Coady Family Reunion 1987

From: The Northridge Tribune August 26, 1987

In the above photo are all nine members of the Coady Family of Bras d'Or with their mother. Mrs. Frances Coady Sullivan, seated. From left to right are: John, Arthur, Doreen (Mrs. Bill Rybachuk); Joseph, Eulalia (Mrs. Nelson Whitehead). Vincent. Patricia Mrs. Don Aker); David. and Casimir James.

The children of Mrs. Frances Coady Sullivan and the late Joseph Coady, gathered in Bras d'Or recently for their first reunion in fifteen years. Due to the location of the nine family members and the difficulty of scheduling vacation time it took nearly a full year to plan the reunion but it went off without a hitch. Although it was officially a four day event, the early arrivals and late departures stretched over two weeks.

The late Joseph Coady passed away in 1947 leaving nine children who were reared by their mother, Frances Coady Sullivan. The children from eldest to youngest are: Joseph (Toronto); Casimir James (Sarnia); Arthur (Calgary); David (Toronto); Eulalia (Mrs. Nelson Whitehead of King City); Doreen (Mrs. William Rybachuk of Calgary); Vincent (Edmonton): Patricia (Mrs. Don Aker of West Gore. N.S.); and John (Bras d'Or).

The reunion, which was slated for July. started on schedule with a steak barbecue at the home of John Coady in Bras d'Or. Official greetings were made. plans outlined and horseshoe and dart tournaments held. These activities were followed by various types of entertainment lasting well into the wee hours of the morning.

On Thursday the entire family cruised the Bras d'Or Lakes, many of them for the first time. Spouses and family members alike were very impressed by the scenery and majesty of the lakes. The tour was provided through the courtesy of Mr. Sid MacNeil of Bras d'Or, who offered his new boat for the event. Thursday evening was highlighted by a lobster supper hosted by John and Donna Coady at their home. A very special guest of the evening was Mrs. Charlotte Young (sister of Mrs. Frances Coady Sullivan). She was accompanied by her three daughters. Mary Frances, Mrs. Alvin Day; Elizabeth. Mrs. Dr. Ron Legacy. and Laurette. Mrs. Larry Warren of St. John's, Newfoundland. Entertainment followed the supper.

On Friday the family participated in a golf tournament held at Seaview Golf Club. Sixteen family members were grouped into four teams for a "Texas Scramble". The winning team was composed 64 Casimir, David, John Coady and their sister Eulalia Whitehead. Their team score was two over par for the nine holes.

A reunion social and dance was held in St. Joseph's Hall in Bras d'Or oh Friday night. Relatives and friends of the family were invited to enjoy the hospitality of the family and music was provided by Joe Currie. It was a great evening of fun and fellowship as well as a great opportunity to renew old friendships and swap stories of childhood days in Bras D’or.

Saturday was an open day of rest, revival and shopping and was highlighted by a closing banquet at Gowrie House in Sydney Mines. Gifts from all parts of Canada were exchanged as the family enjoyed the fine food and elegant surroundings of Gowrie. With a vow never to forget their heritage, the family resolved to reunite every five years in Bras D'Or with the next gathering scheduled for 1992.

Family members wish to express their thanks to the many friends and relatives who participated in the festivities. They made a great time even more enjoyable. The Coady's are looking forward to doing it all again – a true testament to the success of their reunion.