Lorraine (Blinkhorn) Nugent

Obituary for Veronica Lorraine Nugent (nee Blinkhorn) 1930-2025 
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, 
Veronica Lorraine Nugent (nee Blinkhorn), of Sydney Mines, at age 94 on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Cape Breton Regional Hospital with her children by her side. 
Lorraine was a gentle and kind soul whose strong faith helped her navigate the challenges of life. Her door was always open, and the teapot on and ready to welcome anyone who needed comfort. 
She was an extraordinary mother to five children, Lorraine O’Keefe (Kevin), Blair (Tulse), Michael (Yvonne), Paul (Audrey) and Joanne Sexsmith (John), who will never forget the unconditional love she brought to their lives.  
She was the loving Nana of eight grandchildren, Michael, Laurie, Stephen, Matthew, Jonathan, Paula, Katie, and Joel, as well as 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. Lorraine was also a very loving mother figure to the children of her late partner Harry Higham. 
Lorraine had great inner strength. She was the eldest girl in a family of 12 and took on the role of matriarch when her own mother died. She is survived by her sisters Goldie Bona, Marcella O’Brien and Doreen Pentecost, and brothers Harry (late Marie), Bernard (Mary Jane), Billy (Linda), David (Irene), Bobby (Mary) and sister-in-law Wendy (Nugent) Simpson. 
She was preceded in death by her son Blair, husband Edward (Brother), partner Harry Higham, and her parents Arthur and Agnes Blinkhorn, along with three siblings: Lawrence, Mary, and Shirley. 
Lorraine was a hard worker who enjoyed being part of the cafeteria team at Memorial High School until her retirement. A voracious reader, she loved to figure skate in her younger years, pack picnics and take her children to the beach. She enjoyed watching figure skating and golf on TV, as well as cheering for her Toronto Blue Jays. Lorraine also loved taking Sunday drives around her beloved Cape Breton while savouring an orange pineapple ice cream. 
Cremation has taken place under the care of J.M. Jobes Funeral Home. A funeral mass will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Holy Family Parish Hall on Main St, Sydney Mines. Reception to follow. 
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the care staff at Miners Memorial Manor, where Lorraine lived for the last eight years, and to the caregivers on 3B, and the Palliative Care Unit at Cape Breton Regional Hospital especially Dr. Peter Poulos, Dr. Lisa MacInnis, and Dr. S. M. Abboud. Special thanks also go to Father Anthony Eboh for performing the Commendation of the Dying. 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sydney Mines Volunteer Fire Department, or the Activities Department Miners Memorial Manor. 
Lorraine will be deeply missed, but her spirit of hope and kindness will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. 

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