Obituaries

Rita Amelia Benoit

Rita Amelia (Doiron/Durant) Benoit, 79, of Pomquet left us peacefully on May 22nd, 2026. Born on October 29th, 1946 to the late Joseph and Amelia (Boudreau) Doiron, she was the youngest of 14 children. Raised on the Boudreau homestead, nestled just below Église Sainte-Croix in the heart of the strong Acadian community of Pomquet, Rita’s family was at the centre of everyday life and French was spoken everywhere except the one-room schoolhouse, with its English-only curriculum. Faith, community, and family shaped the values Rita carried throughout her life.

Rita had a smile that could light up a room, and more often than not, you heard her before you saw her. Her laugh was truly one of a kind. She loved a good laugh, never shied away from using her colourful language, and always spoke her mind. Rita was a fierce woman, a force to be reckoned with and as tough as nails. With Rita, you always knew exactly where you stood, and that honesty was part of what made her so deeply loved. She was a fighter from day one! At the tender age of one, her grandfather, Joe Boudreau, rescued her from a near death incident involving a horse.

Throughout her life, Rita shared cherished memories of her childhood, growing up on the family farm, spending time in the kitchen with her mother, and being surrounded by her brothers and sisters. Following the loss of her father when she was two years old, her mother was left to raise the children and manage the farm on her own. Through her mother’s strength and determination, Rita learned the values of resilience, perseverance, and hard work, qualities she carried throughout her entire life.

One summer, a young dapper man by the name of Moses Benoit asked Rita on a date. Most would assume that was the beginning of their love story, but true to Rita’s independent spirit, she turned him down. Not long after, with one suitcase and a sense of adventure in her heart, Rita left Pomquet for the bright lights of New York City, where she lived with her sister Stella and worked in a department store. She later moved to Connecticut to stay with her brother John. In 1965, Rita returned home to Pomquet. One evening, as she walked into the Pomquet Parish Hall, that same dapper young man stood waiting on the steps. In classic Rita fashion, she gave him a playful slap on the shoulder with a smirk. He asked her to dance, and this time, she said yes. The rest, as they say, is history.ß

She treasured her family

Rita and Moses were married on September 16th, 1967, in Église Ste-Croix, Pomquet. They were young and had little to their names, but they had each other and made a lifelong commitment. Life took them on many journeys. They first lived on Taylor’s Road before purchasing a parcel of the family farmland to call their own. Together, they moved a home onto the property and over the years created a little slice of heaven, filled with warmth, family, and memories. Rita worked in the Medical Records Department at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, balancing hard work with the care and dedication she poured into her home life.

In 1968, they welcomed their baby boy, Paul. Their joy was immense, but heartbreak followed when Paul passed away from crib death at just nine months old in 1969. Rita often leaned on her deep faith during life’s hardships, and it was that faith that carried her through one of the greatest losses a mother could endure.

They say no one will hold you closer or fight more fiercely for you than your mother, and that described Mam perfectly. She made the very best of what she had and created a home unlike any other, built with love, hard work, and determination. Together, Rita and Moses created a place that became a true haven for family and friends alike. Their home was always full of life, the phone constantly ringing, children being cared for, laughter from the kitchen, and enough blueberry plants to feed all of Pomquet. More than a house, they created a feeling of “home” for so many people over the years. Sunday dinners were a long-standing tradition that Rita faithfully kept. She held court at the table, keeping everyone in line while listening closely to stories from the week, the latest news, and updates from those she loved most. Rita was often found in her small pantry. Her cooking was well known throughout the community pâté, fricôt and so much more. Her famous brownies became widely loved, eventually earning a place in Mary Janet MacDonald’s latest cookbook. A star was born! During the Christmas season, she prepared up to fifteen sweet platters filled with a variety of her homemade treats to gift to family and friends. Until recently, she made over 100 meat pies each holiday season.

She treasured her family above all else and her family was always at the centre of her world. She would have given everything she had if it meant helping someone she loved. She often put others ahead of herself, even before her own health. Through her generosity, strength, and love, Rita made a lasting impact on countless lives.

She stood at the forefront of the Acadian resurgence within the community of Pomquet, proudly embracing and preserving the culture, language, and traditions that meant so much to her. Through her involvement in many organizations and community groups, generations of women in Pomquet were brought together, forming lifelong friendships that Mam held close to her heart.

Helping others in her community

A direct descendant of Jean Doiron, one of the original settlers of Acadie in Pisiguit in 1670, and Michel Boudreau who settled in Port Royal in 1639, Rita was Acadian to her core. She believed deeply in the importance of Acadian pride and took every opportunity to share that passion, ensuring the culture and traditions she loved would continue for generations to come.

