Lavina Musgrave

Lavina Musgrave

North Sydney

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Lavina Musgrave, age 91, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, on August 2, 2023, at her home with her family at her side.

Born in Glace Bay on February 29, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Wilfred and Neila (Morrison) MacKinnon. Lavina worked proudly for many years at Zellers in Sydney and later North Sydney, where she made many lifelong friends.  She was an avid knitter and seamstress who was ceaselessly turning out sweaters, scarves, hats, mitts and slippers for people all over Cape Breton.  She also enjoyed puzzles, rarely starting a day without a crossword or sudoku to keep her mind sharp.  She adored all of her many grandchildren, especially her special buddy Jack, as he cherished his “Old Nannan.”

Lavina is survived by her children: Debbie Phillipo (Gerald), Paula (Jim) Hastie, Karen (Elmer) McInnis, Doug (Susan) Musgrave, Arleen Musgrave, and Coleen Musgrave (Gary); her grandchildren: Leone, Vicki, Dougie, Jimmy, Pamela, Jason, Paula, Calvin, James, Heather, Jeffrey, Corey, and Jodi, along with her 24 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Along with her parents, Lavina was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Doug Musgrave.  She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Palliative Care – especially nurse Julia Penney, their earth-angel, who formed such a genuine bond with Lavina and all the family; Dr. George Burns and the VON for all of their excellent care, as well as the County Homemakers.

Donations can be made to Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton.

A visitation for Lavina will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, August 6 at the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home at 107 Pleasant St, North Sydney. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 7 at St. Joseph Church in North Sydney with Rev. Doug MacDonald officiating. The service will be available online through the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home Facebook page. A private burial will take place at St. Mary Cemetery in Frenchvale at a later date. Condolences can be left for the family by posting a message on the tribute wall of the obituary.

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