Sydney
It is with broken hearts that we, the family, announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, Elaine Marie Kozera, age 72, on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at home, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on August 17, 1951, in Sydney, Elaine was a daughter of the late Clyde and Margaret (Smith) Sheppard.
Elaine was an educator for over thirty years, spending the majority of her time at the Don Bosco and Harbourside elementary schools in Whitney Pier. She thoroughly enjoyed her time in the classroom, helping students with their foundational education – she simply loved working with children and had an amazing way of connecting with their interests and needs.
Elaine was an avid crafter skilled in knitting, crocheting, paper tole, tole painting, quilting, and more recently embroidery. She loved to gift her work, brining joy and sweet memories to others.
Elaine is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Stanley; son, Trevor (Joyce) Kozera and daughter, Beverly (Jamie) Nicholson. Elaine was a proud grandmother ‘Mom’ to five grandchildren – Brett, Daniella, Zachary, Lukasz and Mallory and three great-grandchildren. She will also be forever missed by her brothers, Allen (Judy), Joe (Karen) and Shawn (Shelly), sisters, Shirley (Kenneth) and Laurie (Scott), brothers-in-law, Norman (Gerarda), Paul (Carol) and 14 nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Elaine is predeceased by her parents-in-law, Stanley and Hazel (Crane) Kozera.
The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to the staff of the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, the staff of 4A at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, and the VON whose expertise and compassion is truly appreciated.
Visitation for the late Elaine Kozera will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024. Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Saint Alban’s Anglican Church, Whitney Pier on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Margaret Murray officiating. A reception will follow at the church hall.
Donations in memory of Elaine may be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Center or BGC Cape Breton (formerly the Whitney Pier Youth Club).
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Stan and family, I am sorry for the loss and sadness you are feeling at this time.
From: Len Vickers
Elaine was the most kind and considerate person who came into my life as a wonderful neighbor and friend many years ago. So thoughtful with delicious baked goods brought over to our house on many occasions. She was so generous with her beautifully crafted Christmas ornaments. In essence a truly giving person of her time, her thoughtfulness, her talents, and her caring and loving spirit. I will miss her.
My thoughts and prayers to Stan, Beverly, Trevor, and Brett and all their families.
From: Reta Matheson
So sorry to hear of Elaine’s passing. Elaine taught grade five with me at Harbourside one year and was dedicated to helping our students experience success. She shared her love of crafting with our students and was happy to do art projects around the various holidays and events during the school year. Years later she shared her creativity with me again when we connected on Facebook. She made a pillow for my granddaughter that had a secret pocket to hold a book. This pillow still holds a spot on Charlotte’s bed. My condolences to Stanley, Trevor, Beverley and their families. She spoke often of her family; I know she will be dearly missed. May your memories help you through this difficult time.
From: Marilyn MacDonald
You will always be in my heart Elaine and I will always be proud to call you my sister.
Your brother Allen
Stan it is with sincere condolences we pass on our thoughts to you and the family. Even thought we only got together with Elaine and you during our numerous visits with Reta and Joe it was always heartwarming to sit with her and recount the beautiful memories of the Pier.
Love
Chuck/Linda
With sincere love, we keep your family in our thoughts. So many childhood memories of times with Aunt Elaine came rushing back. Love to you all.
Jeannette and Dave Thomson
Stan & Family
So sorry to hear this sad news, Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time, Elaine was a great school pal way back , she was also very talented and creative and will be missed by her many friends along with myself
Stan,Trevor,Beverly and family
Thinking of you all during this difficult time.Our sincere condolences to you all.🙏🏻🙏🏻💔💔🩵🩵
Stan & family we are so sorry for your loss ,sincere condolences to you all ,you all are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time . R.I.P. Elaine you will be missed by many.❤️🙏🏻
Stan, Trevor, and Beverly , you are in our thoughts during this time. So many childhood memories with Aunt Elaine came flooding back. Sending you our love.
Jeannette Thomson
So sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you all ❤️
Stan,Bev,Trevor and family We were so sorry to hear of Elaine’s passing. Deepest condolences to your family.You are all in our thoughts and prayers. 💔🙏
Stan,Trevor,Beverly and Family.
Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences to you all. ❤️❤️❤️
My sincere sympathy to Stan and family on the loss of Elaine, a truly kind and wonderful woman 💐
Stan and families,
We are very sorry for your loss.
Bert and Maurina Lewis
Dear Stan, Trevor, Bev and families. My heart is aching as I’ve lost my best friend of 67 years. I will miss her so much. My sincere sympathy and love to you all. RIP my BFF. Love, Debbie
Dear Shawn and Shelly ,
So sad to hear of the loss of your sister Elaine …. Thinking of you through this difficult time . Sending love and Prayers to you and your Families.