She had a remarkable gift for bringing people together and building a sense of community wherever she went. Through her involvement with Club des Jeunes, she organized activities that regularly brought together more than 120 youth, creating friendships, memories, and a strong sense of belonging for so many young people in the community. Rita was the person people relied on to make things happen. She spent countless hours making phone calls for food donations, organizing volunteers, coordinating workers, and ensuring community events ran smoothly. She also played a major role in organizing the famous Pomquet Salmon Suppers, arranging volunteers for the two serving shifts that regularly welcomed crowds of up to 1,200 people. If a community event needed volunteers, Rita was often the first person people called. She had a remarkable ability to connect people, build community spirit, and make everyone feel welcome and needed. She also coordinated funeral receptions, organized calls for the Seniors’ Club, and spent many years teaching religion classes.

Rita was a valued member of the Pomquet Ladies Club and the Pomquet Winter Carnival Committee as well as an active participant in numerous Acadian and community organizations, including La FANE, Les Femmes Acadiennes, le Groupe d’Alphabétisation, le Club des Jeunes, and la Société Historique de Pomquet. Within these organizations, she worked to preserve and celebrate the history and heritage she cherished so dearly. She was also involved with the Conseil Jeunesse Provincial, where she was dedicated to supporting young people and promoting the French language, community involvement, and volunteerism. As a longtime member and volunteer with La Société de développement de Pomquet for over 20 years, Rita played an important role in shaping Chez Deslauriers into what it is today. She also served as manager during the major upgrades to the property in 2005–2006, including the construction of the interpretive centre, and development of the trail system. Through her tireless volunteerism, leadership, and unwavering pride in her Acadian heritage, Rita has left a lasting mark on Pomquet and its people.

Mam liked to keep busy and dedicated much of her life to working and helping others in her community. Over the years, she worked for Colin R. MacDonald and REMAX, provided childcare in her home for several families, and spent time working at the Antigonish Heritage Museum. In the early days of École acadienne de Pomquet, she also worked as a substitute secretary, a role she was especially proud of as she strongly believed in the importance of French education and Acadian culture.

Lasting legacy and countless blessings

In 1993, Rita began what would become one of her most passionate and meaningful roles when she joined the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse (FANE). She took great pride in her work there, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to the position and serving the Acadian community with commitment and care for more than 10 years.

In her later years, Rita continued to play key roles behind the scenes in many important community events and initiatives. She was deeply involved in the Pomquet 250th Anniversary celebrations, Pomquet Come Home Days, Chez Deslauriers, and the successful return of the beloved Pomquet Salmon Supper. She also proudly shared her stories and passion for the community as part of Episode 2 of Pomquet: Notre Histoire.

In her spare time Rita was an avid bingo player. She never held a driver’s licence, but she had what the family affectionately called her “Pomquet licence,” confidently getting around the village, especially to the hall and throughout the community. She had an incredible memory for birthdays and always made a point of calling loved ones to mark the day, never ending a conversation without saying, “I love you.”

Grand-mère was our rock, and it is difficult to imagine life without her. Even though she is gone, she leaves behind a lasting legacy with countless blessings. She taught us to cherish family and to take pride in all that we do, regardless of its size or significance. She leaves us with treasured memories that will stay with us forever, and the comforting sight of a fresh pan of brownies on the counter.

Rita will be forever missed by her loving husband of 58 years, Moses; her daughter, Yvette (Mike) of Ballantynes Cove; and her son, Sean (Reva) of Pomquet. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Colin AP, Sarah Jane (Evan), Charlie (Cassie), Aiden, Ally, and Sophie, who brought her immense pride and joy. Rita kept closely connected to their lives, checking in with them daily and celebrating each of their accomplishments. She took great pride in their attendance at École acadienne de Pomquet, believing it was a meaningful way to pass her love of Acadian culture, heritage, and language on to the next generation.

Left to cherish her memory, alongside her husband, children and grandchildren, is her brother William Durant (Mary Ann); her sisters-in-law, Yvonne Doiron, Martha Durant, and Marcelline Doiron; as well as her extended Benoit family: Arteen, Sandy (Jean), Delores (John), Mario (Shari), Anthony (Carmel), Jimmy (Aggie), and Evelyn (Michael) and sister-in-law Sharon. She also leaves behind her 9 godchildren, 62 nieces and nephews, and a large extended family whom she held close to her heart.

