Heather Jean Pero

Heather Jean Pero

October 20, 1944 – July 23, 2023

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Heather Jean Pero (Aker), of Boularderie Island, on Sunday, July 23, 2023, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Heather was born in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia on October 20, 1944. Daughter of the late George Louis Aker and Gladys Alma Aker (Tarr), Heather was predeceased by her husband Wellington Alexander (Sonny) Pero, sister Ada Christine MacMillan (Aker), and brothers George Louis Jr. and Allan Aker.

Heather will be forever remembered by her three children: Robert (Brenda) Pero, Fredericton, New Brunswick; Cheryl (Michael) Mangusso, Quispamsis, New Brunswick; and Michelle “Mickey” (Mark) Stewart, Crieff, Scotland; her five loving grandchildren James, Grace, Mitchell, Cameron, and Callum; and her precious great-grandchildren Sutton and Eleanor.

Heather is survived by her siblings Donald (Patricia) Aker, Cyril (Lorraine) Aker, Alma (Jim) McClure, David (Beverly) Aker, Ian (Kathie) Aker, and many other beloved family and friends.

Heather will be remembered for sharing the things she loved with others. If you ever received a loaf of her infamous Christmas Bread, one of her butterscotch pies, or any other delicacy she made from scratch with love, you knew you were special to her. She loved nothing more than her family, friends, and community.

Heather would never consider herself an artist, but her beautiful home on the Bras d’Or Lakes filled with handmade treasures would say otherwise. Her talents varied from sewing, rug hooking, reupholstering, crafting, and home decorating—just to name a few. Heather was happiest with her hands in the dirt, tending to her flourishing gardens; being elbows-deep in a bowl of flour making one of her many legendary unwritten recipes; and visiting fabric stores in search of the perfect materials to create gifts for others. She poured her love and heart into every kilt she made for the Sprigs of Heather Pipe Band and every paddle she stroked for the Boularderie MammoWarriors dragon boat team.

Heather spent her working career in the financial industry employed at the Royal Bank and Avco.

We cannot speak of Heather without speaking of her love for—and devotion to—her husband, Sonny; she stood strong beside him. Heather inspired everyone with her limitless generosity and selflessness, bracing Sonny’s life—and the lives of her children—with stability, security, and love. Many of Sonny’s songs are a tribute to Heather as a warm-hearted wife, mother, and so much more. In his mind, and ours, she was angelic.

Heather’s Funeral Service will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 1st at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Sydney Mines with Rev. Ritchie Robinson officiating and a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tom MacNeil Cancer Patient Care Fund via the Boularderie MammoWarriors dragon boat team, of which Heather was a founding member. Donations can be made by visiting Donate Now – CBRH Foundation and selecting Tom MacNeil Cancer Patient Care Fund from the “Designation” drop down menu. If you state the gift is in memory of Heather Pero, all donations will be credited to the fundraising efforts of the Boularderie MammoWarriors. For mail donations, please make out cheques or money orders to CBRH Foundation, 45 Weatherbee Rd, Suite 209, Sydney NS B1M 0A1. Donations can also be made over the phone via credit card at 1-902-567-7752.