Mary Antoinette Jessome

Mary Antoinette Jessome

30 May 1938 – 12 April 2024

With broken hearts, we, the children of Antoinette Jessome, must say goodbye to our adored mother, who passed away on April 12, 2024.

The beloved eldest daughter of the late James and Marguerite (Marsh) Degaust.

Mom lived and worked in Cape Breton her entire life; she excelled in many fields. In her early years, Mom did housekeeping for many families and neighbors alike. She taught school in Mill Creek for a couple of years on a permissive license and received many accolades from students and parents. She worked in the North Sydney Fish Plant. Mom worked at Texico Restaurant in Bras d’Or, which then led her to open and operate the Lobster Pound Restaurant in North Sydney with her husband Boe, showcasing her cooking and baking skills that had diners coming from near and far. Mom also worked at the office of Capstick Fisheries doing payroll with sisters Yvonne, Ann, and Agnes.

After retiring, Mom looked after her parents and continued to be a big part of our community, volunteering at Bras d’Or School and Pensioners Club, baking, and cooking for events.

However, Mom's most cherished career was being a wife and being our mom! She had an open-door policy for all her family and friends needing a place to sleep. There was always an extra potato in the pot. She was a dedicated Catholic, and her nightly rosary and devotions were always constant. Every day of our lives, she showed us love and grace.

Mom sewed, quilted, and crocheted many of our family keepsakes. She loved Wednesday night Kiwanis TV Bingo and finishing the crypto quote and crossword in the Cape Breton Post every day.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Walter (Boe), and her parents, James and Marguerite Degaust. Left behind to miss her desperately are her only daughter, Marlene, and Son-in-law Roger Proulx (who were Mom’s full-time Caregivers). Sons: Joseph (Cindy), Fullerton, CA. Dougie (Margie) Millville NS. Michael (Cheryl), Brantford ON. Derek (Colleen), Halifax, NS. Grandchildren: Elizabeth, Aaron, Megan, Joey, Ann-Marie, Colleen, Emily, and Joel. Great Grandchildren Emily Mae, Charlotte, Joni, Eli, Russell, and Walter. Also left to mourn are her sisters, who held a special place in their hearts: Gert Campbell, Yvonne (Pat) Leblanc, Ann (Kevin) Capstick, Agnes (David), and Bernadette Angle.

Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. McKeough and Louise, Cape Breton County Homemakers Caregivers: Edna, Dawn, Sharron, Brenda, Darlene, Sally, and all we have forgotten to mention! The team at Sexton’s Pharmacy, the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, and ALL our community who loved her so dearly.

Mom, we are so glad God, in his infinite wisdom, allowed us to belong to you, to be your children and your friends. More than anything, we are so thankful to have been given the honor to love and call you Mother.

A church service and celebration of life will be held on the 30th of May 24, 10:30 am at St. Jospeh’s Bras d’Or, with a luncheon to follow.