.

Visitation was held Nov. 2 in C.L. Curry Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was held Nov. 3 in St. Ninian’s Cathedral with Reverend Daniel MacLennan presiding. Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Maryvale.

In memoriam, donations may be to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences: www.clcurry.com

John Angus “Jackie” Kell

1949 — 2025

It is with immense sadness that we share the passing of John Angus “Jackie” Kell, who left us unexpectedly but peacefully on October 29, 2025, with his loving wife of 50 years, Linda, by his side.

Born in Antigonish on January 4, 1949, he was the son of the late Joe and Peggy Kell. It was here that he and Linda built a life rooted in hard work, love, and family.

He was a proud and loving father to Amy (Roderick Dean) and Gen (Randy Brown), but his greatest joy came from being “Grampy.” His grandchildren brought the twinkle to his eye and smile to his face — Colin, of whom he was so proud watching him grow into a kind and hardworking man, and Lauren and Josie, his two little girls who were truly “Grampy’s Girls.”

A lifelong farmer, his happy place was sipping a coffee at The Barn in Beech Hill, overlooking Antigonish, with his dog, Piper, by his side. Jack couldn’t make a move without Piper being right by his side! When he wasn’t farming, he enjoyed a long and fulfilling career in the trucking and road construction industry, where he made many friendships and shared countless laughs over the years.

He will be deeply missed by his siblings, Bobby (Carol), Terri (Donald Landry), and Margie (John Landry); by the Langdon family, who held a special place in his heart and he in theirs. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Brenda Kell; and special cousins, Donald (Jackie) Kell MacDonald (sons, Christopher and Angus) and Greg (Shelene) MacDonald (sons Calum, James, and Brennan) — with whom he was so pleased to share the Kell family farming tradition, as well as his lifelong family friends, the MacDougalls.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Peggy Kell; his brother, Leo; his sister, Marie; and his in-laws, Oscar and Jessie Langdon.

Jack was a soft-spoken man with a smile as genuine as himself. He and Linda enjoyed simple pleasures like Sunday drives and family dinners. Above all else, he loved his family deeply. He never ended a day without a “love you” and giving his girls a kiss goodbye or goodnight — a simple but powerful reminder of the love that defined his life.

He will be remembered for his kind heart, quiet presence, and the love he poured into his family, friends, and the land he called home.

Visitation was held Nov. 3 in C.L. Curry Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was held Nov. 4 in St. Ninian’s Cathedral with Reverend Daniel MacLennan presiding.

Donations in memory of Jackie may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation.

Online condolences: www.clcurry.com

“When I lay me down to die; Goin’ up to the spirit in the sky”

Craig James Robertson

1978 – 2025

Robertson, Craig James, 47, of Port Hawkesbury and formerly of Frankville, Antigonish County, passed away on October 24, 2025, in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital after a brief illness.

Born in Halifax, he was a son of Len and Sophie (LeBlanc) Robertson.

Known for his big bear hugs, Craig was loved by all; with a friend group that ranged from ages two to 92. A pipefitter by trade, Craig took pride in his later work on the boats at the wharf, employed most recently in security. He enjoyed relaxing with his buds, playing cards, four-wheeling, trips to the shed and watching the ocean. Craig, always the jokester, brought laughter and generosity to the people he cared for. His memory will live on in those he leaves behind; he will be deeply missed.

Besides his parents, he is survived by his loving wife, Amanda Gamache; brother, Tim, Frankville; sister, Alana (Mark), Morriston, ON; nieces, Maya, Avery, and Isla; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of Craig’s life was held October 30 at the Havre Boucher Community Centre.

In memoriam, donations to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation (palliative care unit) are appreciated.

Online condolences: www.clcurry.com