Mary Christine 'Grand Mary' (MacDonald) MacEachern
Born In: Arlington Mass
It is with a great sense of loss, but also a deep feeling of thanksgiving and celebration for a life well lived, that our family announces the passing of our mother, Mary Christine (MacDonald) MacEachern on Nov. 20, 2015.
Mom joins, for eternity, her husband and love of her life, John Hugh MacEachern; son, Gordon Joseph and infant grandson, Neil Brennan. Mom was predeceased by sisters Theresa 'Effie' Turner, Audrey MacMillan, Marilyn Ferguson and brothers Eric 'Skit', Brenton, Blaise, Sean, and Tommy in infancy. Mom loved all deeply, and missed them dearly.
Mom was born in Arlington, Mass. and raised in Glace Bay, the eldest daughter of Dan A. and Sarah Caruthers MacDonald. Mom was affectionately known to her family and friends as "Grand Mary". Mom was one of those special individuals who had the ability to choose almost any professional direction in life. She was a brilliant student, a trained musician, a tenacious athlete, a gourmet cook and an avid reader, with an insatiable appetite for knowledge. After completion of university at Mount Saint Bernard, and the managing of her parent's family business (Sally Ann Bakery), Mom married John Hugh and together devoted their lives to raising their eight children. We were blessed every day of our lives by Mom’s devotion to us.
Aside from Mom's loving maternal gifts, her amazing intelligence, grace and wit, and wonderful sense of style, she had the ability to connect with those she met in a very mindful and soulful manner. Whether it was family members, the "kids" in the neighbourhood, or people she met during her recent illness, Mom lit a spiritual spark in our respective souls that will continue to grow and shine long after her passing.
Over the years, as Grand Mary, Mom especially enjoyed time with her grandchildren, and the many walks and talks in “woods” at East Bay. During these times, Grand Mary would pass on those loving "nuggets" of advice and encouragement. She was also known, as she would say, "to scare the Dickens" out the grandchildren, with light hearted late evening pranks. Now young adults, the grandchildren still remember fondly the many East Bay moments with Grand Mary and Grand John.
Mom lived by the adage "parents do not have children, but rather, children have parents". We were all so fortunate to have her as a teacher, mentor, friend, hero, and confidant.
Mom is survived by children, Patricia and Jean (at home), Doreen (Mike Burke), Halifax; Elizabeth (David Raniseth), Glace Bay; Dr. John R. (Nancy), Berwick; Phyllis (Ron Jackson), Summerside; Neil (Mary), Halifax. Mom’s surviving siblings are Father Stanley, Antigonish; Dennis (Carol), Bedford; Evelyn Sampson (Gordon), North Sydney; Carol Gatchalian, Bedford.
Grand Mary will be forever missed by her grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Scott, Dara, Johnathan, Joshua, Catherine, Jeremy, Alexandra, Colin, Nicole, Janelle, Vanessa, Krista, Robin, Aaron, Sarah and Daniel, along with her 13 great-grandchildren.
In keeping with Mom’s pragmatic approach to life, she wished to be cremated with no visitation and to have a private family gathering at a later date.
On Mom’s behalf, the family would like to thank those who made her final days as comfortable as possible: the VON, the Cape Breton Palliative Care Unit, Cape Breton Hospice Society, the staff of 4A CBRH, the staff at Parkland Estates, Yolanda D’Intino and Dr. Ann Francis D’Intino, Dr. Venkata Puppala, Dr. Abdul Atria, the staff at C&D Medical Glace Bay, Amy and Val of Amy’s Hair Salon and Wendy Lynk of Chants Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to charity of one’s choice.
