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“Ed”
Proud Cape Bretoner, Devoted Family Man, and Friend to All
It is with heavy hearts, but profound gratitude for a life lived with strength and love, that we announce the passing of Edgar Charles Sheffield on May 8, 2026. A lifelong and proud Cape Bretoner, Ed was a man who never met a stranger, and whose presence filled every room with warmth, laughter, and conversation.
A Life of Hard Work and Community
Ed’s professional journey was marked by dedication and expertise. Throughout his career, he lent his talents to CN Rail and J.R. Jabalee’s, eventually retiring as Head Chemist for the Cape Breton area with Nova Scotia Power.
When he wasn’t ensuring the chemistry of the island was in check, Ed was a familiar face within the community. He was one of the last remaining members of the legendary Northside Timmies “Coffee Talk of the Town” crew. Whether he was holding court at Tim Hortons or wandering through a local car dealership scouting out his next “rig,” Ed was in his element talking to people. To him, every outing was an opportunity to make a new friend.
A Pillar of Strength
Ed was a tough, strong man whose resilience was forged through both joy and immense heartache. The loss of his daughter, Ashley, and unborn grandson, Hudson, was a burden no parent should bear, yet it only made him hold his remaining family even closer. He was the rock they leaned on — a man of grit with a heart of gold.
Above all else, Ed was defined by his roles as a husband, father, and Poppy. He was married to the absolute love of his life, Margaret “Marni” (MacQueen), for 46 wonderful years. His grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy, and he cherished every second spent in their company.
Family and Legacy
Ed is survived by his devoted wife, Marni (MacQueen); his daughters, Lori Beth (James) Sheffield-Bowles and Amanda (Jimmy) Donato; and his beloved grandchildren, Maria, Sophia, Cooper, and Amelia, who will forever miss their Poppy’s cheers.
He also leaves behind his mother, Lorraine Newman; his brother, Foster (Karen) Sheffield; his in-laws, Beth (Keith) MacIsaac, Sandra MacQueen, and Norma (Paul) Gale; his nephews, Barry Sheffield, Norman (Shannon) MacQueen, Kyle (Sarah) Brown, and Joel (Meghan) MacIsaac; his nieces, Mary Beth (John) MacIsaac and Leah (Norman) MacQueen-Mazey; his son-in-law, Michael Murphy; and cherished family friend, Charlotte Murphy.
Ed also leaves behind a large community of friends and extended family who will miss his stories, his kindness, and his unwavering loyalty to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Ed was predeceased by his daughter, Ashley Sheffield-Murphy; his grandson, Hudson Murphy; his father, Barry Sheffield; his parents-in-law, Mary and Norman MacQueen; and his brother-in-law, John MacQueen.
“There was not a place he did not meet a new friend.”
Rest easy, Ed. May the coffee be hot, the rigs be shiny, and the Leafs always win.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 1–3 p.m., with a funeral service beginning at 3 p.m., officiated by Rev. Steven Mills. All services will be held at, and entrusted to, JM Jobes Funeral Home, 635 Main Street, Sydney Mines.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edgar Charles Sheffield, please visit our floral store.