It is with very sad hearts that we announce the passing of our mom, Martha Jewer, on December 16, 2025, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, at the age of ninety-one.

Born on December 4, 1934, to Philip and Laura Shaheen in Sydney, NS, she continued to live and raise her family there until her passing. She was the second youngest of four girls and five boys.

Though born of Syrian descent, Mom loved her Cape Breton roots. She began working at a young age at Moffatts and continued in retail until her retirement, notably spending many years at Reitmans, Oak Hall, and Jacobsons.

She met and fell in love with James Jewer, and they were married on February 8, 1961.

Mom and Dad’s door was always open. They entertained often, hosting parties in their home, and enjoyed going to dances. Family and friends have fond memories of how they danced with ease together and jived like no other.

They spent a lot of time in the summer on the Mira with family gatherings, as well as trips to Ontario to see her baby brother, Joe, sister, Alice, and their families. Mom loved to cook—especially her favourite Syrian dishes—bake, do the Lexicon, and play the lotto. She was the best part of family game nights and could still play a mean game of tarabish at 90, play the slots at the casino, and she was happiest when hollering “Bingo!” She was also an avid walker. After retirement, rain or shine, she walked daily into town until she could no longer. Between working in retail, her walks, and her friendly nature, Mom knew people wherever she went. We used to tease her that even when she went to Halifax to see family, you could bet she would run into someone she knew.

Mom was kind and sweet—a loving mom, loyal friend, dedicated wife, and strong Catholic who never missed Sunday Mass, or even a daily service during Lent. Her faith in God and family was her driving force until the end. She was such a proud grandmother, always sharing stories of their lives and accomplishments. She adored her great-grandchildren, with whom she spent countless hours reading, playing, laughing, and singing “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” They were her greatest joys.

Martha is survived by her son, James (Vicki); daughters, Barbara and Donna (Jeff); grandchildren, Kyle, Jennifer, Jalyssa, and Jillian; great-grandchildren, Thomas and Claire. She is also survived by her sister, Stella; sister-in-law, Cuddles; brother-in-law Don; and many nieces and nephews.

Martha was predeceased by her husband, James; brothers, Thomas, Peter, Isaac, Louis, and Joseph; and sisters, Mary and Alice.

A heartfelt thank you to all of Mom’s caregivers over the last few years, including Seaview Manor and her palliative care team.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, NS, 902-539-7175. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Friday, December 19, from 2:00–4:00 pm and 6:00–8:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, December 20, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish, Whitney Avenue, Sydney, with Father Evo DiPierro officiating.

For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed and can be viewed by visiting the T.J. Tracey Facebook page. Words of comfort may be made to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.

Mom always said, “I get up in the morning, put my feet on the floor, and thank God for another day.” She was always happy to be “on this side of the grass.”

Well, she is on the other side of the grass now, and Mom, I hope it is just as beautiful.

You will be forever in our hearts.