We, the family of Theresa Annabelle Brushett (nee MacLean / Madore), with heavy hearts, regret to announce her passing on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 at the age of 93. After a brief illness, she peacefully passed away with her family by her side at her home in Seaview Manor, Glace Bay.

Grandmother grew up in Glace Bay, where she met her beloved husband, Charles. They were married in 1952 and soon began building their home on Atlantic Street. Together, they raised seven children, creating a busy home where everyone was welcome, well fed, and deeply loved.

Grandmother and Grandfather later retired to Lake Ainslie, which was once their summer retreat. It became the heart of our family—a place of gathering, comfort, and refuge in times of struggle. It was a place that reflected the love and quiet strength Grandmother and Grandfather built throughout their lives.

Theresa was more than a mother and grandmother to her family—she was the calm in the chaos of our large extended family. Grandmother was patient and warm, loving and kind. She was the personification of cozy—a matriarch who instilled in all who knew her how deeply family mattered to her.

On any given Saturday night, you could find Grandmother in front of the television, cheering for her favorite teams: the Toronto Maple Leafs in winter and the Toronto Blue Jays in summer. She was always up for a good drive (as long as she had the passenger seat!), a visit, a chat, and a laugh over a cup of weak tea. Her knitting kept us warm with sweaters and mittens through many winters. She was an avid tarbish player who could spot as many misplays as she made, all while seeming to hold an endless supply of aces. Grandmother possessed a keen mind and an impeccable memory until the end.

Theresa is predeceased by her parents, Annabelle and Charles MacLean, and Charles and Elizabeth (Bessie) Madore, who raised her. She is also predeceased by the love of her life, Charles Brushett. Additionally, those who departed before Theresa include her MacLean siblings: Susie, May, Lillian, James, George, and Charles (Buddy), and her Madore siblings: Charlotte, Neil, Joseph, and Naishie. She was also predeceased by her son-in-law, Francis MacLeod, and her grandson, John MacLeod.

Left behind to mourn Theresa’s passing are her seven children: Betty MacLeod, Brenda Henbest (Ron), Charles Brushett (Carolyn), Randall Brushett (Stephanie), Sharon MacLean (Bert), Sheldon Brushett (Lynne), and Barbara MacLean (David). She also leaves behind her brother Bill Madore (Joan), special brother-in-law Danny Brushett (Eileen), and sisters-in-law, Cassie and Harriett Brushett. Further, Nancy Currie was a cherished and familiar presence in the Brushett home, dearly loved by Grandmother.

Theresa was fortunate to have a large family who adored her. This included 17 grandchildren: John, Christine (Adam), Nicole, Blair, Ferris (Cece), Maeghan (Philip), Rebeccah (Braidon), Breanna, Kristopher (Eric), Victoria, Neil, Silas, Joseph, Paige, Carter, Amy (Bruce), and James (Celene). Amazingly, Theresa had 17 great-grandchildren, including: Theresa, Isabelle, Matthius, Faith, Lydia, Samuel, Alex, Aeryn, Nicole, Everett, Calvin, Chester, Myles, Marley, Callie, Asher, and Baird. Lastly, she is survived by one great-great-grandchild, Scarlet.

Special thanks to the staff at Seaview Manor who took such great care of Grandmother and who saw her as one of their own. Their love, care, and professionalism will never be forgotten. Our family is sincerely grateful for the compassion and respect they showed her throughout her time there.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. The funeral mass, officiated by Fr. Norman MacPhee, will be celebrated on Saturday, May 9th at 10 a.m. in Holy Cross Church, Glace Bay. A reception will follow in the lower level.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Seaview Manor Healthy Workplace Committee. E-transfers can be sent to Kelly James at kjames_008@hotmail.com.

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