With characteristic grace and courage, Cora Elizabeth ABBOTT passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 13, 2016. Under the kindhearted care of exceptional staff at the Headwaters Health Care Centre in Orangeville, Ontario, and surrounded by her devoted family, Cora showed a strength and determination true to her Newfoundland roots.
She will be sorely missed by Howard, her beloved husband of 64 years, and her three adoring daughters: Karen MacKenzie (Scott Pilger), Dianne Nordheimer (Tony), and Donna Johnston (Derek).
Warm, extended hugs and an infectious giggle made “Nanny” extra-special in the hearts of her 10 grandchildren: Kevin MacKenzie (Tracy), Kimberly Robertson (Graham), Jason MacKenzie, Corey MacKenzie, Breck Nordheimer (Lauren), Alex Nordheimer (Kerry), Samantha Nordheimer (Cameron Coulter), Kyle Johnston (Maaike Brouwers), Coralyn Johnston, and Daniel Johnston, along with her three great-grandchildren: Morgan MacKenzie, Hallee MacKenzie, and Jack Nordheimer.
Cora is sure to be enjoying a heavenly cup o’ tea and joyous reunions with siblings Gordon Keel, Evelyn Howell (nee Keel), and Benvie Keel as well as many cherished friends and family members who passed on before her.
A private family service will be held at Egan Funeral Home in Bolton, Ontario. Cora will be laid to rest at Morningside Cemetery in nearby Palgrave, an easy stroll from her last home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her name to the Headwaters Health Care Centre “D-Wing” would be greatly appreciated.
Cora’s family would also like to thank the staff at the Vera Davis Centre in Bolton as well as Dr. Mark Lane-Smith and Dr. Constance Weicker who went above and beyond to ensure that she always received the best possible care.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Judy Hann
So very sorry to hear of aunt Cora’s passing. I will always remember her visits home to Newfoundland. She always made sure to come visit me when I was a young child and as I grew older and had a family of my own she would always call when she came to Bonavista and we would get together. It was always great to spend time with her and uncle Howard. One of the things she always liked to do was go for an ice cream and a drive through Bonavista. I will miss her visits home to Newfoundland. She was a very kind and loving woman. Please accept my condolences and know that I am thinking of you all.
David & Annik Wilson
We are overcome with grief to hear of “Nanny’s” passing although my wife Annik and I have only known Cora later in life we feel we know her as an extended member of the Johnston family simply through our long friendship with Donna and Derek. I feel that though our friendship with the Johnston’s we know Cora as well as anyone can without being family. Through Donna’s kind hearted nature always willing to lend a hand to Derek’s soulful way of conveying beautiful thought through the written word we have come to know Cora through those that knew her the best and their is no better way to know a person than through those that they leave behind and there is no doubt she will be missed.
I also know that all her family members are hurting through the loss of such a loved individual but rest assured that although her loss hurts us all and we may even feel cheated of such a wonderful spirited person we may not even see what the Lord has planned for taking such a light from us. However, I also know the Lord does not give us more than we can handle and he only calls those that light has been so bright as to eclipse all other to sit beside him because his plan although beyond us is one that sees Cora enjoying everlasting life with a cup of tea looking down from us from her heavenly seat.
Therefore through this time acknowledge the hurt of missing “Nanny” but rejoice in the fact that she is still watching over us from up high and when your gaze take you looking skyward and you see one star shining brighter than the others remember Cora and this way she will always be with us all in sprit.
Mark Fowler
I am so sorry to hear of Cora Abbott’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to my friends ..the Johnston’s and the entire family during this difficult time.
Cindy Dimitroff
Our sincere condolences to the Abbott family. May the memories and sharing of stories give you comfort during this difficult time, keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna and Derek, sending you hugs xox
Cindy and Doug
Derek Howell
My family and I were sadden to hear of Aunt Cora’s passing. We extend our sincere condolences to Uncle Howard, Karen, Diane, Donna and their families.
Aunt Cora was my mom’s sister and I was always grateful for the fact that while my children had not had the opportunity to know their grandmother, they had gotten to know someone who was close to her.
Rest in peace and here’s hoping she does get to share that cup of tea with her brothers and sister.
From St. John’s, NL, nephew Derek and family – Janice, Stephen, Nicole, Danielle and Chelsey and brother in law Ron
Helene and Marc Bertrand
Dear Donna, Derek and family,
Condolences on the passing of Cora. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during these difficult times.
The Bertrand family
Ken Graham
To Dianne, Tony and family,
I have been away but recently read your loving obituary of your dear mother and it reminded me of the loss of my mother at a similar age. It is something that you really never get over and never forget the loss. After visiting Bonavista, I have a feeling for the warmth of the good people there and that is where she developed the loving attitude that you yourself carry on. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Ken Graham