Obituary of Josephine Aucoin

Josephine Remy Aucoin Glace Bay It is with a heavy heart that we, the family, announce the passing of Josephine Aucoin on November 29, 2024, at Seaview Manor, Glace Bay. Born in Glace Bay, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Monica (Buckley) Lecointe. Josephine was a dedicated wife and mother. It was her main goal in life to see that her three children had every opportunity she could provide them. This included her going to work in the 1970s to have extra income from doing door-to-door vacuum sales to support creating those opportunities. By all accounts she was a natural in this role as she could start a conversation with just about anyone in any setting, and she routinely won sales awards for her efforts. While Josephine was an only child, she was well-loved by her husband’s very large family – many of whom were also her neighbor's – and especially held in high esteem by all the children in the neighborhood. No summer trip to the beach was complete without a car full of children – hers and her neighbor’s and she was famous for her birthday cakes shaped like any number of things – a fishing boat with lifesaver candy along the sides being a standout. She made everyone who entered her home welcome. In addition to her human neighbors, she was a good friend to animals – especially injured ones. Many an injured bird or dog was brought to the door of the neighborhood’s unofficial veterinarian. Josephine was very dedicated to her faith, her parish, and her community. She was a willing community organizer, and a member of the Miners Wives Association during the terrible strike of 1981 and became one of their spokespersons as her willingness to speak truth to power had few limits. She served on St. Anthony’s Parish Council, was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and was a Religious Education teacher. She was also a St. Anthony’s Youth Group leader, and a member of Girl Guides of Canada as Brownie leader - activities which she truly enjoyed. Always interested in building bridges, she would also be a key organizer for many years of the annual Cape Breton Women's Ecumenical Conference.Ever a social person she was a long-time member of the Reserve Mines Seniors and Pensioners Club. Josephine is survived by her three children: Christopher Aucoin, Richard Aucoin, and Joleine Aucoin (Tristan Greer). Besides her parents, she is predeceased by her husband John, and their beloved dog Hollie. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024, from 12-2 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. with Fr. Norman MacPhee presiding. Visitation and service will take place at T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, (902-849-4199). Burial to take place at a later date. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and the palliative care team at Seaview Manor for the support and compassion given to Josephine. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Cape Breton SPCA, or the charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.