BRYDEN, Catherine Ann (MacEachern)
Catherine Ann (MacEachern) Bryden was born in Sydney, Cape Breton on November 18, 1919 and died on November 10, 2017, at the An Cala Palliative Care Unit, Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Affectionately known as ‘Kaye’ by close friends and neighbours, Catherine worked as a country store clerk where she met her husband in 1940. They were married for 49 years and raised seven children in Castle Bay.
Catherine maintained her Celtic culture and fluency in the Gaelic language throughout her life. She was one of the founders of the Feis an Eilein in Christmas Island. She volunteered at the Highland Village in Iona for many years, participating in spinning workshops. Throughout her life she enjoyed gardening, quilting, knitting and baking. She was a woman of devout Christian faith and values and a longtime member of St. Barra’s Catholic Church. She raised her children to have faith in God, to respect their community and their Celtic heritage. She passed on her love of reading and history to many of her children and grandchildren.
In 2011, Catherine moved to My Cape Breton Home for Seniors, where she became part of another family, including residents and continuing care staff who loved her as their very own.
Catherine is survived by daughters, Marie Bradley, Cecilia (Sherman) Laing and Cathy (Don) Gamblin, as well as daughter-in-law, Linda Bryden; sons, Vincent (Carol), Angus and James (Mary) Bryden; 17 grandchildren; 14 greatgrandchildren, and several great-great- grandchildren. She is survived by her sister, Sadie MacIntyre, and brother, John (Jessie) MacNeil, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by parents, John and Mary Ann (MacVarish) MacEachern; stepfather, Michael S. MacNeil; husband, Leo; son, Leonard; brothers, Donald and Alex; sisters, Cecilia and Margaret, and one sister in infancy.
Heartfelt thanks to Sherry MacNeil and staff at My Cape Breton Home, Dr. Robert Todd, the An Cala Palliative Care Unit doctors, nurses and support staff. To all of the wonderful people who supported Mom and the family throughout her illness, we will be forever grateful.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County, or to the Highland Village Museum.
Visitation at Curry’s Funeral Home, Sydney on Wednesday, November 15, from 2-4 p.m., and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Columba Church, Iona on Thursday, November 16 at 11 a.m. with Fr. V. Travers celebrant. Reception to follow at the Christmas Island Firehall. Interment in St. Barra’s Cemetery. Condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.