Emily Keeping

It is with heartfelt sadness we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Emily Keeping, age 70, on Friday, March 21, 2025. 

Born in North Sydney on July 26, 1954, she was the daughter of the late William Otto and Janet (Mullins) Keeping, and special niece to Arthur and Marie (Ingram) Keeping. Emily had many jobs throughout her life but found great joy working alongside friends at the New Medical Hall Pharmacy. She retired many years ago and spent her time being the greatest Nanny to Poppy and Will. 

Emily loved spending time with family and cherished Sunday family suppers at her daughter Amy’s house, especially at the holidays. She and her sister Patsy spent many days driving around Cape Breton and discovering new places to see and shop. You could often find them together at Value Village hunting for treasures. When at home she loved puzzles and watching Hallmark Movies. 

She was a doting grandmother to Poppy and Will and loved hearing stories of their adventures and accomplishments. When she couldn’t get to their events in person, she always made sure to watch every dance video and listen to every hockey story they had to share. And if you stopped for a visit, she would be quick to point to the digital frame showing all they’d been doing. She was so proud of them and loved them without measure. 

Emily is survived by her daughter Amy, grandchildren Poppy and Will, Sydney Mines, her two sisters Linda (Joe) Bona, Barrachois, Patsy Keeping, North Sydney, sisters-in-law Bernie Keeping, Frenchvale, and Natalie MacKay Keeping, nieces and nephews, close friend Gwen Warren and many other dear family and friends. While living at Beacon Crescent she had many great friendships.

Besides her parents, Otto and Janet, and Aunt and Uncle, Marie and Arthur Keeping, Emily was predeceased by brothers George and Billy, nephews Cory and Christoper Keeping, brother-in-law Kenny Boutilier, and special friend Dave Young. 

A sincere thank you to all of the homecare staff that have helped her over the past year. You became friends and she loved the visits. And also, thanks to the staff on 2 West at Northside General for looking after her so well. 

By request there will be no visitation or funeral service.  Burial details will come at a later date. Arrangements are under the care and direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney.  Online condolences may be sent to the family by leaving a message on the tribute wall of the obituary.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Emily Keeping, please visit our floral store.