Thomas Cecil (Tom) Jeffries

Thomas Jeffries (1943–2025)
“Forever in our hearts”

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Thomas Cecil Jeffries, who died peacefully at the QEII Halifax Infirmary on June 9, 2025, at the age of 81.

Formerly of Sydney Mines, Tom had been living in Halifax for the past five years.

Born in Florence on December 12, 1943, Tom was the son of the late Ulden (Capstick) and Thomas Jeffries.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 59 years, Brenda (LeBlanc), and their three children, Lisa Snow, Chris (Ann Margaret), and Brendan (Alison) Jeffries, all of whom he was incredibly proud. Tom was a devoted and loyal husband and a supportive father who could often be found cheering his children on at their many sporting events.

Tom adored his seven grandchildren—Matthew, Mariah, Logan, Joshua, Noah, Camryn, and Danica—and loved nothing more than a good card game with them. His four great-grandchildren—Ava, Bryce, Scarlett, and Beau—brought him endless joy and always managed to put a smile on "Poppy’s" face.

He is also survived by his siblings: Jo Anne Patterson, Margie McKelvey, Marie (Dave) McDougall, Theresa (Anton) Malmar, Helen Dinner, and Kimberly Rafuse; as well as his sisters-in-law Theresa and Maxine MacMullin.

Tom was predeceased by his sister and brothers: Emma (Frank) Wallace, Michael, Joseph, and Lawrence (Cathy) MacMullin; and by brothers-in-law Roger McKelvey and Paul Dinner.

Tom deeply loved his furry friend Snowie, often calling her “the best little dog in the world.”

A proud graduate of the Teachers College in 1963, Tom dedicated his career to education. He taught at Mill Creek School for most of his career and also at St. Joseph’s School (North Sydney), Notre Dame School (Sydney Mines), and Bras d'Or Elementary, where he eventually retired. He was not only a respected teacher and principal but also a generous volunteer, often coaching school sports teams.

In their younger years, Tom and Brenda loved attending dances with friends. Summers were filled with family adventures in the trailer, often to PEI or Ingonish. Tom was a huge country music fan—any road trip to visit the kids in Halifax was always soundtracked with his favorite tunes.

Over the years, Tom enjoyed scuba diving, golfing, car detailing, watching movies, and practicing photography—often directing his camera toward his children, who were known to mysteriously vanish whenever they saw him coming with it!

He cherished visits with siblings in the Annapolis Valley and Calgary and treasured many lively evenings playing cards with dear friends John, Shirley, Tom, and Miriam. After moving to Halifax, Tom deeply missed Cape Breton—especially his time with Terry and Keith, always looking forward to Keith firing up the barbecue.

Tom will be remembered for his hard work, quiet strength, and his favorite words: “Nothing was ever handed to me—I worked hard for everything I ever had.”

He will be forever missed and never forgotten.

The Jeffries family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the Halifax paramedics and the staff at the QEII Halifax Infirmary for their kindness and compassion during Tom’s final days.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Anne’s Church, Alder Point, on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., with Father Chinoso Francis Alaribe officiating. A reception will follow at the Alder Point Hall, and interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Bras d’Or. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that you make a donation to the homeless or perform a random act of kindness in Tom's memory

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