It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother,  Jacqueline Mildred O’Flaherty (Sweeney), age 86, at Maple Hill Manor, on Monday Dec. 22, 2025.  Born in Sydney, NS and residing in Lingan, Jackie was the daughter of parents Martin and Mildred Sweeney.

Jackie is survived by her children, Gwen, Bernadine (Kevin), Keith, Kevin, Kenny (Lynn), Leonard and Lisa (Kevin). She will be dearly remembered by her grandchildren Riley, Corbin, Becca, Katie, Ross, Jeffery, Jessica, Kyle and Trey; along with her seven great-grandchildren. Jackie also will be dearly missed by her brother Bobby Sweeney (Ann Marie) and her many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Jackie is predeceased by her husband of over fifty years, William “Bill” O’Flaherty. She was also predeceased by her loving mother, Bernadette MacGillivary; in-laws Patrick and Elizabeth O’Flaherty; brothers Martin Sweeney (Lina), George Sweeney (Marina); sister Sandy Power and nephew Dwayne Power.

Our mother devoted her life to being a stay at home mom and seeing that her family received the best that she could offer. No one worked harder to ensure her seven children were raised with respect, kindness and work ethic! Those lessons carry forward in her children and grandchildren alike! When not providing delicious meals for all to savor, she loved spending time outside enjoying her flower gardens and watching the various species of birds at her many bird feeders! Of great joy in her life was the time she spent with her little dog Mya; who was her constant companion for 19 years. No doubt they are reunited again!

The family would like to thank all those who were part of her care over the past year. The compassion and empathy shown to our mother by the staff of 2nd floor New Waterford Consolidated Hospital and Maple Hill Manor is much appreciated.

Honouring our mother’s wishes, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place, with her final arrangements entrusted to V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, New Waterford. Her life will be quietly celebrated by her family in private. Donations in her memory can be made to the Cape Breton SPCA. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.