Sheldon Joseph Canova

Dominion, N.S.

It is with great sorrow we announce the peaceful passing of Sheldon Joseph Canova on January 19, 2026, in the Glace Bay Hospital. Sheldon was born on January 28, 1943, to Antonio and Georgina (Basso) Canova.

Sheldon was raised in Dominion, spending his early years on the backroads before later moving to Mitchell Avenue. He often shared vivid stories of his childhood and reminisced about the experiences he shared with his family and neighbors.

Anyone who knew Sheldon knew how proud he was of his Italian heritage. He was a devoted member of the Dominion Italian Hall for over 65 years and had a deep love for the language, culture, and traditions that were such an important part of his life.

After graduating from Saint Francis Xavier University in 1965, he started his career at Cape Breton Regional Vocational School, then retiring from Nova Scotia Community College in 1995. Sheldon loved his career and his students loved him. He truly loved phone calls or chance meetings with former students to hear about their life and progress. Many of his former students became lifelong friends and he was always regarded as a great person who genuinely cared.

Sheldon considered it a true honor to marry Maurina Fraser of Glace Bay in 1971. Together they built their forever home and enjoyed more than 53 years of marriage. They remained devoted to each other through every stage of life and supported one another in both joys and hardships.

Sheldon's home was in Dominion, but he held a special love for the community of Gabarus. His bungalow became a welcoming place where friends and family gathered to share in the simple pleasures of life. With his quick wit and natural humor, he made everyday moments memorable. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Sheldon is survived by his three children: Christian (Maureen Mohr), Alicia, and Anna (Kenneth Porter), each of whom held a special place in his heart; his three grandchildren, who were a great source of pride and joy to him: Spencer Fraser, Julia, and Eva Porter. He is also survived by his loving brothers, Frank and Paul Canova; his sisters-in-law, Elaine (Jude) Kelly, and Anna Lee (Robert) Kazamel, Jane Ann (Fraser) White; and many nieces and nephews who always had a warm embrace for their Zio/Uncle.

He is predeceased by his wife and parents; his sisters-in-law, Mary Canova, Mary Fraser, and Teresa (Luc) LaCroix; his niece Michelle LaCroix; and his brothers-in-law, John and Edison Fraser.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to each and every staff member of the third floor at Glace Bay Hospital. Leaving a loved one in the care of others can be difficult, but the staff cared for our father with respect, compassion, and a shared sense of humor, which brought comfort to both him and our family.

Cremation has taken place, under the care and compassion of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Glace Bay. There is no service scheduled at this time.

Donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice.

To share words of comfort with Sheldon’s family, please visit our website at www.tjtracey.com.