Obituary of Cecile Mary Sampson

It is with deep sadness that our family announces the passing of Mom.

Cecile Mary Sampson, 76, of Little Dover passed away peacefully on Friday, February 16, 2024 at VG Hospital site QEII, Halifax.  Mom was the daughter of the late Elizabeth (Boudreau) and Godfrey David, Petit de Grat, C.B.

Mom is survived by daughters Angela (John Dobson) Half Island Cove; Grandsons Michael (Jillian), Rock Elm, Grand Mira North; Shane (Claire) Antigonish;  and Ryan (Hannah) Antigonish;  Sherry (Darrin Jackson) Antigonish; Grandson Joshua, Alberta; and Granddaughter Abbigail, Antigonish; Son Jason (Nicole Wournell), Antigonish; Sister Marie (Harold Samson) Petit de Grat, many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly and special great-nephew Jordan Harris, Petit de Grat.  Besides her parents, Mom was pre-deceased by her husband of 49 years, Bernard (2013), Sister Mary Rose Pardy (2005) and nephew Gordon Pardy Jr. (1975), as well as  many in-laws whom she loved dearly.

Family was everything to Mom.  Her belief was “life is short”, keep in touch with your brothers, sisters, kids, grandkids and friends.  Mom believed in helping others. If someone was ill or going through a rough patch, she would call, make a pot of soup or a loaf of homemade bread and have it delivered to them.  When the grandkids visited, they would go home with a belly full of spaghetti, french toast, a few extra dollars and a car load of goodies for a later date.  Lets face it, regardless of the occasion (or a casual drop in), you were offered a meal and you left with more food.  Stretchy pants was a must for a planned visit!

In the early years, Mom worked at National Sea Products and Canso Seafoods in Canso. Mom and Dad enjoyed camping in Lake Ainsley, going to the “Hut” for a weekend away, or taking us kids on a Sunday drive and a picnic.  They especially loved the Little Dover Day Use Park and the Boardwalk where many picnics were held with their grand-kids.

Mom was a devoted Catholic, “believing in God and saying a prayer never hurt anyone”.  She paid service to her community by the many volunteer hours in the St. Agnes Parish teaching religion, volunteering with Bingo’s, the annual parish picnic, service at many weddings and funerals.  She was a past member of the St. Anne’s Society, Dover Bay Seniors Club and the Local Craft Club. 

Mom was an avid knitter which became part of her daily routine.  Over the years if you helped her out in any way you either went home with a few extra bucks or a new pair of socks. In the last few years, Mom donated yarn and would knit hats, scarves, mittens and socks for those who were homeless which were given out by other charities. She also knit bags of hats for newborns which were donated to St. Martha’s Hospital and the IWK.   Mom enjoyed quilting , painting ceramics and a few good games of cribbage. Card games of Auction 45 certainly raised the roof on many occasions in the earlier years with Dad and friends gathered.

Our family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Eastern Memorial Hospital, Canso;  St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish; QEII Halifax Infirmary and VG for their compassionate care shown to Mom during her stays.  Special thanks to nephew Paul Munroe for always being on “Stand-by” and helping her out when needed; and to Jimmy and Pearl Rhynold, Peggy Haines, Rhoda and Duffield Haines, Rita Colp and Margaret Perro  for always calling and checking in.  We can never thank you enough.

Visitation will be Friday, February 23, 2024, 11-12pm for immediate family,  12-7pm for public in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Canso.  Funeral Mass will be held from St. Agnes Parish Hall, Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 11 am, with Fr. Jonathan Nnajiofor officiating.  Burial at a later date in St. Agnes Parish Cemetery.  A reception will follow at the St. Agnes Parish Hall.

Memorial Donations in Mom’s memory can be made to the Eastern Memorial Hospital Foundation or a Charity of ones choice.

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