Mary Imelda (Bray) Carter

1941 - July 2, 2026

Our Mom, Mary Imelda (Bray) Carter, passed away peacefully at Hospice Cape Breton, Sydney surrounded by her loving family on July 2, 2026, at 84 years of age. Born in Halifax, she moved to Port Morien with her parents at an early age, spending most of her life there until moving to Glace Bay in 2009. Like her parents, she operated A.W. Bray Grocery in Port Morien following her father’s passing in 1979. After selling the store, she graduated from Breton Business College in 1984 and then worked at Breton Business Centre and later at Shoppers Drug Mart, Prince St. until her retirement.

She had a full life with a remarkable memory and a variety of interests and hobbies, including gardening, quilting, embroidery, knitting, and reading. She loved gathering with her neighbours to chat, celebrate birthdays, and play cards. She enjoyed visiting her relatives in California, road trips in Canada and the United States, and taking bus tours in Europe. She loved and was loved by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews. Spending time with her family brought her great joy and she remained an engaged and loving presence in all our lives.

She is survived by her children Helen (Gordon) MacInnis, Wilfred, and Rosemary Carter, her grandchildren Lisa (Ryan) and their children Callie and Adalyn Brufatto; Brian (Kristen) and their children Quinn and Lachlan MacInnis; and Colin (Shondra) and their son Isaac MacInnis; her sister Rita (Bill) Dinn and their family Lana, Gerard, Trevor, Trent, and Lyle; her nephews Andrew and Matthew Bray, and all their families. She enjoyed the enduring friendship of Shirley Ferguson, Cecilia MacIntosh, Gwen Martell, and Norma Struthers who continued to visit until her passing.

She was predeceased by her loving parents Arthur William and Elizabeth (Nearing) Bray, her son Joseph in infancy, her brother Joseph and his wife Lillian, and her special Aunt Susan Nearing who lived with her for fifteen years.

She was a woman of deep faith in God and a member of St. Mary’s Parish in Port Morien and St. Anne’s Parish in Glace Bay. She was blessed and comforted to have Fr. Norman MacPhee visit her regularly and she looked forward to his visits. She will be lovingly remembered for her strength, stamina, tenacity, and perseverance.

Our heartfelt thanks to her granddaughter Dr. Lisa MacInnis, Dr. Northgrave, Dr. Matthew Rigby, Marcia Morin, Dr. Lowry, Linda Murphy, Dr. Giorno, Dr. Burns, and the Palliative Care team, doctors and staff at the cancer centre and wound care clinic, the VON, and Fr. Norman MacPhee who were all part of her journey over these last three years. We are grateful for the compassionate care provided by Dr. Anne Frances D’Intino, the staff, and volunteers at Hospice Cape Breton who enhanced her quality of life until the end. She enjoyed time spent with Jill Murphy in the Hospice music program, the Bell Choir, and working on legacy projects. Attending the bingo games and performances with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought her joy until her passing. We are appreciative of the various acts of kindness shown to Mom and our family over these past few years.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Funeral Home, Glace Bay. (902) 849-4199.

Funeral Mass will be held Aug 4, 2026, at St. Mary’s Church in Port Morien at 11a.m. with Fr. Norman MacPhee officiating. Visitation at 10am in the church prior to the funeral. Reception in the Port Morien Fire Hall with Interment in St Mary’s Cemetery, Black Brook following the reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Hospice Cape Breton, the VON, or charity of your choice.

"Gone from our sight, but never our memories; gone from our lives, but never our hearts." — Unknown

To share words of comfort with the family of Mary Carter, please visit our website at www.tjtracey.com.