It is with a deep and profound grief we announce the passing of our beautiful mother on March 23, 2026.

Mary was born the eighth of eleven children to her parents, Thomas (little Tom) and Margaret (McNeil) Wadden of Port Morien, Cape Breton.

She was predeceased by the absolute love of her life, George Chiasson (2001); her parents, Thomas and Margaret; and siblings, Kathleen, Pat, Tony, Florence, Judd, Clemmie, and Johnny (infancy).

Mary is survived by her three adoring children, Lynn Marie (Roger) Pryor, Paul, and Brian (Melissa); four treasured grandchildren, Courtney, Jarod, Brennan, and Logan; and her four great-grandchildren Rory, Avery, Beau, and Owen, who brought her immense joy. Also survived by her three sisters, Susie, Yvonne, and Margie (Myron).

Mom’s early school years were in Port Morien, and she graduated from St. Ann’s at the age of sixteen. She always wanted to be a nurse. She began her nursing education at St. Joseph’s Hospital in September 1956. She loved her training days and graduated in May 1959 at the age of nineteen but was required to wait until age 21 to use the coveted title RN.

She met George in 1957, and they married June 25, 1960. They began their life together in Glace Bay. Here they started a family and raised and nurtured their three children.

Mary began her nursing career in 1959 at St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing as an instructor. Here she taught with the Sisters of St. Martha’s until the closure of the school in 1970. Here she met numerous close friends and acquaintances and remained instrumental in maintaining those connections through her life-long dedication to the organization of the Alumni, class reunions, and honour guards. She remained close to the sisters of St. Martha’s, especially Sister Clare Marie.

She then worked as day supervisor at St. Joseph’s until 1976, then utilization co-ordinator until her retirement in 1997. Her last four years were at the Glace Bay Hospital due to the closure of St. Joseph’s.

Mary discovered a love for quilting and has produced many beautiful quilts that will be treasured for years to come.

Mary will be dearly missed by her loving family, best friend, Betty Campbell, and the abundance of friends she treasured throughout her life.

In her own words, Mary’s life doctrine was as follows:

“Treat people the way you want to be treated, be nice to everyone, hard work pays off, accept people for who they are, be proud of who you are, and everyone is important.”

We will eternally miss you, Mom.

Arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve Street, Glace Bay Visitation will take place on Thursday, April 2, 12 – 2 pm, service at 2 pm in the chapel with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.