Bernadette (Bernie) (Hennessey) Sampson

Bernadette (Bernie) Sampson (Hennessey)

Sydney Mines

With heartfelt sadness, we, the family, announce the passing of our beloved mom, sister, nanny, aunt, cousin, and friend, Bernadette (Bernie) Sampson (Hennessey), on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, surrounded by family and friends after a brief illness. Born in Sydney Mines, she was the daughter of the late Richard Hennessey and Edith Norris, raised by the late Pius and Sadie Hennessey.

Bernie was employed in Nutrition and Food Services with the Northside District Health Authority. She had an outgoing personality, and nobody was a stranger to Bernie, only a friend she never met. She loved music, dancing, karaoke, family, friends, and a good cup of tea. She had the kindest heart and loved to help people, always sharing what she had. Her door was always open if you needed a cup of tea, a table to sit at, or a place to lay your head.

She is survived by her children, sons Ryan (Abbey) and Cory, daughter Kayla (Araya), and stepson Jeffrey, as well as her precious grandchildren, the lights of her life: Jaleah 'Doodle,' David, Ari, Liam, Flora, and Casey. Bernie also leaves behind sisters Brenda O'Brien (Stephen), Juanita Westhaver, and Beverley Robinson, and brothers Richard Hennessey (Carolann), John Hennessey, Adrian Libbey, and Ron Norris (Edna). Also survived by special niece Kimberly Marshall (Christien), cousins Tracy and Ronnie Walsh, as well as her companion Wayne 'Popeye,' her close friends Priscilla, Margie, Sylvie, Deb, Aunt Elizabeth Blinkhorn, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she cherished.

 In addition to her parents and grandparents, she was predeceased by her loving husband of 37 years, Joseph Enos Sampson, sister Wanda Hennessey, and several aunts and uncles.

The family would like to thank the staff at Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their exceptional care, compassion, and professionalism for Bernie over the last five weeks. Special thanks to 3rd-floor ICU nurses and doctors who became a second family to us since Bernie's illness, especially to Blair and Margaret. We are forever grateful for the care you provided.

Instead of flowers, we kindly ask you to join us in doing a small act of kindness. Let's honor Bernie's memory by looking out for our neighbors and those less fortunate. Together, we can continue her legacy of love and compassion.

 
Cremation has taken place. A funeral mass to celebrate Bernie’s life will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 11 a.m. in Holy Family Parish Hall, with a reception to follow.