Rita was predeceased by her beloved son, Paul; her parents, Joseph Harold Doiron (1949) and Amelia Doiron (1994); her brothers, Leo (late Rita), Thomas (late Leona), John (late Anita), Linus (late Yvonne), Charlie (Yvonne), Peter (Martha), Joseph, and Jimmie (Marcelline); her sister, Theresa (late Raymond Rennie); her sisters Theresa and Rebecca in infancy; and her sister Stella (late Robert Kopf, late Gillis MacDougall). She was also predeceased by her mother-and-father-in-law, Lena & Arthur Benoit; brothers-in-law, Jacques Benoit and Joey Broussard; and her sister-in-law and dear friend, Wena Broussard and six beloved nieces and nephews.

Thanks to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital

Visitation will be in C.L Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish on Wednesday, May 27th from 2-4 pm to 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass will be held in Ste. Croix Church, Pomquet on Thursday, May 28th at 11 am. with Rev. Dennis Lamey and Rev. Andrew Boyd presiding.

Family Flowers only please. Donations in Rita’s memory may be made to the “Rita Benoit Bursary Fund,” established to support future students who promote and celebrate Acadian culture and heritage.

If you knew Rita, you knew she faced many health challenges, especially over the past 10 years. Yet, with every obstacle placed before her, she continued to push forward and her will to live only grew stronger each time. Our family would be remiss if we did not thank her longtime family doctors Dr. Marlene Fuhrmann, Dr. Lauren Fogarty, the incredible staff of Palliative Care, the VON and the Antigonish & Area Homemakers Service who all cared for her with such compassion and kindness in her final days.

To the many staff members throughout every corner and department of St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, thank you for the kindness, care, and friendship you shared with Rita over the years. The connections she made there meant so much to her, and she often spoke of many of you as dear friends. A sincere thank you to Dr. Michael Brennan and Cerina Austen, both of whom helped give Rita the gift of more precious moments with her family. There is comfort in knowing that she peacefully fell asleep at home, embraced by the love of her family.

Now, as we look back on our mother’s life, we realize just how humble she truly was. So much of what she did was quietly behind the scenes, never seeking recognition or the spotlight. She simply cared deeply for others and gave of herself wholeheartedly, finding joy in helping her family, friends, and community without ever expecting anything in return. Truthfully, she would probably be embarrassed to see so much written about her, but her life and the impact she made deserve to be celebrated and remembered.Online condolences: www.clcurry.com.

Alice Jeanette Fiander

1931 – 2026

Fiander, Alice Jeanette, 94, of Linwood received her well-earned wings on May 24, 2026, at Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow after a brief illness, with her daughter by her side.

Born in Linwood October 27, 1931, she was the youngest child of William and Martha (Flavin) Kinney. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Mom was always a hard worker, starting on the family farm, and then to a job at the store in Monastery where she traveled the five miles by bicycle. In 1953, she met and married the love of her life Wesley Bond. Together they started a grocery store and a family with daughter, Lorraine. Very sadly, tragedy happened and she was left a widow in 1967 when a drunk driver collided with Dad. After a few weeks, she reopened the store since she had a 9-year-old and was taking care of her parents. She persevered. Several years later she met her second husband, Bob Fiander, and together they had a son, Billy. Bob was widowed with five children, so together we became a blended family.

Mom was always in a rush for spring every year, so she could plant her multitude of beautiful flowers that she was proud of. And when she wasn’t working outside, she was baking and she was wonderful at that, too. She also loved telling stories of family history which everyone loved and enjoyed as she had a wonderful memory. On Sunday, she loved cooking a big dinner and everyone was welcome whether they were family or not to enjoy her hospitality and wonderful food.

On January 2, mom became a resident of Valley View Villa where we couldn’t say enough about the wonderful care she received. The staff were amazing and incredibly kind.

She is survived by her daughter, Lorraine; son, Billy; grandchildren, Laura (husband Jesse), Eva, Bobby, and Harley; stepdaughter, Phyllis; stepsons, Clarence, Robert (her Saint), Victor, and Jamie. She was predeceased by her first husband, Wesley; second husband, Robert; sister, Cecilia; brothers Charlie, John, Jim, and Duncan (her best friend ).

Visitation took place on May 31 at C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish. Funeral Mass was held June 1 at St Peter’s Church in Tracadie, with Father John Barry presiding. Burial was in the parish cemetery.

Donations in memory may be made to the Valley View Villa, 6125 Stellarton Trafalgar Rd., Stellarton, NS, B0K 1S0, or the third floor geriatrics unit, c/o the St Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com.

James (Jamie) Wilkie Grant

James (Jamie) Wilkie Grant (October 25, 1943 - May 25, 2026) of Guysborough. He was the son of Jean (Gardener) and Wilkie Grant, and brother to George, John and Margaret. He loved and laughed with (and at) you all in equal measure.

Best friend, husband and sometime annoyance of 59 years to Judy. They shared a life, a family, many pets and a garden together. Their mutual love and respect for one another was evident daily, and was the foundation upon which they built their family.

