Obituary of Annie Isabel Googoo

On Sunday, May 11, 2025, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Annie “Toswal” Googoo, peacefully began her journey into the spirit world at the age of 74.

Born on September 10, 1950, at Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital, she was the cherished daughter of the late Charles Joseph “Saln” and Mary Rose “Rosie” (Smith) Bernard.

On November 29, 1969, Toswal married Raymond Googoo, and together they built a loving family, raising seven children: daughters, Bernadette, Charlene, Claudine, Susan Raye, and Dana, and sons Christopher and Justin.

She had a gift for making others feel special—especially through her thoughtful Christmas lists, birthday cards and joyful shopping trips, always filled with love and meant to bring happiness. A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, her greatest joy was her family, and every moment was a cherished treasure.

She was a stay-at-home mom who in her younger years worked as a home care worker, and later a janitor, and adult care provider. In the 1970s, she opened her heart and home as a foster parent. Her love for travel took her to Maine, Prince Edward Island, the Cabot Trail, Peggy’s Cove and on pilgrimages to St. Anne de Beaupre in Quebec. She found peace in attending mass and visiting the chapel in Mabou. Annie was a proud member of the Cursillo movement and to her fellow participants; “De Colores.”

She adored teddy bears, flowers—especially tulips—and decorating for every season. Her home was filled with the comforting aromas of homemade meals and fresh-baked bread. She enjoyed bingo nights, movie evenings, and her favourite TV shows like Judge Judy, The Bold and the Beautiful, and The Young and the Restless—which always called for an hour of quiet.

She found joy in music - her favorite bands were The Relatives and Blues Band - karaoke, cuddles with her grandchildren, family gatherings and simply being surrounded by loved ones. Her life was simple, but it was rich with love, laughter, and the warmth of family.

Toswal was predeceased by her parents, Charlie and Rose Bernard, her brothers Benjamin, Frank, and Samuel Bernard (in infancy); her sister Mary Janet Bernard; and her beloved husband, Raymond Googoo.

She is survived by her sons, Christopher Googoo (Melody), Millbrook, Justin Googoo (Danielle), We'koqma'q; her daughters, Bernadette Googoo, Charlene Googoo (Ryan Jr), Claudine Googoo, Susan Raye Googoo and Dana Pierro (Hubert), all of We'koqma'q.

She is also survived by her brothers, Louis Joe Bernard, Gilbert Bernard, Charles Jr Bernard, Robert Bernard (Kelly), John Leonard Bernard (Darla), her sister, Madeline Bernard, all of We'koqma'q; and sister Mary Catherine Pierro, of Wagmatcook.

She also leaves behind her loving grandchildren; Justice, Katerina, Konnor and Lucky Basque; Dalen, Michael and Shaylene Googoo; Jakob, Konrad and Kylee Phillips; Brennan, Madi and Brady Googoo; Sam and Noah Prosper; Autumn, Sage, Maya and Aiden Gould; Dante, Huey and Lorelei Joe-Pierro; and Juelz, Demi, Danni, Dianna and Jerru Sylliboy.

Her cherished great-grandchildren: Violet and Navyee Basque; Miliana Sylliboy-Basque; Sophia Googoo-Paul, Chevéyo Googoo, Liluyé and Léia Millier; Kade Googoo; Artemi and Konrad Pierro; Everleigh Gould-Paul, Teagan Paul, Alayah Gould; Weston Paul;  Brody, Aeris, Garren ji'j and Leora Denny; and Azia Francis; Godchildren Nadine Bernard, Sadie Cremo and Donna Martin as well as many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins near and far.

We the family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jean McLaughlin, Dr. Ritter, the staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and Inverness Consolidated Hospital, and special thanks to the nurses of the We'koqma'q Health Centre, and the Community Care team, who went above and beyond to make sure her last days were filled with care and comfort, at home, fulfilling her final wish to be with her children and grandchildren. Your support is greatly appreciated, Wela'liek.

Visitation will take place at the We'koqma'q Community Centre, 15 Reservation Rd, We'koqma'q, NS, commencing Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 4:00pm. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, May 20^th, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the Blessed St. Kateri Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church. Burial in the parish cemetery. Flowers may be sent to the Centre and memorial donations can be made in Toswal’s name to The Monastery of Mount Carmel Society of The Little Flower. Memories and condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.haverstocks.com.