Bertha Frances Jessome

Bertha (Gerrow) Jessome

Sydney Mines

It is with broken hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Bertha Frances Jessome, age 82, on Monday, January 13, 2020, at the Northside Community Guest Home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born March 16, 1937 in Florence, she was the daughter of the late Chester and Mary Ellen (Young) Gerrow.  Bertha worked for many years at Josie’s restaurant in both Leitches Creek and C.N. Marine Terminal. Bertha was a fabulous baker and you would consider yourself to be very fortunate if you received her basket of delicious baking at Christmastime.  She was a devoted member of the former St. Pius X Church in Sydney Mines, an active member of the CWL and a member of the “Happy Club” for over fifty years.

Bertha is survived by her two daughters, Mary Jessome (James), Bras d’Or and Connie (Darrell, whom she considered a son) Reid, of Sydney Mines. She was a loving grandmother to her two grandchildren, Shane and Courtney Faulkner who were her pride and joy; sister of Cathy (Roy) Reid, Hastings, ON, Bobby Gerrow and Clevie (Winnie) Gerrow, both of Florence. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Winnie Gerrow of Cobourg, ON, who she thought of as a sister, sister-in-law, Lorraine Hoben, Mulgrave, NS; special nieces, Joy (Bruce) Eavis, Paulette (Cyril) Tobin and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her loving husband Bernie in 2009; brothers, Harold, Ted, George, Joe, Donald, Jimmy; sisters, Virginia (Doug) Hare, Mary Lannigan, three sisters in infancy and her mother-in-law and father-in-law Alex and Elizabeth Jessome.

Our journey wasn't easy; but with the angels of the Northside Community Guest Home, we shared laughter and tears.  Our only wish is that you could have known Ma as the person she was.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your care and compassion for treating our mother as one of your own.   Laughter is always the best medicine!  We would also like to thank Northside Homemakers, Dr. Beth McCormick and Amanda for their wonderful years of care.  We are blessed.

In keeping with Mom’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A funeral mass will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, at Holy Family Church, Sydney Mines, with Rev. James Oliver presiding. Burial will take place in St. Joseph Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Northside Community Guest Home, Holy Family Parish or a charity of choice.  

Fly with the angels Mama, you are finally free.  

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, North Sydney.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com

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