Love ❤️🙏🙏
Sandy and Joan
To all of the family,
We are so sorry for your loss.
Wish there were words that would take away your pain.
Remembering the times you spent together does help.
Thinking of you all. Sending hugs.
OMG…… I am sooo very, very sorry to hear about the loss of your wife, mom, grandmother, my co-worker and friend….💔💔 Sending all my love and prayers during this difficult time…..❤️❤️🙏🙏
Stan,Bev,Trvor and families. We were so sorry to hear of Elaines passing. Condolences to the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. 💔🙏
Stan,Bev,Trevor and families. We were so sorry to hear of Elaines passing. Condolences to the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. 💔🙏
Sincerely sending our condolences to the entire Kozera family.Having only known Elaine for a short time. She made. Us feel like we we.we’re family.
May you rest in peace 💞💞💞🙏🙏🙏🙏
So Sorry to see this Elaine was an amazing lady who I had the pleasure to work beside and also learn from. She always put others first! My thoughts are prayers are with Stan and the family whom she always chatted about with the best stories and the biggest smile on her face.
Stan & Family:
So sorry for your loss. Treasure your memories as you journey through this difficult time .
To Shaun & Shelly Sheppard my condolences on the loss of your sister Elaine. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
The Pier has lost one of it’s own on Saturday. Elaine was very loyal to the community she grew up and lived in. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her. We will celebrate her life, morn her loss and provide her with the final gift of love in our grief. Her struggle has ended and her journey is to unite with those she loved and lost.
Farewell my friend.
Peter Hill & Bonnie Nicholson
Peter Hill & Bonnie Nicholson
Stan, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, you and your family will be in my prayers
Sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of Elaine. May she RIP.🙏
Stan, Trevor and Beverly, please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. We were very sad to hear of Elain’s passing.
Stan and Elaine’s family. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as you remember Elaine and lay her to rest. I know she was a kind person who we all have fond memories of.
Gladys Smith and family.
So very sorry to hear about Elaines passing. She was our son’s aid at a really rough year for him and we will be forever thankful to Elaine for helping him thru it. Wonderful woman❤️
Sisters are forever linked together in their hearts and souls. Love you.
To Stan and the Kozera Family, I am so sorry to hear this sad news, my heartfelt condolences to you all.
Our deepest condolences to you. Elaine was a beautiful lady and it was a pleasure to know her. Stan, Bev, Trevor and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May she rest in peace.
So sorry to hear of Elaine’s passing! Condolences to Stan, Beverley, Trevor and families! May she RIP🙏🙏
Allan, Joe, Shawn, Shirley, Lori, Stan, Beverley, Trevor and family so very sorry to hear of Elaine’s passing. Please except our condolences and prayers. Take comfort in your many happy memories.
Donna & Nick Rutherford
Stan and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Elaine‘s passing. She was a beautiful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Stan &family So sorry to read of Elaine’s passing.May the fond memories you hold deep within your hearts help you through this most difficult time
I have so many great memories of Elaine back in the day. Hearing of her passing is heartbreaking. Sincere condolences to Stan and their family. RIP my friend.
Stan, Trevor, Beverly and families:
We are so sorry to hear of Elaine’s passing. She was such a kind and gentle soul, and her loss will be felt by many. Tony has such fond memories of her. We are praying for your family at this most difficult time.
To the Kozera Family: So sorry to hear of Elaine’s passing. I have many fond memories of her when we were at Don Bosco together. Last fall she dropped off some of her craft work to me Loved it then and now I will cherish it even more So talented. Take care of yourselves. Condolences to all of you Rest in peace Mrs. Kozera. (as the children called her ). Doreen
My deepest condolences Stanley, Trevor, Beverly and families.
Elaine was truly a special person who always knew how to make someone feel welcomed and cared for. A trait I know she shares with each of you. May your loving memories support you all through this. Much love.
Stan and family, we are all heartbroken to lose Elaine, she was such a kind , loving person. Wishing you all the comfort and Peace possible at this time.
I’m truely saddened too here if Elaine’s passing my deepest condolences to Stan and children Elaine was a beautiful person
So sorry to hear of Elaine’s passing. She was a warm and loving person. Her impact was greatly felt in our household and our community. Her love and compassion for her students impacted our son John and us greatly. She helped him get through a troubling time at Don Bosco. She was an Angel on earth. She will be greatly missed by many. Condolences to all the family.