It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of June (Tutty) Sterns on August 11th, 2026, at the age of 96.
Born at the Glace Bay General Hospital on July 15th, 1930, from Mira Gut, Cape Breton, June was the youngest and last surviving child of Charles H. and Mary Ann (Campbell) Tutty. She was the cherished sister of Lincoln, Christie, Willard, Mary Elizabeth, Joe, Verna, Donald and Weldie.
June deeply loved her family and siblings, and throughout her life she shared countless stories of her childhood, her family and the people and events that shaped her. Through these stories, she gave her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren a window into a time they would never directly know but could feel and connect with profoundly through her words. Her memories will keep those people, places, and stories alive for generations.
June left Mira for Sydney, where she worked at Crowell’s Department store, but her path led her back to the Kenwood Dance Hall where she met her future husband, Bruce Sterns. Together they would make their home in Glace Bay, and, in time, a bustling bungalow on the Mira River. Survived by her stepson, Kevin Sterns (Chuck Skowron), and children, Susan (Roy – predeceased) Turner, Sandra (Ben) Popwell, and Scott (Margaret) Sterns. Also leaving behind 5 grandchildren (Jennifer, Katie, Kristy, Ellen and Charlie) and 5 great-grandchildren (Julia, Benjamin, Colton, Leila and Clark) who will forever carry the love and lessons of June and Bruce with them.
Grammie, or Aunt June, as she was also known, was the glue of our family, both immediate and extended. No one could host a crowd like she could; she had an extraordinary ability to know exactly what everyone loved and to make sure there was always something special waiting for them. Her baking was second to none, and visitors stopping in for a cup of tea and a sweet were often endless. Whether in Dartmouth, Glace Bay or at the bungalow in Mira, her door was always open, and the tea was always hot.
June was happiest when people were together. She had a gift for making ordinary occasions extraordinary. Dressing up for Halloween into her 90’s, she loved to put a costume together and have a laugh. Her ability to host a magazine-worthy Christmas holiday that stretched over days, filled with family and friends, beautiful meals, and spectacular sweets, is a gift we will all cherish forever. Birthdays were equally special. June fussed over creating a menu and dessert especially for the birthday person, always happy to have a reason to just get everyone together.
June was a member of the GMMG of the Glace Bay United Baptist Church, and following their move to Halifax/Dartmouth became a member of First Baptist Church Halifax.
June was predeceased by her husband Bruce; her parents, Charles and Mary Ann; her siblings and many dear friends and relatives. We find comfort in imagining that her heart is forever reunited with them Out on the Mira.
She leaves behind a family who will miss her more than words can express, but who are forever grateful for the love, laughter, stories, traditions, and countless memories she gave us.
We love you Mom-Grammie-Aunt June; until the time that changes things brings us together once again.
Family Service: Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 2:00pm at First Baptist Church Halifax, 1300 Oxford Street, Halifax.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dalhousie University’s Division of Geriatric Medicine, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, or the Canadian Cancer Society.