Frances Regis (Ferguson) MacIntyre
Passed on: June 25th, 2017
Frances Regis (Ferguson) MacIntyre, a cherished and dearly loved daughter, sister, spouse, mother, aunt, grandmother and friend, has died after a long illness on Sunday, June 25, 2017.
She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Howard MacIntyre; her parents, Mary Catherine ‘Minnie’ (MacInnis) Ferguson and Alex Ferguson; her brother, Sandy; her sisters, Leona, Margaret (D.C. LeVatte), Mabel (M.J. Ryan), Rita and Therese (W.K. LeVatte), and nieces, Star and Mary Catherine.
Regis is survived by her children, Mary Frances, Howie (Anne MacRury MacIntyre) and Michael (Dorothy Simmons MacIntyre), and her grandchildren, Mirrah, Tessa, Sean and Daniel.
Regis was born in Mira Gut in 1928, growing up between the family farmstead on Brickyard Road and Mira Gut, where her father was the station agent for S & L Railway. She went to school at the little one room school house on Brickyard Road, then Louisbourg and Holy Angels in Sydney. Following graduation from high school, Regis, like her mother and sister, chose nursing as her profession. A proud graduate of Saint Joseph’s School of Nursing in Glace Bay, Regis worked as an RN in Sydney before marrying Howard MacIntyre, a young professional engineer from Ashby. Regis enjoyed the company of her cohort, and enthusiastically participated in class reunions. Regis and Howard began their life together in Sydney, but moved to Walton in Hants County in 1954, then to Baie Comeau, Quebec in 1958, returning briefly to Cape Breton in 1971, moving to St. John’s, Newfoundland in 1974 and finally returning home to Cape Breton in 1978, where they settled back home on the Mira River.
Regis delighted in her children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was quietly proud of her family and achievements. A natural caregiver and professional RN, mother and neighbourhood nurse, (whether children, adults or even pets), Regis was always generous with her knowledge, time and care. When her children were young, she was a fulltime homemaker, baking cookies, entertaining friends, hosting wonderful dinner parties, creating exquisite and delicious gourmet meals, and coaching and encouraging her children. She participated in PTA and CWL activities and could always be depended upon to help teachers with class excursions and projects.
As her children grew more independent, Regis went back to work as a nurse, most often working in geriatrics and later in palliative care. She was a pioneer advocating for hospice and palliative care and was an avid volunteer in the field. Regis was known for her integrity, her sense of humour and ability to laugh. She was loyal and loving, a good friend, independent, determined and disciplined. She was generous and gracious. Although illness robbed her of memory and cognition, a terrifying experience, her sense of humour and deep compassion for humanity remained.
Regis’ family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of the MacGillivray Guest Home. They care for the residents with tender respect. We would also like to acknowledge Peggy LeVatte (Kevin McCormack), daughter of Margaret Ferguson LeVatte, who was a regular and thoughtful visitor, chauffeur and enduring supporter for many years and we are forever grateful for her kindness.
Funeral arrangements by Sydney Memorial Chapel, the Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Joseph’s Church, Mira Ferry on Thursday, June 29 at 10 a.m., with Rev. Evo DiPierro officiating. Interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Regis’ memory to the MacGillivray Guest Home or Palliative Care would be greatly appreciated.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
