PURCELL, Louise (Roberts)
Louise Purcell (Roberts), 93, of Glace Bay passed away peacefully at Taigh Na Mara in the early hours of Tuesday April 11th surrounded by her devoted family. She was a resident since 2005 until losing her battle to Alzheimer’s disease and a recent reoccurrence of breast cancer.
The daughter of the late Willena and Edward Roberts, Louise was pre-deceased by her brothers, Jack, Jimmy, Eddie, Art, Henry; and her sisters, Lena (Wells), Katie Roberts, Ann (Donovan) and Mary; as well as her niece, Linda Donavan and nephews, Jack Wells and Sheldon Roberts.
Louise is survived by her daughters, Kerri-Lou (Blair) Cochrane of Ottawa and Ronda (Derrick) Leclair of Merigomish; four grandchildren, Mark (Kate) and Kelsi Littler, Cassidy and Victoria Van Leeuwen; great- granddaughter, Hannah Louise Littler and a great-grandson soon to be born; four step-grandchildren; her brother, Bobby and many nieces and nephews.
She was a WW2 Veteran serving with the Canadian Women’s Army Corp, member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church, and Branch 3 Legion. Louise was passionate about staying fit and looking good. She wore the soles off many shoes as walking was her preferred method of transportation. We are sure you seen our mother over the years, she would be the petite 4’11” sharply dressed lady walking up Brookside, Commercial or Main Streets. Louise loved her Saturday shopping trips to the Mayflower Mall and enjoyed travelling to see her family. A long time participant of Sharon Crocker’s Senior Aerobic classes until the age of 80.
We the family extend our sincerest thanks and appreciation to the dedicated and caring staff at Taigh Na Mara, especially the men and women of the DVA wing and Emerald Isle. With the support and encouragement of these compassionate men and women, Mom continued to enjoy dancing and singing. She lived and died with dignity.
According to her wishes, cremation has taken place under the direction and care of T.J. Tracey of Glace Bay. Burial and Memorial Service to follow in early summer.
Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or the Canadian Cancer Society.