Sydney
Ann Mills, of Harbourstone Enhanced Care (formerly of Cusack Dr. Sydney), passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the age of 86, at the CBRH, Palliative Care Unit.
Born in Sydney, Ann was the daughter of the late Paul and Mary (Baryluk) Lahanky. Mom was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and sister.
Ann is survived by her four children, Brad (Kathy), Jan, Lynn (Doug), and Freddy; grandchildren, Katheryne-Anne, Jeffrey, Calvin, Kelly, Anna, Paige, Brooke, Cole, Noah, Sherene, Mitchell, and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Jean Madore.
Besides her parents, Mom was predeceased by her loving husband, Fred, with whom she shared 44 wonderful years of marriage; her brother, Walter, and son, Joseph, in infancy.
Ann played an important role in the lives of her grandchildren, who called her Babi. Babi was always there with guidance, love, and support, creating cherished memories and leaving a lasting impact on their hearts.
Mom was well known for her love of life and the special friendships she formed throughout the years. She was an active member of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s Club where she formed deep bonds with a group of remarkable women.
After dedicating many years to raising her children, mom went on to serve her community through her work with the federal government, eventually retiring from the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA).
Mom was always ready for a spontaneous adventure whether it was traveling with her ‘Van” ladies, embarking on shopping trips and travels anywhere they could, to enjoying boat rides with her long-time Mira neighbors. She also loved her special group of friends and their many card games at the bungalow in Mira. These gatherings were filled with laughter, love, and friendships, where they created many fun times and lasting memories. Her family is forever grateful to you all for bringing so much joy and happiness into her life.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Fisherman’s Cove (Harbourstone) for their exceptional care during Mom’s stay these last few years. We are also especially thankful to Dr. Greg Myatt, Janice and staff for their years of kindness and to the warm and caring staff at Palliative Care, for their exceptional care in mom’s final days. Your kindness and dedication meant so much to our family and we are forever grateful for the care she received.
Memorial service to celebrate the life of Ann Mills will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier on Monday, October 28, 2024, at 2 p.m. with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating.
Donations in memory of Ann may be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
My deepest sympathy on the passing of Ann. Always enjoyed our chats over the years. She was a lovely lady. Had the opportunity to talk to her at Harbourstone. She was very gracious and kind.
From: Mary MacEachern French
Our sincere condolences to Ann’s family. We lived in Sydney in the mid 60’s and have fond memories of Ann and Freddy and our happy times together.
From: Lloyd and Nickie Campbell
So very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Ann was a a quiet gentle lady and she loved a good game of Tarabish. She and your Dad made a great couple. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
From: Jean and Gerald Brownn
Our condolences go out to all of the Family at the loss of your Mom. Ann was a great long term neighbor who had a such a nice smile and laugh. Ann and all of you have been missed from the street. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From: The Walsh Family
Sorry for your loss Jan
From: Carl Mac Keigan
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Anne was a very special lady and a pleasure to work with at Veterans Affairs. We have many fond memories of the bungalow parties on the Mira. May she rest in peace ❤️🙏
Ann was a special lady! She was easy to talk to, funny! She loved her family and always talked about, and was very proud of each of her children and grandchildren. Ann was loved by everyone on Fisherman’s Cove! She will surely be missed❤️ Condolences to her family, friends and community
RIP Ann
Brad, Jan, Lynn and Freddy, John and Sheila and the rest of the MacKillop clan from Gatineau, Québec send our sincere condolences to all of you and your families. Sheila and I were friends with your Mom and Dad “forever” and we cherish every memory. Our prayers and love are with all of you. The MacKillops
So sorry of the pasting of your mom she was a lovely lady and a good dear friend of my mom now her and my mom are to gather and may they both rest in peace
Lynn and family
So sorry to hear about your Mom. Thinking of you all at this time.
Shauna & Kirk
Jan, I’m so sorry to hear your mom passed. Prayers sent to you and family at this difficult time.
Ann was a beautiful woman who was married to Freddie whith whom i was taught by and taught with for many years. at Sydney Academy. I knew his son Bradley and his beautiful daughters Jan and Lynn. Ann and Freddy were so lucky to have such great children. I still rember the Phy. Ed. meetings at their house and Fred and I along with Mick E Y. at the horse track together. I rember in the staff room the next day when we say to each other …` We should have bet the other way’ Kathy, the female Phy. Ed. teacher, called us should-of, could=of and would=of ! Rest in peace Ann.
