James "Jim" Anthony Fennell

James Anthony Fennell, Frances Lorraine Fennell

North Sydney 

It is with profound sadness, that the family announce the passing of James Fennell, age 88, on Saturday, March 16, and the sudden passing of Lorraine Fennell, age 84, on Thursday, April 18, 2024, both at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. 

Both born in North Sydney, Cape Breton, Jim was the son of the late Ellen (Sparrow) and Frederick Fennell. Lorraine was the daughter of the late Mary (Penney) and Sidney Brogan. 

Jim was a proud employee of Marine Atlantic. He took great pride in his career as a stevedore, before retiring in 1993. Lorraine worked as a CNA with the Braemar Home, and later worked in the Culinary Art. 

Jim and Lorraine shared a beautiful family and are survived by children, Blaine (Ruthanne), Kim (Larry) Farrell, Allan (Cynthia) and Darren (Lisa). As well as grandchildren, Meghan, Devin, Christopher, Jenna, James, Breton, Sarah and Andrew. Jim and Lorraine are also survived by many loving great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

Jim is survived by his brother Tommy, and was predeceased by brothers, Joseph, Mike, Patrick, Frederick, Jack, Richard, and sisters Mary, Gertie, Margaret and Theresa. 

Lorraine is survived by brothers Donnie, Jody, Sid and sister Kathleen. She was predeceased by brother Bobby. 

Jim and Lorraine shared a true love of life and an eternal love for each other. Jim loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and watching wildlife. Known for his wide variety of incredible skills, there was nothing he couldn’t build, create, and tinker with, it earned him the nickname McIver and Mr FixIt. Jim loved photography, drawing, and creating pieces of art. 

Lorraine truly loved life and adventures. When she’s wasn’t living up to her nickname “The Roadrunner”, she was baking and cooking in her beloved kitchen, hosting get togethers, and enjoying family. Lorraine was an incredible artist, and together with Jim created stained glass, oil painting, or tole painting. 

Both were members of Saint Joseph Church, North Sydney. Jim was an incredibly proud member of the Knights of Columbus.

Together, Jim and Lorraine built a life based on faith, family, and love. Their kindness and passions were felt by all that met them. 

The family would like to thank their friends and family who showed much kindness over the last number of weeks. Thank you to the staff of the Cape Breton Regional Palliative Care Unit for their compassion, empathy, support and care. 

A funeral mass for both Jim and Lorraine will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at St. Joseph Church with Rev. Doug MacDonald officiating, under the care and direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. Burial to take place in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Cape Breton Regional Palliative Care Unit. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family by leaving a message on the tribute wall of the obituary at www.wjdooley.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James "Jim" Anthony Fennell, please visit our floral store.