M. Mary (Power) MacIsaac
Born In: SYDNEY, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: May 25th, 1922
Passed in: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Passed on: August 27th, 2011
Margaret Mary (nee Power) MacIsaac died peacefully in her 90th year on August 27, 2011, a beautiful summer’s day.
She and her beloved husband and devoted best friend, Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) John F. D. MacIsaac QC were married for 61 years and were long time residents of Sandridge Road in Rockcliffe.
She leaves to cherish her memory her five children and their families, Jane and husband Dr. Francis Vandenberghe (Alaric, D’Arcy); Anne and husband BGen (Ret’d) James Selbie (Elizabeth, James and Olivia); Shaun MacIsaac and wife Alison (James and Jeremy); Dr. Hugh MacIsaac and wife Lisa (Aisling and Isabella); and, Michael MacIsaac and wife Mariette (Ben, Allie, Vanessa and Caroline). She is also survived by sisters, Regina Sutherland and Leola Leck both of Halifax and by many nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by her siblings, Father Terrence Power, Florence Langille, John T. Power, Helene Moss and Lucille Power.
Mary was born in Sydney, N.S. on May 25, 1922, the eldest daughter of Mary Olivia Putt and John J. Power, in a family of eight children. She was a school teacher prior to marrying and had a lifelong passion for education and learning. She loved teaching children to read and amongst her volunteer activities she proudly served on the Education Committee of the Ottawa and Area Council of Women, advocating for Special Education in Ontario schools.
As a military wife, she accompanied her husband on 11 postings in Canada and abroad and ensured that her children made the most of every opportunity their nomadic life presented. Her fierce devotion to her family; steadfast Catholic faith and active membership in the parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel; pride in her Newfoundland Irish roots; and, passion for baking, gardening and bridge were the driving forces of her life and the source of a wide circle of friends in Ottawa and across the country. She displayed valiant and indomitable spirit in the face of numerous serious health challenges and is now finally at rest. The family wishes to thank all of those at the Ottawa Hospital, especially Dr Lorey Boyle, P.A.s Karen Briggens and Chris MacEachern who provided Mary such professional care during her final illness. They honoured Mary’s wish to fight on to the end. Special thanks also to Fadime Keskim of New Edinburgh Square. Friends are invited to visit at the St. Laurent Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry 1200 Ogilvie Rd., (at Aviation Parkway) on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church, 400 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation in her name.
Condolences/donations/tributes: mcgarry family.ca 613-748-1200.
