Patrice Agnes (MacLean) Cantwell

Patrice Agnes Cantwell
May 28 th , 1961 – June 3 rd , 2026
It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved wife,
mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, Patrice “Niecie” Cantwell on June 3 rd at the
Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by all who loved her after a courageous battle with
cancer.
Patrice, better known to all as Niecie, found joy in the simple moments. Whether it was a game of
bingo, a chat with family and friends, or singing and dancing in the kitchen with her tap shoes. She
was the one who could fill a room with her presence, the knower of all things, and the best wreath
and bow maker hands down. She had a special way of making every goodbye last a little longer.
Whether you were standing at the door, talking on the phone, or rubbing her back or leg, there was
always one more story to tell. These extra moments are the memories we treasure most. She loved
going for long drives with Lorne, and cherished sleepovers with her grandchildren. Nothing made her
happier than being surrounded by the people she loved. She truly was the heart of the family and will
leave a great void in our lives.
She was first and foremost a selfless mother who dedicated her life to her kids Charmaine and Chad.
Always putting their needs above her own. A devoted caregiver to Charmaine; a role she carried with
unwavering love, strength and dedication, making her an inspiration to us all. That same love shone
brightly in her role as grandmother to Conner, Lucas and Georgia, her pride and joy. Her eyes would
light up the moment they walked in the room, and she took great pride in sharing stories, videos and
photos of them.
She could strike up a conversation with anyone and somehow always found a connection. Not much
got past her; if there was anything you needed to know, just give her a call (if she wasn’t already on
the phone). She always seemed to know what was going on and was more than happy to keep
everyone informed.
The loss of this amazing woman will leave a void that will never be filled, a heartache that will never
truly heal and a legacy of love felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Patrice is lovingly remembered by her husband Lorne, and their son Chad, along with the best
daughter-in-law anyone could ask for, Brianne, her cherished grandchildren Conner, Lucas and
Georgia.
She is also survived by her mother Agnes MacLean, sisters, Ann Long, Mary (Wayne) Beddow,
Nancy (David) Cholock, and Tracey MacLean; brothers Jude MacLean and Sean (Melissa) MacLean.
She will be fondly remembered by her in-laws, Judy MacLean, Terry Quigley, Kevin (Linda) Cantwell,
Patsy (Dean) Underhill, Reginald (Debbie) Cantwell, David (Cynthia) Cantwell and Wayne Buffett.
She also leaves behind a large circle of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews from both the MacLean
and Cantwell families, all of whom she loved dearly.
Patrice was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Charmaine Cantwell; her father, Russell MacLean
Sr; and her brothers, Russell MacLean Jr. and Joseph (Joe) MacLean. She was also predeceased by

her maternal grandparents (Gordon & Irene Jessome) and paternal grandparents (Norman & Mary
MacLean), parents-in-law, Louise and Warren Cantwell; her sisters in law, Marlene Cantwell and
Allison Buffett; and her brothers-in-law, Russell Cantwell and Stan Long.
The family would like to thank Dr. Bill MacDonald, Dr. Saliba, Dr. Wilks, Dr. Wong, Dr. Beecham, the
Cancer Centre staff, and all other medical personnel for their care and compassion during Patrice’s
illness. We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to her number one caregiver, her
daughter-in-law Brianne. She adored and treasured you like her own.
A remarkable chapter has ended, leaving behind love, friendship and countless cherished memories,
but the journey with those gone before her has just begun.
Respecting Patrice’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and there will be no visitation. A funeral
mass will be held at 2pm on Thursday June 11 th at St. Joseph’s Church, North Sydney, followed by a
luncheon at Bras d’Or Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tom McNeil Cancer Patient Care Fund.

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