Catherine MACDOUGALL
Date de décès : 24 octobre 2017
Our devoted mother, Catherine Matilda (MacCormick) MacDougall, age 99, quietly passed away on October 24, 2017 comforted by her loving family at MacGillivary Guest Home where she resided for the past 2 years.
Mom was born on March 14, 1918 in Bridgeport, Dominion, to Racheal (Mac Donald) and Allan MacCormick. Soon after, the family moved to French Road, Mira, where Mom’s maternal family originated. Mom often spoke fondly of her childhood in French Road but with a strong need for independence, she moved to Sydney at age 14 to work as a live in housekeeper, a role she spoke of with pride. During this time, she shared stories of having fun with her many girlfriends, going to dances at the old lyceum, and pie socials in Mira. At age 22, she met Duncan from Grand Mira North who she liked “because he was quiet, a good worker and good looking”. They married on July 22, 1941, settled in Sydney River and celebrated 65 years of marriage before he passed in November, 2006 also at the tender age of 99 years.
They had ten children and are survived by nine, Isabell Bouchard (Andre), Thornhill, Racheal Bartosik (George), Thornhill, Ontario, Joe (Donna Matheson), Sydney River, Eileen, (Chris Stewart), Fredericton, Evelyn Lockert (Bob), Calgary, Allan (Heather Dillon) Sydney River, Duncan (deceased), Matthew (Joanie Wolodka), Sydney River, Daniel (Marg McBride), Sydney and Cathy MacDougall (Claude Nearing), Sydney River. Affectionately referred to as “Grannie”, the pride and joy she had for each of her children, daughter and sons-in-law was extended to her 21 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren, many of whom she cared for as young children. Mom is survived also by two sisters, Mary Jane MacMullin, Sydney, and Sally Johnson, Richmond Hill, Ontario, as well as many close nieces and nephews.
Besides by her parents, husband, Duncan and infant child, Duncan, she was predeceased by her sister, Margret Williams; brother, Dan Joe; brothers-in-law, Lawrence, Eddie and Angus MacDougall, Roddie Johnson, Eddie Williams and Joe MacMullin; sisters-in-law, Annie Bell Gillis, Jean, Anita, and Bernie MacDougall; great grandchild, Jaelyn Nicole Steele, and best friend/cousin, Mary MacNeil.
A quiet, gentle and patient spirit, Mom’s source of happiness came first from her family and then her “new” home that she and Duncan built in 1964, and, where she remained living in until she was 96. While Duncan worked, she worked tirelessly over the years to care and provide for her children often with few amenities and even going out at night to work as a housekeeper, something she was extremely skilled at and loved to do. Socially, she liked to play cards with her sisters, and to visit extended family but was most satisfied to be at home where she welcomed visitors with tea, biscuits and ginger cake to name a few of her baking favorites. Throughout the years there were many gatherings at home with family, friends, music, food and laughter. Sunday and Christmas dinners were rituals shared with family. When the children were younger, Mom and Dad loved to go on picnics, visiting family in Grand Mira North, and weekly drives to relatives in New Waterford and Dominion. Later on, drives to French road to visit their son Joe’s bungalow became a weekly outing. They loved blueberry picking at mom’s old homestead in Oceanview, Mira. They travelled to visit their children, and attend the weddings of their grandchildren and to Boston to visit relatives living there. At Christmas, Mom never failed to send her delicious fruit cakes packed with Cape Breton Post newspaper to her children away and would usually slip “a few cents” to her all her children and grandchildren. Besides keeping her house clean and updated cosmetically, other simple pleasures she so enjoyed was doing yard work, and planting flowers which she continued into her nineties. She faithfully listened to Donnie Campbell on Sunday radio, and had a few favorite TV shows in particular the Young and The Restless Soap that she would share story lines by phone with her daughters; British comedies that she would often be heard, laughing hysterically. Her greeting to everyone “hi dear” will forever remain a cherished echo. She will be missed by many especially all her family who she loved unconditionally.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the wonderful second floor staff of MacGillivray Guest Home who supported Mom in her final days and always left her family feeling confident that she was loved and well cared for. To the kitchen staff for their lovely lunches during our vigil with Mom prior to her passing. To the wonderful Palliative Care team who provided guidance during the last few weeks of Mom’s life. To all who those who visited Mom at MacGillivray and to the residents who became friends to both Mom and her family.
Visitation for our mother will be Sunday, October 29, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, October 30 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Sydney River with Father Devereaux and Father Norman McPhee concelebrating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MacGillivray Guest Home. Condolences may be sent to www.twcurry.com.
