Obituary of Mary Colleen James

Peacefully at the Prince County Hospital, surrounded by loving family, the death occurred of Mary Colleen James, age 79, Kensington, PE, on April 5th, 2026.  Mary was the daughter of the late Walter and Kathleen (Dolly) Duggan, of Westville, NS.  Many remember her from her work with the Cumberland Regional School Board in Amherst, NS.  For almost 30 years she was the face of R.B. Dickey and Spring Street Elementary schools.

Those who knew Mary often turned to her for advice - so much so, they joked she should open an advice line like Dear Abby.  She was never one to shy away from a good poker game, often playing into the wee hours of the morning.  Mary would watch anything on TV that was " based on a true story" and she was steadfast in her refusal to eat anything green. She was a regular attendee at her grandchildren's various sports.  She loved her grandchildren more than anything and often commented that she wished she could have had them first.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Melvin James, precisely 41 years to the day earlier, and by her older brother, Walter Duggan.  She is survived by her children Michelle James (Brian Cormier) and Mike James (Pam); grandchildren Harrison, Olivia and Malcolm James and Owen Cormier; brother Peter Duggan (Cathy McPhee) and many other extended family members. 

Many thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of PCH and Home Care, who looked after Mary like family.   Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation go out to the many close friends – you know who you are – for their love and support given to Mary. 

Arrangements entrusted to the Davison Funeral Home Kensington. Mary will be resting at the Eagles Funeral Home in Westville, NS. No visitation by personal request, a public funeral mass will be held on Saturday April 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Holy Name Church in Westville, NS. Interment will take place at a later date in the Holy Name Roman Catholic Cemetery. The family wishes to invite everyone for a reception following the funeral service.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Prince County Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.

Location : Holy Name Church 1664 N Main St, Westville,NS