Obituary of Bernice Ann Keay

The family of Bernice Keay are saddened to announce her passing on April 15, 2022, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney NS.

Bernice was born on August 22, 1937 in Antigonish and was a daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret (MacDonald) Rogers.

Bernice was raised in Heatherton and was a teacher prior to raising her children.  She then worked as a secretary at both a medical office and St. Ninian’s Parish and later for the provincial government.  Bernice was a woman of faith, an active member of the CWL and served as a president for a term.  She was also a Martha’s Associate with the Sisters of St. Martha. 

Bernice spent her summers at the cottage in Heatherton with family, while enjoying gardening in the country air.  She was a true matriarch and was devoted to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren taking much joy in their accomplishments.  Bernice had a large extended family and always had an open door for them in her home.  She enjoyed her last few years at Parkland Antigonish where she was an avid card player.

Bernice is survived by her children, Gary, Cloverdale BC; Rosemary MacDougall (Hughie); Sean (Joann) both of Antigonish; Clinton (Lisa), New Glasgow; Jim (Lindsay MacInnis), Antigonish.  She will be dearly missed by her thirteen grandchildren, Alison Bond (Steve), Andrew MacDougall (Sine), Colin MacDougall, Jessica Melanson (Rene), Shana Keay (Brandon Lemieux), Mairi Wilson (Ben), Regan Keay (Kyle Lanzinger), Hilus Keay, Lily Keay, Will MacInnis, Mhairi Keay, Eilidh Keay, Emerson Keay-MacInnis and four great grandchildren, Isabel Bond, Jase Melanson, Elise Melanson and Maren Wilson.  

Bernice is also survived by her brothers, Ambrose (Madeline) and Ronald (Cathy) both of Heatherton; Jerome (Mary), New Hampshire; Reggie (Jessie) Daye, Craigmore; Ernie (Harriet) Daye, Antigonish; and sister Pauline (Jim) McCloskey, London, Ontario.  She will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Hilus Keay, brothers, Edward, Allan Hughie, Steven and Philip, sisters, Sister Rosemary CSM, Isabel, Helen and Sharon all of Antigonish.  Brothers-in-law Ferdinand, Reuben, Clement Keay and sisters-in-law Rita Munroe and Hilda MacGillivray; father-in-law Joseph and mother-in-law Evangeline Keay.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass 11 am Thursday in St. Ninian Cathedral, Rev. Dan MacLennan presiding.  Burial in St. Ninian Cemetery. Family flowers only.  Donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Attendees, at both the wake and funeral, are requested to wear face masks. Online condolences: www.MacIsaacs.ca