My sincere condolences Jan and Family. I have some very fond memories especially the road trips hanging with you and your mom. She was truly genuine and will be sadly missed xxoo
My sincere condolences are extended to the Mills family on the passing of Ann. She was a wonderful and thoughtful person and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and talking to her whenever I was home. I also enjoyed the good times with Ann & Fred many years ago at the cottage in Mira. I was one of the groomsmen at their wedding. May she rest in peace. In Ukrainian: “VICHNAYA POMYAT”.
Jan – Lynn- Brad and Freddy. Please accept our deepest sympathies! Ann was a wonderful lady. We are blessed to have known her.
Judy and Terry MacDonald
To the Mills children and grandchildren…she was always Honu to us, always friendly with a warm smile and a ready laugh, so much a part of our lives within the Ukrainian community. She was a valued member of our Choir at Holy Ghost, and we so enjoyed singing with her. We knew her to be a good friend of our cousin, Irene, {Tootsie} and we often made the joke she was our friend as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, you have lost a true treasure. In sympathy, Valerie and Erica Bobyk
Jan, Brooke, and Jeffrey. I’m so very sorry for the loss of your mom and grandmother. Thinking of you all during this very difficult time. Sending love, light, and my deepest condolence 💐.
Condolences to Ann,s family. A lovely lady is lost. R I P
My deepest condolence to Brad, Lynn, Jan and Freddy, thinking of you all at this time.
Mills Family, so sorry to just read of your mom’s passing. She always had a smile on her face and so friendly everytime i talked to her.
Sending our condolences to all of you.
Jackie,Bruce and Victoria Matthews, and Angeline Cormier.
Entire Mills family, we are so sorry for your loss and are thinking and praying for you at this most difficult time. keep your happiest memories close to heart and you will always find comfort. God Bless.
Sending peace, strength and our sincere condolences on the loss of your mother.
Janis and Peter
Sending my sincere condolences to the family on your loss. I worked with Ann at VAC, prior to her retirement. I always remember her as a very sweet, kind, fun loving lady who would always greet you with a warm smile. I know she will be dearly missed.
Jan, (Jeffrey and Brooke)…I am so sorry and saddened to read about your mom, and grandmother’s passing. To all of you, our deepest condolences.
Rose and Ronnie.
You were truly blessed to have such a loving mother. Her twinkling blue eyes and friendly smile were always evident whenever and wherever we would meet her. We had many good times with her and your father. Sincere condolences on your loss.
Hayes and Elaine MacNeil
Sorry to hear of Ann passing, she was a beautiful lady.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
RSP Ann.
Stan and Estelle Reppa
Jan, (Jeffrey and Brooke)…… I am so sorry and saddened to hear about your mom, and grandmother’s passing. To all of you, our deepest condolences.
Rose and Ronnie
So sad to hear of Ann’s passing , as the macphersons who lived next door to Ann & Freddy & kids we couldn’t have had better neighbours , we’ve had so many fond memories of cusack dr & the neighbourhood. ann was a wonderful lady, always with a warm smile , our deepest condolences to the entire mills family, sheumais Sandra & Andrew MacPherson
I am so sorry to hear of Ann’s passing.I met Ann through my wife Brenda when they worked together at Veterans Affairs.I will always remember that beautiful smile.My condolences go out to the family at this difficult time.
To Ann’s family, We are sending our deepest condolences.
Your mom was such a beautiful lady and wonderful friend to my Mom. They shared many special times in the Women’s Club at the Ukrainian Hall. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Betty Marmulak Kerr and Janet Marmulak White
I just heard today that Ann passed away. Ann and I worked together at Veterans Affairs in Sydney. She was so dedicated and loyal to the veterans and a wonderful person.
I got to know Freddie at Sydney Academy and we had many fine chats after we met again at DVA.
What I remember most about Ann was that she was a multi-Tasker who could tackle so many things at the same time and do them so well. She was a pleasure to work with.
To Ann’s Family:
My sincere condolences on the passing of Ann.
She and my mother were friends and my mother (Mary MacDonald) was a “Van” lady too.
They had such fun on their yearly trips enjoying Canada and the USA!
They loved to shop until they dropped and we couldn’t wait to hear the stories about their travel when they returned home.
Ann was a lovely person and always had a smile whenever you saw her and time for a chat.
May she rest in peace.