Obituary of James Edward McKearney

James Edward “Ed” McKearney, 76, Lyons Brook, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, with his family by his side.

Born in Pictou, he was the son of Earl and Myrtle Graham. Ed was a graduate of the former Nova Scotia Teachers College, Truro and had taught at River John Consolidated School, Dr. W.A. MacLeod Consolidated School and Walter Duggan Consolidated School. He enjoyed a 30-year teaching career, during which time he helped shape the lives of his students. Prior to his passing, many words of appreciation were received from former students, expressing their gratitude for his care and compassion. A humble person, Ed shielded himself from praise, however, a recent visit from a former student to his hospital room gently allowed him to appreciate the positive impact he had on her and many others. He shared a lifetime love of dancing with his late wife, Florence. Ed was an avid chess and card player. He was a chess tournament player for many years into retirement. In later years, he enjoyed playing cards with his friends at New Horizons 55 Plus Club, Pictou and with other groups. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, who will be deeply missed by those he loved.

Surviving are his daughter, Jolene (Aaron) Russell, New Ross; granddaughter, Lila Russell; brother-in-law, Charles Surette, Abercrombie; many cousins.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Florence Catherine (Surette) McKearney; aunts, Marian, Jennie, Viola and Dorothy; uncles, Roy, Foster and Billy; father and mother-in-law, Leo “Jimmy” and Mary (MacKinnon) Surette.

The family will receive visitors 10 – 10:50 a.m. Monday, February 9 in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home Chapel, New Glasgow from where funeral service will be held 11 a.m. with Rev. Gail Johnson Murdock officiating. Private interment will be in Gladstone Cemetery, Four Mile Brook.

If desired, donations may be made in Ed’s memory to Aberdeen Health Foundation Palliative Care Fund or Pictou County Victorian Order of Nurses.