Obituary of Leone (Phalen)McPherson, Port Morien

Leone Catherine (Phalen) McPherson, age 87 of Port Morien, passed away at her place of residence on Thursday Sept. 10th, 2020. Born on November 17th, 1932 in Port Morien, Leone was the daughter of the late Vincent and Andrea (Nolan) Phalen. She was a member of St. Mary's / St. Gregory's Parish. In earlier years, Leone was employed in the village at Pendergast's Store, later to be owned and operated by Arthur Bray. At this time, it became known as Bray's Store but was always a very popular meet and greet establishment for all who visited. During her years of employment there, she met many people and thoroughly enjoyed chatting with folks from the community and new folks from near and far that would visit during their travels. And of those years, she had very fond memories. She also spent two years employed in Stephenville, Newfoundland and always had regrets of not returning because she absolutely loved her time there. After her decision to return to Cape Breton, she worked in various retail businesses and finally settled into a job as a dedicated and very compassionate caregiver for children and the elderly, both of which, were very near and dear to her heart. In younger years, Leone was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church Choir along with her sister Anita who were very talented Alto singers. She also loved to dance and would spend many hours attempting to teach her daughter Andrea and her friends to Rock n Roll or Jive. She enjoyed baking and cooking for family and friends when they would visit for tea and her specialty was always a Cinnamon Roll, a piece of lemon pie, a block of Brown Sugar Fudge or a Homemade Chocolate Cake with boiled frosting. Although, a small woman in stature, her personality was that of strength, courage and determination all of which she instilled in her daughter. She was an independent woman with a hilarious sense of humour that will live on in the memory of all that knew her. Leone is survived by a daughter Andrea and son in law, James Lyons, whom she absolutely adored, one sister, Mary McKinnon (Charlie) Hamilton Ontario, her favourite feline, Molly as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Henry McPherson, her twin brother, Aubrey and also brothers, William and Jackie as well as a sister Anita, a nephew, Paul Phalen, grand niece, Elaine Brooks, step niece and nephew, Veronica Jessome and Kenneth Mortenson. She was also predeceased by her mother in law ,Olive McPherson, sisters in law, Winnifred Phalen, Shirley Boutilier and Jean Mortenson, brothers in law, Joseph Mortenson and Bolo MacNeil. Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. Burial will be held in St. Mary's Cemetery, Black Brook at a later date. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca Memorial donations in memory of Leone may be made to your local SPCA. ~~Ma....I'll love you always and I'll miss you forever.~~ ARRANGEMENTS ARE UNER THE DIRECTION OF V.J. MCGILLIVRAY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER, 16 RESERVE STREET, GLACE BAY.