Cassie Isabel Cote

Glace Bay, N.S.

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our mother Cassie Isabel Cote on June 29th, 2026, at Seaview Manor a few weeks shy of her 102nd birthday. She was born in New Waterford, daughter of Ronald and Mary Belle MacKinnon of the ‘Big MacKinnon clan.’ Although she lived in Glace Bay since marrying our father in 1948, she always considered herself a “New Waterford girl” and was proud of her Glencoe Scottish heritage.

Affectionately known as “Ma, Nan/Nanny Cassie, Cass” she was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. She is survived by her children Francine O’Neill (John D.), Ronnie (Colleen D.), Gerard (Barbara), and Debbie Turner (Kirby). Grandchildren: Sean (Shelley), Liam (Angela) and Nancy O’Neill, Steven Cote (Brooke) and Danielle Cote-Shay (Tim), Eric (Carrie) and Ian (Kristen) Cote, Kelsey Tighe (Mark), and Kale Turner, all of whom were convinced they were her favorite. Great grandchildren: Keagan and Shane O’Neill, Kaitlyn and James O’Neill, Cole, Connor and Caitlin Cote, Scarlett and Reed Shay, Henry and Adelaide Cote, Duncan, Archie and Cassie Cote, and Violet Tighe. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and friends with whom she was very close to and cherished their regular visits and phone calls.

She was committed to her faith, family, and community. She held every office of the St. Leo’s Ladies Axillary, was a lecturer, choir member, and Eucharistic minister. She worked tirelessly to have St. Leo’s church built and her contributions continued at St. Anne’s as long as she was able. If anyone in Sterling was sick or in need, she would canvass the neighborhood for contributions to help with travel or treatments. She may not have been the official mayor of the Sterling, but she certainly considered herself the mayor of the John D. MacDonald Seniors Complex.

Ma was happiest when surrounded by her family; she loved having all of us for lunch after church on Sundays. She was a great baker and there was nothing better to her than company, a game of 45’s, a hot cup of tea and a sweet to go with it. She loved a trip to “The Mall” to shop for clothes that always had to end with “a bite to eat,” and then it was “home James, and don’t spare the horses.” We all knew not to mess with her Tuesday night card “Club,” 45’s card games 6 nights a week, and her weekly hair appointments! She was an avid baseball fan, both for the Sterling and local teams and the Blue Jays, especially Joe Carter.

She was predeceased by her parents, our father Francis, 50 years ago, daughter in-law Colleen and son- in-law John, sisters: Mary Ann (Donald Angus) MacLean, Belle (John) O’Connor, Jessie (Otto) White, Catherine (Dave) MacKay, and brothers: Angus (Mary), Jiggie (Doris), Diddles (Mary) and Duncan (Janie) MacKinnon.

She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and almost certainly quoted for years to come “It doesn’t cost 5 cents to be kind, that’s what Mama always said”. Ma was younger than her years, with a great sense of humor and, always with a good joke to tell. We can only imagine the reunion taking place right now; we’re sure it’s a Ceilidh like no other!

We extend our gratitude to the staff of Seaview Manor, New Waterford Home Care, VON, and neighbor Eileen Currie, all of whom added to her life immeasurably.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Glace Bay. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. in Tracey’s Funeral Home, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay. (902)849-4199. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. in St. Anne’s Parish, Main St., Glace Bay, with Fr. McLeen presiding. Interment will take place in St. Anne’s Cemetery, Wallace Rd., Glace Bay.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Glace Bay Food Bank.

Online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting: www.tjtracey.com.