Obituary of Mary Theresa Bennett, Sydney/Reserve Mines

Mary Theresa Bennett (nee Hines), R.N.

Sydney / Reserve Mines

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Mary Theresa Bennett, age 83, who left us peacefully after a long illness with Alzheimer’s surrounded by her loving family on September 23, 2019 under the excellent and compassionate care of MacGillivray Guest Home.

She will be greatly missed and forever remembered by her loving daughters, Heather Walsh, Reserve Mines and Maureen, Cape Breton Residential Society, New Waterford, her treasured grandchildren, Joshua (Janna), Zachary (Ashley) and Sarah Walsh, her sister, Margaret (Robert) Caume of Halifax, sisters-in-law, Alyne Hines, Anna Hines and Judy Hines and many nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Reserve Mines, Cape Breton, Theresa was the daughter of the late Wilfred and Cecilia Hines (nee Murphy).

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 42 years, Arthur Bennett, her brothers, Terry Hines of Edmonton, Martin Hines of Brampton and Roy Hines of Ottawa and her sister, Patricia Hines of Halifax.

Theresa graduated in 1954 from St. Ann’s High School, Glace Bay. In the fall of 1954 she entered the School of Nursing at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Glace Bay, NS where, along with her training, she gained some beautiful memories and lifelong friendships. Upon graduating in 1957, she lived briefly in New York and then Halifax where she met her husband, Art, (married 1962) and they began their family, eventually settling back in her beloved home in Cape Breton. Although she began her passion of caring for others in hospitals, most of her career (40 plus years) transpired in doctor’s offices where she found the perfect work/life balance enabling her to foster a special bond with her daughter, Maureen.

Nursing was not only Theresa’s vocation but her way of life. Her chosen profession was very indicative of her loving, gentle, caring nature, always the consummate caregiver, both at work and at home.

Theresa was a devout member of St. Joseph’s church in Reserve Mines and in later years, joined the choir. She loved to sing, read and travel. Upon retiring from Dr. O’Brien’s office (Glace Bay) she took the opportunity to travel and see a number of new places, mostly with her sister Patsy.

Theresa especially loved spending time with her friends and family. She was happiest surrounded by those she loved. Sunday dinners, birthdays, Christmas, the summer cottages, times with her siblings, to name a few occasions. You could always count on her for treats and we will never forget her sweet tea biscuits!

Long after she forgot so much I can still hear her sweet voice singing hymns in the chapel at MacGillivray’s.

We will always cherish the beautiful memories of Theresa (mom), always in our hearts.

We would like to extend a special thanks to Mcgillivray Guest Home and Palliative Care for the excellent and compassionate care Theresa received.

There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Chapel and Reception Centre, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay. A funeral mass will take place on Friday September 27, 2019 at 2 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Church, Reserve Mines with Fr. Daniel Boudreau  presiding. Interment will take place in the parish cemetery. A luncheon will follow in hall of the church. 

In lieu of flowers donations in Theresa’s memory may be made to MacGillivray Guest Home, Palliative Care or to the Alzheimer’s Society.

On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca