Obituary of Vlasta Mildred Chesal

With heavy hearts we announce the death of our cherished and beloved Mom, Vlasta Mildred Chesal, on September 7, 2017, who passed away at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital at the age of 94. Vlasta was born April 10, 1923, the daughter of Joseph and Agnes Danda in Zilina, Czechoslovakia, where she spent her early childhood and youth. At the age of 14 , she went to work in the nearby city of Kladno where she worked at Jungr’s Butcher Shop. Here she met and fell in love with our Dad, Tony Chesal. Together they endured and survived World War II, married on April 2, 1944 and had two children before departing her beloved country and family to come to Canada in 1947. Traveling via bus, train and ship with a two-year old daughter and a two month old son, violently sea sick, with no understanding of the English language, our brave Mom settled into her new life in Scotchtown, Cape Breton. Here they resided for 41 years and lovingly raised their six children. Vlasta worked alongside her husband during the years they owned the Scotchtown Lucky Dollar Store but her main focus and joy was always her children. Known for her delicious meals and baked goods, she was also an avid gardener and had our Ryan Street yard looking like a park with her lovely flowers. She created many handmade crocheted, knitted and needlepoint items that will remain cherished by her family. Vlasta and Tony moved to Antigonish in 1988 where they remained the hub of their ever expanding family. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2014, just a few months before the loss of the love of her life at the age of 92. We will always remember Vlasta’s beautiful welcoming smile. She was brimming with love for all her family and took great joy in the accomplishments of all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Anyone whoever entered her home will remember her warm welcome and never ending offers of food. She was a joy to be around and even in her later years was very up- to -date with current affairs, anything concerning the Royal family, and dancing and talent programs on TV. She loved to play the marble board game designed by our father and even though she refused to "knock out" her grandchildren, always somehow managed to win. Our Mom was surrounded by love from all her family during her last weeks in hospital and even got to share FaceTime with relatives and friends in her home country. She passed peacefully into the arms of our Dad where they are now dancing together once again, probably to their favorite tune ‘La Paloma’. Vlasta is survived and greatly loved by her children Marie (Barry) Seabright, NS; Joe – Antigonish, NS; Tony (Ellen) – Fall River NS; Carl (Janet) – Stittsville ON; Stanley (Celeste) – Masstown NS; Jane – Bedford NS. Grandchildren – Leeann St. Clair, Pam, Eddie and Patricia Chesal; Ian Chesal and Sharon Marie Toye; Jason and Trevor Chesal and Tracy Wells, David, Steven and Nathan Hall. Also, thirteen great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren. The last surviving member of her immediate family, Vlasta was predeceased by her parents, Agnes and Joseph Danda, brother, Vlada, and sister, Vera in the Czech Republic. A strong connection to her birth country will remain through the next generation of the many relatives and friends whose hearts our Mom touched during her incredible lifetime. Our sincere thanks to all those who gave Mom the BEST of care during her time at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital – Drs. Hickey, Cooper, and Steeves. Also, thank you to the nursing staff, LPN’s, CCA’s, and custodial staff on third floor, and those who took the time to be so kind and comforting to our Mom in those last three weeks. There will be NO visitation. Family ONLY viewing on Tuesday, September 12th. Funeral mass and celebration of Vlasta’s life on Thursday, September 14 at 2:00 PM at St. Ninian’s Cathedral, Rev. Donald MacGillivray presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Vlasta’s name to the St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation, the V.O.N, or to a charity of one’s choice.