Obituary of Eliza Grace Urquhart
It is with heartfelt love and gratitude that we announce the passing of Eliza Grace Urquhart on December 3, 2025, at the age of 93. Born in Alder Point, Cape Breton, Grace was the youngest of sixteen children of the late Donald S. Maclean and Sara Jane Fraser.
Grace was the cherished wife of the late Chester John Urquhart and the proud mother of five children: Retta Urquhart of Dartmouth, Holly Fraser Smith (Bill) of Calgary, Bonnie LeBlanc (Barry) of Calgary, Roger Urquhart (Jeannie) of Pleasant Bay, and the late Roger Grant. She leaves behind nine grandchildren, one late grandchild, twelve great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, all of whom carry forward her legacy of love and laughter.
Grace grew up in New Waterford until the age of 14, then settled in Pleasant Bay, where she became a cornerstone of the community. She worked for many years at the Black Whale, where she was fondly remembered for her famous fish and chips and lemon meringue pie. Later, she owned and operated Bonnie’s Grill and Takeout, a gathering place for local teenagers and families alike. Grace also cooked for Dexter’s road crew, where she was equally at home behind the stove or flagging on the mountain.
Her baking became legendary in Pleasant Bay and beyond, delighting both neighbours and tourists. In retirement, she sold her baked goods from her front porch on an honour system: “leave the money and take what you want—or if you didn’t have money, take what you want anyway.” Her generosity and humour made her home, affectionately called the Dew Drop Inn, a welcoming place for neighbours and friends.
Grace’s passions extended far beyond the kitchen. She was an avid knitter and crocheter, a gardener with a green thumb whose flowers brightened her yard, and a spirited player of bingo and crib. She loved animals, keeping dogs, cats, and even guinea pigs as family members. Her joy was infectious—she could often be found dancing in her kitchen, singing, whistling, and baking all at once. She also loved attending church, dressing with her trademark fashion sense, and sharing her wit and humour, which kept everyone smiling until her final breath.
Though her given name was Eliza Grace, she was known to all simply as Mama. Her warmth, laughter, and generosity touched countless lives, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and community.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Andrews United Church in Pleasant Bay in the summer of 2026. Donations in Grace’s memory may be made to St. Andrews United Church or the Pleasant Bay Community Cemetery.
