Obituary of Mamie James

Beloved Mother, Sister, Nanny, Great-Nanny, and Friend. Another angel got her wings on Thursday, February 09th, at the age of 97 years. Mamie passed away peacefully at Harbourstone, with her loving family by her side. She was the daughter of the late Matthew and Mary (Murphy) Yhard. She lived most of her life at 385 Gibbon Street, New Waterford. For the last three years she lived at Parkland Assisted Living on Kenwood Drive, Sydney River, and the last three months at Harbourstone. Mamie was a member of St. Agnes Parish, New Waterford. Mamie is survived by her children, Tom (Eileen) of Frankford, Ontario, Donna (Garth) Smith of Bedford, NS, Sheldon (Emelia) of Orangeville, ON, and Charlotte (Dave), Gardiner Road, Sydney, NS, and close family friend, Bernice Grant; grandchildren, Greg (Joanne), Darren (Tracey), Charlene (Mike), Starla (Rick), and Darlene; great-grandchildren, Carson, Kaylee, Colton, Morgan, Ethan, Avery, Ella, Hailey and Carter. Mamie is also survived by her brother, Chris Yhard, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mamie was predeceased by her husband, Gomer, in 1983; her three brothers, Gerald, Tom, and Matt; six sisters, Dot Kiston, Helen MacEachern, Mary Ash, Marg Mulvaney, Bridget Hilder, and Dolly Long. A stay at home mother and wife that raised four children whose family was the centre of her universe. Mamie loved going to the casino, doing her crossword puzzles, watching hockey and baseball, going to 'Aging Gracefully', and her daily visits from her daughter, Charlotte. At Parkland, she had many friends, along with her cousin, Sister Mary Murphy, who also resided there. Mamie enjoyed her daily visits from her, along with the other Sisters who lived there and her table buddies whom she adored; Russel, Genevieve, and Alice. Thank you to the staff of Parkland Assisted Living whom for three years looked after Mamie and whom she loved dearly. You were all her second family. Thank you for the love and support you gave her over the last three years. To the staff at Harbourstone Miner’s Lane, the nurses and workers who were all so kind to her and went above and beyond their call of duty. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts; you are all true caregivers. Also, special thanks to Dr. Murdock Smith, family physician. Mamie also enjoyed her daily visits from her brother Chris, who resides at Harbourstone as well. A special thank you to our family friend, Bernice Grant, who was only ever a phone call away for Mamie. Mamie always said that there was no truer friend than Bernice, who has become a member of our family over the years. Thank you also to Dr. John Ritter, who was always there for Mamie and went above and beyond, with unscheduled visits to see her. Mamie always referred to Bernice and Dr. Ritter as her 'angels.' Also, thank you to Father Dan Boudreau who prayed with her, and put a smile on her face in her final moments. A celebration of Mamie’s life will take place on Friday, February 17th, at 11 a.m. at St. Leonard’s Parish, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Daniel Boudreau officiating. As per Mamie’s wishes, there will be no visitation and cremation has taken place under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, New Waterford. Burial will be in Union Grove cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the KOC, 3236 Plummer Ave, New Waterford. Donations in her memory may be made to a charity of one's choice. Online condolences can be expressed to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. Mom loved her family unconditionally and will be remembered always for her friendly demeanor, gentle heart, quick wit, and ability to put everyone else first. We will miss Mom’s gentle presence and smile, but we will forever cherish our fond memories of her. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7-8