Elaine (Merritt) Cole

88, Sydney Mines

On Aug. 26, 2012, Elaine (Merritt) Cole joined the love of her life, Alex, in heaven, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Sydney Mines, Elaine was the daughter of the late Hillary and Adele (Poirier) Merritt.

She was a member of Immaculate Conception parish, Sydney Mines. Elaine and Alex were always together. They adored each other and filled their lives with love, music, family and friends. In the last few weeks, Elaine was eager to be with Alex again, and was comforted by her family and friends who said that Alex was watching over her and waiting for her. Elaine spent quality time with those that meant the world to her, especially Sandy Dunn. Sandy was the son they never had.

Elaine was predeceased by her husband, Alex Cole in 2010 and also by her sister, Geraldine (Merritt) Kerbs, Calgary.

She is survived by siblings, Bernadette Merritt, Northside Guest Home, Enid Williams, North Sydney, Mary Dolores (Ernest) Tobin, Ontario, Pauline Monahan, Ontario, Jacqueline (Kevin) Armstrong, North Sydney, William (Emma) Merritt, Sydney Mines, and Kelvin Merritt, Sydney Mines. Also surviving are her sister-in-law, Irene (late Raymond) Perry, Halifax; brother-in-law, David (Evelyn) Cole, Dartmouth; along with many loving nieces and nephews. Elaine is also survived by her special friends, Joan and Gordon Ferneyhough, Eileen Dunn, Louise (Merritt) Astephen and Ian MacDonald and his daughter, Jennifer. We are very thankful for the kindness and constant care they provided to Elaine.

Special thanks for the wonderful care that Elaine received from the staff of palliative care at the Northside General Hospital and to Dr. Beth MacCormick. Your kindness and compassion will not be forgotten. Also, the support from Louise Merritt, who watched over Elaine and made sure she was comfortable, and to Fr. Thomas John, Immaculate Conception parish priest, for his support.

At Elaine’s request, there will be no visitation. The funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in Immaculate Conception Church, Sydney Mines, with Fr. J.J. MacDonald officiating. The burial will take place in the parish cemetery, following the service.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of J. M. Jobes Funeral Home, Sydney Mines.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Elaine’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.

Words of comfort may be sent to the family at jmjobesfuneralhome@ns.aliantzinc.ca.