Obituary of Harriet Mary Doyle

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the peaceful passing of Harriet Mary Doyle, 87, of Chapel Island, that occurred at the Strait Richmond Hospital, Evanston on Feb. 26, 2011, with her family and friends by her side, after a long battle with cancer. Born in Barra Head, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Bridget (Stevens) Battiste. Harriet attended Shubencadie Indian residential school for 10 years as many Mikmaw children did at that time. She was a strong and caring woman. She believed in family, and loved her community of Potlotek. She traveled and made many pilgrimages to St. Anne de Beaupre for healing, and was devoted to St. Anne and Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha. She looked forward to participating in the St. Anne mission every summer in Chapel Island where she was able to visit with family and friends where she felt the peace that St. Ann brings to those who attend the mission. She held the honour of washing the Statue of St. Anne and held that role with much love and devotion. She belonged to the Chapel Island Rosary Group and provided much prayers for others in time of need. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Barra Head. In 1995, she made a pilgrimage to Medjejourie with the members of her community and made several long time friends. Harriet had a great sense of humour. She was dignified and caring, earning the love and respect of family and friends. She had a talent for gardening which was evident every year. She believed in living life to the fullest. She enjoyed playing cards when she attended bingo and made many friends. She loved to cook and bake. She was an avid reader and enjoyed Stephen King novels in particular. She followed world events very closely. She also loved to sew and make clothes. She enjoyed watching Indian hockey and baseball and enjoyed attending PowWows in Unamaki. Harriet is survived by daughters, Patti Doyle Bedwell (George), Halifax, and Helen Doyle (Peter), Chapel Island; granddaughter, Hannah; grandsons, Michael, Noah and great-grandson, Austin. She is also survived by her godchildren, Bridget Elaine Paul, Eskasoni and Russell Battiste, Potlotek; sister, Mary Rose Gould, Membertou. She is also survived by a large family of nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Frank Doyle; grandson, Joshua; brothers, Stephen and John; sisters, Isabel, Theresa, Mary Ann, Mary. On Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 6 p.m. in honouring Harriet's wishes, she will rest at the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Chapel in Chapel Island. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Barra Head. Burial will be held in the Immaculate Conception Parish Cemetery, Barra Head at a later date. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to C.H. Boudreau Funeral Home, Arichat. We wish to thank Carolyn MacNeil who took such excellent care of mom, and her other caregivers, Hannah Johnson, Michelle Marshall, Karen Evong and Sue Battiste. Special thanks to Nancy Cameron, and to her favourite physicians Dr. Khan and Dr. MacKenzie and all the staff of palliative care units in Evanston and Sydney. To light a candle in memory of Harriet or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.chboudreau.com "We send our mom on her journey to heaven with love and compassion, knowing she rests with God and her precious St. Anne and Blessed Kateri."