Theresa Francine (Jessome) Bona

It is with overwhelming sadness that we, the family of Theresa Francine Bona, announce her passing on February 3, 2026.

Francine’s parents, Leo and Frances (Marsh) (Beaton) Jessome, welcomed her into their loving home in Point Aconi on August 5, 1964. There she joined her three brothers Kevin, Richard and Johnny. In later years she and her husband Brian, along with our mom, would make their home in Gardiner Mines. Though 61 years have passed but, to us it feels far too short a time.

Francine was a proud graduate off Memorial High School then furthered her education at Maritime College, Halifax. Following her education days, she first worked as a waitress in Halifax then Sydney, where her quick wit and warm personality made her a favourite with customers. She also served several years in the militia with 35 Service Battalion in Sydney, attaining the rank of Master Corporal —an accomplishment she carried with quiet pride. Those who knew Francine know she had a natural gift for conversation and connection —a gift that would serve her well throughout her working life. Over her lifetime, she also worked with Spiegel and Stream call centers, building more lasting friendships and contacts. As she began facing health challenges, Francine adapted with determination, working from home for several companies. One of her favourite roles was with Diabetes Canada. If you live in Canada, you may well have received a call from Francine asking for a donation —one such call was, unknowingly, to her niece in Ontario, yet they were able to recognize each other and have a chat.

Many comments have poured in since her passing. She was the friend who was “always on top of things” ─helped others find programs and resources for support, could tell you where to get the best deals when shopping, and who to contact if you needed someone to help with a problem.

In that same way, she was a devoted caregiver to our mom and spent much of mom's senior years taking her on outings and ensuring she was very well cared for.

Others have shared that she listened carefully, spoke clearly, and never danced around a point — her no-nonsense honesty was one of her greatest strengths. At the same time, her infectious smile, sense of humour and unmistakable laugh could light up any room. She loved to tell a good story, especially those from her childhood with her brothers. She was an engaging storyteller she truly had the “gift of gab”. She will be missed by many.

Francine is survived by her beloved husband, Brian Bona, with whom she enjoyed 29 years of marriage –he was her steady companion and greatest support.

She is also survived by her brothers: Kevin (Helen Harrietha) Beaton and their children Danielle (Kirk) Francis, Dawn Michelle (Jamie) Timms, Monique (Blake) Boutilier; Johnny (Maria Scala) Beaton and their daughter Sonia (Andrew) Spalvieri; her sister-in-law Laura (Barrie) Beaton and her children Tanya (Amos) Bagshaw, Aimee (Roberto) Bachman, Joanie-Lynn (Townley) MacRae.

Francine is also survived by her grand-nieces and nephews: Ryan, Madison, Gavin, Ella, Reagan, Dean, Rialy, Laura-Lynn Rose, Marget Joan (MJ), Luca, Tino, Brennan, Noah, Emilia, Lucas (Yuliya), Lily and Andrew; her sisters-in-law: Donna (Milton) Bonnar, Glenda Hiscott; and brother-in-law George Bona and their families.

Also missing Francine is her very special “like a sister” friend Ida Noonan, whom she met at Maritime College, along with lifelong friend Wena Stubbert and her many Jessome and Marsh cousins.

Francine was predeceased by her father Leo (1980), brother Richard (2004), our Mom Frances (2013), brother-in-law Jimmie Hiscott (2017), mother-in-law Shirley (Crowther) (Bona) MacLean (2022), father-in-law Joseph C. Bona (1996), Shirley’s husband Blowers MacLean (2021), and grand-niece Abigail Bachman (2012), as well as her paternal grandparents Thomas and Elizabeth (Coady) Jessome and maternal grandparents Joseph and Sebina (Jessome) Marsh.

Sincere thanks to Dr. Alexander Wawer and his staff, the compassionate nursing team on the fifth floor of Northside General Hospital, and the ICU staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital as well for the exceptional care and kindness they showed Francine. We are also grateful to the staff at W.J. Dooley Funeral Home for their support and assistance.

Thank you to everyone who called, emailed, sent cards, texts, and made donations to the CBRH Foundation and other charities in her memory. And to family and friends who helped with her obituary. Cremation has taken place under the direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney.  Online condolences may be sent to the family by leaving a message on the tribute wall at www.wjdooley.com. 

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