Irene Carol McPhail
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Irene Carol McPhail on the night of June 5, 2018, in Plymouth, MA. She departed this world surrounded by her loving family following a long and courageous struggle with Dementia and, more recently, Parkinson’s Disease. At the age of 79 years, she peacefully passed as she had lived her life, with a beautiful smile on her face. Irene was the loving wife of Dr. John A. (“Sandy”) McPhail and proud mother of daughter, Lynn, and sons, John and Ian. Born in Windsor, N.S., she was the daughter of the late John B. (“Jack”) Hatt and Myrtle (Miller) Hatt. Her brother, Darryl, predeceased her many years ago. Early in her childhood she and her family moved to nearby Kentville, N.S. There she was active as a majorette in the marching band and an enthusiastic skater. She loved country and the popular music of the day and rarely missed an opportunity to dance. After graduating from high school, she attended Mack’s Business School and, upon completion of her studies, moved to Halifax, N.S. There she was employed by the Bank of Nova Scotia as a receptionist and personal secretary to the bank manager, a job she cherished.
In 1957 she met her husband-to-be, Sandy McPhail, a medical student at Dalhousie University. Three years later, on May 1, 1960, they were married in Spryfield, N.S. The following year they moved to Sydney, N.S. where her husband entered medical practice. The couple then moved to Sheet Harbour, N.S. in 1962, where Irene worked as a part-time receptionist in her husband’s office. She loved to work with youth and helped to sponsor pageants and other events in support of a newly founded Eastern Shore Softball Association. In March of 1964, Irene gave birth to her first child, John. In 1965 the family moved back to the Sydney area. That same year daughter, Lynn, was born. In 1969 Irene gave birth to a second son, Ian. While living in Sydney River, Irene, an avid seamstress, conducted weekly nighttime sewing classes, a labor of love. She had also developed an interest in curling and tennis and greatly enjoyed playing those sports. Along with her husband and several friends in the local tennis community, she was heavily involved in forming the Suburban Tennis Association and bringing in instructors to help foster interest in programs for local youth. In the summer of 1978 Irene and her family moved to Maine, where an intended two-year sabbatical later expanded to a ten-year stay. During this time their three children all graduated from Orono high School and Irene later took several courses at the University of Maine, with Lynn. She was also able to study flute for several years. While in Maine, Irene continued her interest in tennis, both as an active player and coach of boys and girl’s tennis at Orono High School. She was also in the forefront of a community group that successfully lobbied the town council to construct tennis courts in the community of Veazie. Whether sporting or musical activities, she rarely missed an event in which her children participated. She was always there for them as their #1 fan.
In the summer of 1988 Irene and Sandy moved to Savannah, Georgia where Irene continued to enjoy tennis, music events, movies, social events, dancing, trips to local beaches and continued to care for a succession of dogs. She had a profound love of children and cherished visits from her grandchildren. Unfortunately, in the mid-1990’s, Irene developed early signs of a form of dementia, which progressed slowly, but gradually robbed her of her ability to effectively communicate (despite being able to comprehend what was being said to her).
In November of 2010, Irene and Sandy left Savannah and settled in Grand River, N.S. where Irene was able to enjoy local senior events, music programs and, in particular, long walks on Pt. Michaud Beach with her husband and their dog, Bella. Her love of music (especially country, gospel and jazz) and dancing never faltered, even though her dementia was complicated by the development of Parkinson’s Disease this past year. However, Irene was able to recognize family and friends up to the very end. She will always be remembered for her infectious laugh and a smile that would light up any room! Irene and Sandy celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on May 1st of this year. Irene is deeply missed by family, friends and, of course, Bella. She is survived by her husband, Sandy, daughter Lynn Borghesani, sons John and Ian, son-in-law, Peter; and grandchildren Caleigh (John), Sophia and Juliana (Ian), Erin, Elise and Mikayla (Lynn), and Michael (Peter); also, by nephews Peter and Tom, niece Susan (Emmerson & Ann Louise King); and by niece Catherine Hatt (Darryl).
A service celebrating Irene’s life will be held at United Protestant Church in Sydney River, N.S. on Thursday, August 30, 2018, at 2 p.m., with a reception to follow.
Online condolences may be forwarded to Irene’s family at jamp222@gmail.com. For those who wish, donations in Irene’s memory may be made to your local SPCA.
