Mary Elizabeth (Johnstone) Marsh
Born In: North Sydney
Born: May 27th, 1933
Passed in: North Sydney
Passed on: July 31st, 2014
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Mary on Thursday, July 31, 2014 at the Northside General Hospital in North Sydney.
Mary, the daughter of the late Lloyd and Louise (Bedwin) Johnstone was born on May 27, 1933 in North Sydney. She grew up on Fairholme Farm on Johnstone Road.
Mary was a member of the first grade twelve graduating class at Thompson High School in North Sydney. She went on to complete business training in Truro and soon after began working in the business office of Thompson and Sutherland Hardware Store in North Sydney.
Mary, also affectionately known as Mary Din, Ma, Nanny, Grammy, Nanny Bird and Aunt Mamie, married William Dennis Marsh on May 9, 1955. She and “Din” lived in Mill Creek where they raised their family. They were well known on the Northside for their volunteering and involvement in church and community affairs. She and Din were recognized as Maritimers of the Week by ATV Television. They were also presented with a plaque from the Florence Volunteer Firefighters in recognition and thanks for inviting the firefighters and Santa to their home for the past fifty years for dinner as Santa made his annual Christmas Community visits. For the last several years, Mary, Din and family invited the Ross Ferry Volunteer Firefighters and their spouses to a fish and chip dinner prepared at their cottage in Ross Ferry.
Mary and Din were both involved in their business endeavors. They operated a convenience store in Mill Creek and also ran the Texaco Lakeview Restaurant in Bras d’Or for many years. Mary who liked to cook and bake made the “many” and “delicious” pies served at the restaurant. After leaving the restaurant, Mary and Din owned and operated C.B. Hoare Auto Parts in North Sydney. It was during this time that Din joined the Rotary Club of North Sydney and both he and Mary volunteered their time and energy to promote this organization. Mary was made Paul Harris Fellow, a recognition named after the founder of Rotary. She was also a former member of the St. Joseph’s CWL, St. Joseph’s Church Choir and IWK Founders Club. In 1985 Mary graduated from UCCB with her diploma in Religious Education.
Mary made friends, neighbours and family feel welcome at her home and cottage and no one left without a cup of tea. She will always be remembered for her love of family and organizing family gatherings. She loved to do puzzles, quilt alongside Din, cook and bake (especially pies) and prepare fish and chip dinners for friends and family. She enjoyed spending time at the cottage, relaxing, reading and entertaining. She also loved to play cards, watch hockey and baseball games on TV and travel.
Left to mourn her passing are her husband of 59 years, William Dennis 'Din'; her daughters, Louise (Cavel) Rahey, Natalie and Janet (Darren) Vickers; sons, David (Anne), Bruce (Maureen) and Harold (MaryAnn); niece, Irene (Ron) Howley, who she considered her other daughter; fifteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; brother, Earl (Yvonne) Johnstone; sisters-in-law, Mamie Johnstone and Mickey Johnstone.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her son, Alan; sister, Doris (Malcolm) Parks; brothers, Roy and Bill Johnstone and cousin, Kathy Johnston.
Visitation will be held Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, North Sydney. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 4, 2014, St. Joseph’s Church, Bras d’Or with Fr. Peter McLeod presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery with a reception to follow in the parish hall on Villa Drive.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Parish Cemetery Fund, the IWK or a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com.
