We regret to announce the passing of our beloved mother, nana, sister, aunt, friend on June 23, 2025 surrounded by her family, after a long battle with breast cancer. Mom was born on September 21, 1946 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Glace Bay, the daughter of Michael Richard (Dick) and Ada Kathleen Corrigan (Bywaters) from London, England, both deceased. They were married in England during World War 2. Mom’s mother was a war bride and entered Canada at Pier 21 in Halifax with baby Kathleen, in October 1945. Quickly followed by the birth of Mom and then Carol Ann and, to their delight, a brother, Michael ten years later, in 1957.

Mom grew up on Holland Street in Reserve Mines, where she and her sisters enjoyed a happy childhood surrounded by many relatives and friends, especially Sheila. To this day, they remain the best of friends! Mom attended St. Joseph’s School in Reserve Mines until grade 11, followed by Grade 12 at St. Michaels Sr. High School in Glace Bay. She later attended the Halifax Infirmary School for Medical Record Librarians, where she formed lasting friendships that remain strong to this day.

After graduating in 1966, Mom began working at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Glace Bay—the very same hospital where she was born. She spent three years employed there, and after the first year, she set out to fulfill a lifelong dream of traveling to England to visit her mother's homeland. While in London, mom celebrated her 21st birthday by spending the day at the London Zoo, an experience she found incredibly exciting. Back then, she said her life was simple, and she embraced each moment.

After our father became part of her life, they decided to settle in St. Catharines, Ontario, where both Darryl and Lisa were born. During those years, Mom worked at the Shaver Hospital for chest diseases. Eventually, the pull of home brought them back to Cape Breton, where they found comfort and belonging in the serene beauty of South Harbour. Mom made close friendships during her time in South Harbour that lasted the rest of her life.

Mom began her career with the RCMP in 1976, starting at the Ingonish Beach Detachment. During this time, she and Dad welcomed their third child, April. After many years working in Ingonish Beach, she transferred to the Cole Harbour Detachment in 1990. Her final two postings were in Lower Sackville/Halifax detachment, while the amalgamation of Halifax Detachment was being undertaken. Along the way, she continued to form many lasting friendships that she always cherished.

After she retired, we saw a beautiful change in Mom—she embraced life with a newfound ease. She liked feeling the warmth of the sun, swimming in the ocean, found joy in gardening, took great pleasure in sewing and embraced her many “grand” dogs and cats. Her love for travel never faded, and more than anything, she cherished every moment spent with her family. She often said, “I’m so proud of each of my children and grandchildren.”

She is lovingly remembered by her son, Darryl Burton (Carole Boudreau), and their children, Camryn and Drew, who brought immense love and happiness into her life. She treasured the kindness in Camryn’s heart and Drew’s loving spirit.

She is also held dear by her daughter, Lisa Burton (Shaun Anderson), and their child, AJ, who was her absolute delight. She especially cherished AJ’s strong sense of self and the special bond they shared through many sleepovers and baking sessions.

She is forever missed by her daughter, April Burton, who was not only her devoted caretaker but also her companion, offering love and support throughout her illness. Thank you for everything, April.

Mom was predeceased by our father, Stanley Burton, of Cape North.

Mom is also survived by her beloved sisters, with whom she shared a special bond—Kathleen McIntosh (John) and their children, Brian and Heather, and Carol Ann Bailey (David) and their children, Derek, Shane, and her godson, Jamie. She is also remembered by her loving brother, Michael (Donna Mackie), and their two children, Brenna and Ryan.

Mom is further survived by her only living aunt on her father’s side, Betty Rich of New Waterford, and her only aunt on her mother’s side, Flo Bywaters of London, England. She leaves behind many cousins, both in Canada and England.

We will hold our mother’s memory forever close to our hearts.

Arrangements have been entrusted to T. J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 71 McQuade Lake Crescent, Beechville, NS, B3S 1C4, where a Funeral Service will be held on Friday July 4, 2025 at 11am

A burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society for Breast Cancer Research.