Leone Margaret Merchant

Leone Merchant passed away suddenly in Sydney, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia on February 24.
Leone was born in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, in 1933, and moved with her family to Sydney
Nova Scotia at an early age.

Leone was the beloved wife of David Cadegan-MacLellan, who predeceased her in 2017. Leone
was the daughter of the late Frederick M. Merchant and Mary (Prendergast) Merchant. Leone is
survived by her brother Frederick A. Merchant of Colorado, his wife Sheila, and also her sister
Suzanne (Merchant) Cosgrove, and her husband Daniel, of Saint John, New Brunswick. Leone is
also survived by many dear friends, and many grieving family members, including Brian,
Colleen, Beverly, Greg, Jackie, Leone, Andree, Hannah, Danielle, Serena, Jack, Max, Olivia, and
Jack. Leone's beloved nephew Mark predeceased her in 2021. Nephews Brian and Mark were
often the happy recipients of Leone’s generous spirit. Brian recalled with cheer the extra
Christmas presents, the help with schoolwork, the trips to museums and historical places. Leone
was to Brian and Mark much more than an aunt. She gave much of herself, made a positive
impact, and left behind a lasting legacy and beautiful memories.

After graduating from Holy Angels High School, Leone pursued a career in teaching. She
specialized in Early Childhood Education, graduating from DePaul University in Chicago.
Leone was a member of the Congregation of Notre Dame Sisters, where she also taught school.
Leone maintained many life-long friendships from her time in the religious order.
Leone taught in Antigonish, New Glasgow, Truro and at Holy Redeemer in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Leone also taught in Saint John, New Brunswick, where she retired from the profession after
having spent forty years in the educational field. Leone often spoke to friends and family of how
much she loved teaching, and how the students were her joy. Leone was a naturally organized
person, and liked when things would run as planned.

Some years after her retirement, Leone married childhood sweetheart, David. They enjoyed
many happy years together in Halifax, until the time David was taken by cancer in 2017. After
David's passing, Leone lived her remaining years at Parkland Retirement Community in Sydney,
Nova Scotia.

Leone enjoyed her travels to see friends and family, and particularly so with her co-pilot husband
David. They would often find themselves trekking around in Cape Breton, New Brunswick, and
sometimes wandering down to the Boston State
Leone loved her Lord, her family, and her friends. She kept strong ties with members of her faith
community in Cape Breton and elsewhere.

Cremation has taken place. A Mass and Celebration of Life will take place at Parkland Cape
Breton (118 Kenwood Drive, Sydney, Nova Scotia) on Tuesday, March 12, at 2PM Atlantic time.
Friends and family are invited to attend.