Jean (Fitzpatrick) Merritt

Jean Merritt

North Sydney

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Jean Merritt, age 97, on Thursday, June 3, 2021, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

Born in Marystown, NL, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Frances (Drake) Fitzpatrick. Her mother having died at an early age, she was raised by her grandparents, the late William and Mary Ann Drake of St. Jacques, NL.

Mom came to North Sydney in 1943, where she met and married our Dad in 1947. Together they raised six children. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in North Sydney and the CWL. She was also a member of the North Sydney and Bras d’Or Seniors Clubs and a former member of the Northside Community Guest Home Ladies Auxiliary. She was a talented knitter, which was one of her favorite hobbies, and each one of us has been the proud recipient of her treasures. She also enjoyed her bingo and card games with friends and loved to travel. Two of her most memorable trips were to Cuba at the age of 89 and her many trips to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, which she always looked forward to with great joy.

Mom is survived by her children, Donnie (Debbie) Merritt, Pamela (Glenn) Russell, Greg Merritt (Margaret Ann), Denise (Kevin) Steele, Michele (Kevin) Ivey, all of North Sydney and Brian Merritt (Bernita) of Halifax. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Geoffrey (Niki), Tara (Steven), Mitchell (Lauren), Brianna (Connor), Colton, Victoria, and Genevieve, as well as her two great grandchildren, Christian and Evan, all of whom were her pride and joy. Additionally, she is survived by her half-sister, Anna Rose and half-brother Peter Fitzpatrick, both of Marystown, NL; sister-in-law, Marie Henry of North Sydney; and by four special nephews, Tommy and Glen Merritt, whom she raised, as well as Lloyd MacIntosh and Paul Fitzpatrick. 

Mom was predeceased by her husband Effie Merritt; two brothers, George and William Fitzpatrick; half-sister Frances Pittman, half-brothers Richard and Adrian Fitzpatrick; by four first cousins but siblings at heart, Con Drake, Pat Drake, Bill Drake and Betty Tait; and by brothers and sisters-in-law Genevieve, Louise, Michael, Thomas, and Lloyd.

Mom taught us love and respect which we will carry to the end of our days. With heavy hearts, the time has come to say goodbye, Mom. We love you and we will miss you dearly.

Weep not for me but courage take. Be good, love and help one another for my sake. – Love Mom

Due to COVID-19 restrictions there will be no public visitation or funeral mass at this time. Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

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

Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jean (Fitzpatrick) Merritt, please visit our floral store.