Obituary of Josephine Carrigan

Josephine Carrigan,92 Reserve Mines It is with heartfelt sadness that we, the family of Josephine (Byrne) Carrigan, Reserve Mines, regret to announce the passing of our loving Mom on January 29, 2021 at the age of 92. Mom passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, after a two year battle with cancer. Originally of Bridgeport, mom was the daughter of the late John and Margaret (MacLean) Byrne. Ma was a woman of great faith, who above all else, cherished her family. She took great pride in her independence and maintaining her own home. She enjoyed her family outings, which included, her Saturday shopping trips to Walmart and Giant Tiger, and going out for a nice lunch before heading back home. Ma loved family gatherings, most importantly, her annual Christmas Eve celebration, when all of our family would gather and share bundles of stories and laughter; Josephine loved nothing better than having a good cup of tea and something sweet, and someone to share it with. Mom’s greatest joy was her grandchildren, great-grand-children and great-great-grand daughter. She would love to attend all of their events and gleamed with pride over all of their accomplishments. Ma is survived by her Daughters, Loie McNeil (John Stefura), Glace Bay; Lynn Boutilier (Derrick), Sydney, and Carol Ann Tracey (Eric), Reserve Mines, with whom she resided; Grandchildren, Sherry McNeil (Frankie); Michelle McNeil (Craig Cann), Mitchell Tracey (Catelyn Holland), Craig Tracey, Cassidy and Kaelyn Boutilier; Great- Grand Children, Shane and Alicia McNeil, and Great-Great-Grand Daughter Raya McNeil-her little Raya sunshine, who brought her so much joy; Brother, Michael Byrne (Cora); Sister Sara Lynk (Eddie); Special sister, Sheila McNeil (Bill) and their children Darryl, Debra and Derrick; Sisters-in-Law, Willa Byrne and Betty Rich; Brother-in-law, Freddy King. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, particularly Margie’s crew – The MacPherson’s; Johnny, Karen, Wayne, Jimmy, and Billy. She loved her visits from her Godson, Michael Byrne; Niece, Darlene Byrne; as well as close family friend Mark Neary. Besides her parents, Ma was pre-deceased by her husband Bill Carrigan; Sisters, Margie (Mammie) MacPherson and Kathleen King; Brothers Justin Byrne and Joe Byrne; Son- in- Law, Reggie Y McNeil and Sister-in-law, Uldeen Byrne. The family would like to thank everyone who helped with mom’s care; family physician, Dr Obrien, whom she thought the world of; The staff at Guardian Drug Store, Glace Bay, who always showed us so much kindness; The Staff of VON; Dr Ron MacCormick, and staff of The Cape Breton Cancer Center; as well as the staff of Palliative Care, above all, Michelle Kelly, who was so kind in helping us navigate this difficult journey. Their kindness will never be forgotten. Thank you. There will be a Celebration of Life for Josephine on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 1 p.m., with Fr. Daniel Boudreau officiating, at T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay. (902) 849-4199. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com. Family flowers only. Donations in Ma’s memory may be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Center or Palliative Care Unit, Cape Breton Regional Hospital. If love could have saved you ma, you would have lived forever. Due to COVID-19 Restrictions, seats are limited; Masks and social distancing are to be adhered to. Thank you.