Father to Alison and Marianne, he was a thoughtful advice giver, the most embarrassing dancer, strongest piggy-backer, unflappable driving coach, perpetual thermostat lower-er, maker of bugs (both tickle and thump), and the very best mentor and teacher.

Much loved grandpa (and creator of ridiculously elaborate pirate treasure hunts) to Claire, Will, Jack and Matthew. Pirate Scruffybeard will certainly sail on to continued misadventure.

He attended StFX and Dalhousie universities, establishing a career as a teacher and guidance counsellor, primarily at Guysborough Municipal High School. He retired, enviably, at 52, and embarked on a second chapter.

He valued his physical strength and fitness, happily wearing out many pairs of shoes walking in the woods. He preferred not to stray too far from home, though he managed to leave the continent behind once or twice. He thought travel was fine, but didn’t necessarily think that it was worth all the trouble. He was a voracious reader of history and social sciences, and an armchair scholar and philosopher. An amateur historian, author and genealogist, he thrived on sharing his seemingly endless store of local facts and lore, finding connections and helping others to do the same, through the Guysborough Historical Society.

His prodigious memory for detail assisted him as a masterful (if slow building) teller of stories (and Judy has heard them ALL). He brought to life the character and nuance of the local area and its many characters. He could turn his hand to just about anything, building his home using a book from Readers Digest, and later enjoying time in his woodworking shop, turning many fine bowls on his lathe. He was a romantic soul, and a pragmatist. He loved animals, particularly horses and cattle. He loved growing things. He hated waste and cruelty.

His last years saw his body decline due to illness, but his mind remained sharp and his spirit kind. He asserted that he had had 76 really great years, and surely that was more than one’s fair share. Who could desire more than that? Despite being prepared for the eventuality, we feel his absence keenly. We were so fortunate to have had him in our lives.

Thank you Carol and Derek, and to the palliative care/home support team.

There will be a gathering to remember Jamie at the Old Courthouse Museum in Guysborough on Saturday, June 6, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Sarah Anne Kennedy

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sarah Anne Kennedy on May 25, 2026, at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home.

Born in River Denys, Cape Breton, on March 5, 1932. She was the second eldest of 11 children of Michael and Ena Mae (MacIsaac) Chisholm.

Sadie graduated from Teacher’s College and moved to Montreal to teach. She returned to Nova Scotia to teach in a one-room schoolhouse in Caledonia. This is where she met Donnie Kennedy, and they married in 1955. Together, they raised their eight children on the family dairy farm.

When her youngest child started school, Sadie took a secretary course and then began a 22-year career in pathology at St Martha’s Regional Hospital. She loved her work and formed many lasting friendships.

Sadie was a devoted mother to Terry (Clare Cameron), Donald (Betty Oicle), Sandy (Olla Stewart), Barb (Wayne) Brown, Rose (Mike) Roberts, Gerard (Tracy MacDonald), Jackie (Donald MacDonald). She took great pride in her 13 grandchildren: Josh, Matthew (Melissa), and Nicholas Kennedy; Colin, Ryan (Sydney), and Trina Kennedy; Jill (Dylan) Scammell; Hannah, Madelyn (Zack), and Thomas (Sophia) Roberts; Bradley Kennedy (Emily); Christopher and Angus MacDonald, and two great-grandchildren, Rory and Charlotte Kennedy. She is also survived by her beloved sisters, Margaret (late Lyle) Wilson and Anne Fougere; son-in-law, Jim Caron; sisters-in-law, Bernadette Hendricken, Jean Smith, Roberta and Irene Chisholm; and brother-in-law, Brian Wilkinson.

She is predeceased by husband of 49 years, Donnie; daughter, Cathy (Jim Caron); grandchildren, Luke Brown, Mark Kennedy and Connor MacDonald; brothers, Archie (Sally), Martin (Irene), Michael (Roberta); and sisters, Isabel, Mary, Cecilia, Irene, Marie (Brian).

One of Sadie’s proudest accomplishments was helping build the Veterans Memorial in St. Andrews. The memorial honours the sacrifice of local soldiers who served in the many wars.

Sadie lived a life of service. She was a proud member of St Andrews CWL for more than 60 years and a founding member of the St. Andrews Oak and Owl Club. She also served on many boards, including the Credit Union and Parish Council, and helped launch the Credit Union school savings program.

Sadie lived a faith filled life and was a proud member of the St. Andrews Parish.

The family thanks the R.K. MacDonald Nursing for the excellent care during her time there.

Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in St. Andrew’s Church, St. Andrews. Burial was in the parish cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers to the St. Andrews Cemetery Fund or a charity of one’s choice.

“Whatever you give, you will always receive more in return.”