Obituary of Jean Marie Burchell, New Waterford

Jean Marie Burchell, 77, of New Waterford, NS, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025, at the Palliative Care Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

Born on April 18, 1948, in New Waterford to the late Angus and Marjorie (Sargent) MacKinnon, Jean spent her early years in her hometown before moving to Toronto, where she lived and worked for several years, forming many lifelong friendships. She returned to New Waterford to raise her family, doing so with love and commitment. 

Jean had a warm, social spirit and enjoyed playing cards with friends and family, visiting the casino, and spending treasured time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Alexander “Eckie” Burchell; her children, Todd Burchell (Kendal) of Dominion and Tara Kell (Arnold) of Ottawa; and her beloved grandchildren, Conner, Melina, and Emmett. Also left to mourn are her sisters, Pauline White (Greg) and Judy Kehoe (Bill); brothers, Byron MacKinnon (Eileen, deceased) and Jack MacKinnon (Fatima); and many extended family members including sisters-in-law, Cathy MacKinnon, Snookie Burchell (Ray, deceased), Edie Ivy (Clarence, deceased), Brenda Brown (Arthur), and Beatrice Kelly (Darren); and brothers-in-law, Edward Burchell (Lily, deceased) and Robert Burchell (Patsy).

Besides her parents, Jean was predeceased by her brother, Robert MacKinnon.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 24 from noon until the time of the service at 1 p.m. all in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. Father Godwin Obike officiating. A reception will follow in the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses of the Palliative Care Unit for their compassion and excellent care.