Obituary of Tena LaTulippe, New Waterford

It is with much sadness that we share with you the news of Tena’s peaceful passing on Sunday, January 13, 2019 surrounded by those most important to her; her children, grandchildren and extended family members. Born Ann Christena MacKinnon, but known fondly to everyone as Tena, she was 74 years old. Mom was the daughter of the late Charles MacKinnon (New Waterford) and Josephine MacEachern (Inverness). Mom was predeceased by both parents; her only sister, Muriel MacLellan, her partner of over twenty years, Bob Rose, and her ex-husband, Joe LaTulippe. 

Left with a space in their hearts that will never be filled are her four children; Tina Bursey (Blair Clarke), JoAnna LaTulippe-Rochon, Joe (Tracey) LaTulippe, and Wendy (Mark) Marinelli along with her much loved grandchildren, Kyle (Alicia) Bursey, Brett (Adele) Bursey, Lacey Bursey, Terrence Rochon, Logan LaTulippe, Cameron LaTulippe, Drake Marinelli and Kristen Marinelli. Mom was delighted to experience being a great-grandmother this year with the arrival of her “newest babies”, Ethan Bursey and Reese Bursey who will grow up hearing wonderful stories about their great-grandmother. Mom is also survived by her partner’s sister, Stella Cunningham, his son, Bobby (Bev) Rose and their children, Connor and Braeden who also lost a grandmother with her passing.

Those that knew Tena so know that the most important love of her life was her family. As a talented artist, Mom was very proud of her accomplishments both on the canvas and in the classroom teaching others to share her passion. She was an active member of the Cape Breton Artists Association for many years and exhibited her work throughout Cape Breton and beyond. She taught herself the art of framing and together with her friend, Marie MacDonald, opened a frameshop which operated for a number of years in New Waterford.

In many ways Mom was a storyteller and simply couldn’t wait to share everything from what she dreamt last night to what she remembered from her latest trip to town. With a cup of tea in hand, always, she sat at her kitchen table, or the neighbour’s kitchen table, and loved to chat. Many times and at many tables she enjoyed playing a good game of cards. Some of our fondest memories are of such conversations and the years spent “playing outside” with Mom. She knew active parenting before it was an accepted approach to raising healthy children.

During these last years, Mom was fortunate to be surrounded by not only family but others that became like family to her as they supported her in her illness. Two of these people, Rose Aucoin and Tootsie Desrosiers, are forever in her heart and ours for their loving care. Added to this were the blessings brought to her by the wonderful care received from the staff of the VON and Homecare. Finally, in these last months, the staff and residents of Taigh Na Mara surrounded her and helped her feel more at ease.  As her family, we are forever grateful for the peaceful moments each person who shared time with her brought her way.

There will be a visitation on Wednesday (this evening), January 16, 2019 from 7-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A celebration of her life will take place on Thursday, January 17, at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue. Burial will follow in Mount Carmel Cemetery. After that, we welcome all of her family and friends to join with us for mom’s favorite – a cup of tea and a sweet – at the Parish Hall on Convent Street. Donations to the Nova Scotia Lung Association or an act of kindness to another would be fitting ways to honor her memory.  

Mom: You were the very best mother you could ever have been.  We are comforted to know that you are now resting peacefully. We love you.