Marie Gertrude Romeo

Marie Romeo 78

North Sydney

With great sadness, we, the children of Marie Gertrude (Burke) Romeo, 78, announce her peaceful passing on Saturday, March 10, 2018.  Marie was born in North Sydney, NS on September 16, 1939 and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Catherine (Brewer) Burke.  She lived most of her adult life at Fatima Drive, Sydney River, before returning to the Northside.  She was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Sydney River and Saint Joseph’s Parish in North Sydney. 

Marie is survived by her children: Bernadette (Jeanie Crosby) of Ben Eoin, Dominica of Sydney, Joanne (Martin) MacKinnon, Quispamsis, NB, and Joe (Wendy) Romeo, Rothesay, NB, and her five beautiful grandsons: Malcolm, Morgan and Maxim MacKinnon, and Jack and Will Romeo.

She is also survived by sisters Georgina Muise, Monica (Brian) Shebib and brother Tom Burke, her sisters-in-law Pauline MacMullin, Lauretta Byrne, Marguerite Romeo, Ethel Lyle, Theresa Romeo, and brothers-in-law Angus Romeo and Stan Romeo and many nephews and nieces.

Besides her parents, Marie was predeceased by her husband Peter Romeo, sisters Catherine MacEachern, Teresa McKinnon, Regis Cameron, Vaughn Bagnell, and Peggy Barrie and brothers Joe and Lloyd Burke and infant brother Michael.   

Marie was a dedicated Registered Nurse graduating from St Elizabeth’s Hospital in 1960.  She began her nursing career in North Sydney, at St Elizabeth’s, and continued at St Rita’s Hospital in Sydney where she held the position of Supervisor and Head Nurse in several departments.  Marie completed her career at the Regional Hospital as a homecare Palliative Care Nurse where her compassion, empathy, and nursing skill helped many families through very difficult days.

Marie was an active member of the Registered Nurses Association of Nova Scotia serving as President of the Cape Breton Chapter and, in 2001, being bestowed the honour of Lifetime Member in recognition of Distinguished Service to the nursing profession.  Mom was a teacher and mentor to many young nurses and was always willing to help family, friends, neighbours, and strangers in need.  We, her family, are so proud of her legacy. 

Marie was a member of the CWL, enjoyed an annual pilgrimage to Ste. Anne de Beaupres, and was involved with various choirs.  She lent her voice to the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union, her expertise to the Girl Guides acting as Camp Nurse for many years, and was one of the organizers for Saint Elizabeth’s Alumni Association.  Mom enjoyed being involved!!

We will say good-bye to Mom on Friday, March 16 with visitation from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. Mom’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated, 10 a.m. Saturday, March 17 at Saint Joseph Church, North Sydney with Rev. Ray Huntley officiating and Rev. Patrick O’Neill con-celebrating .

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mom’s name can be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton or a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com .

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